An incredible energy filled the room at the 2023 New Zealand Employers’ Network ‘Disability Inclusive Pathways’ Conference.
The conference theme, ''Collectively Stronger'' was about exploring the strength of disabled people, the value they bring to organisations, and breaking the narratives that have formed in society.
This conference marks the beginning of a collective stronger journey, where every participant has a crucial role to play. The conversations sparked here should continue in boardrooms, around desks, and in social spaces.
The discussions were powerful, the connections were invigorating, and the ideas exchanged were nothing short of transformative. But here's the thing – this isn't where it ends.
"He aha te mea nui tea o? He tangata he tangata, he tangata!"
"What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people!"
Speakers and Convenors
(Links open in new window)
- Mel Francis, Director of Neurodiveristy at Work - Do-IT Solutions Ltd
- Kate Nash OBE, Founding CEO PurpleSpace
- Ed Collet, Air New Zealand
- Sonja Eriksen, Principal Disability Advisor, Ministry of Social Development
- Rachel Moon, Air New Zealand
- Red Nicholson, Executive Director, The D*List
- Olivia Shivas, Editor, The D*List
- Jonathan Tautari, Senior Advisor, Disability Lead - Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission
- Paula Tesoriero MNZM, Chief Executive, Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
- Phil Turner, Chief Executive, NZ Disability Employers Network
- Natasha Cloete, Manager - Children and Youth, Deaf Aotearoa
Panel Convenors
- Sandra Budd, Senior Relationship Manager, NZ Disability Employers Network
- Selwyn Cook, Disability Employment
- Dr Sharon Crooks, Lecturer in Psychology, Massey University
- Julie Woods, 'That Blind Woman'
Panellists
- Kartini Clark, Young Neurodiversity Champion
- Angela Desmarais, Research and Development Advisor, Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA)
- Vaughan Dodd, Senior Advisor, Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
- Barry de Geest, Taikura Trust
- Christina Gera, Young Neurodiversity Champion
- Jas McIntosh, Young Neurodiversity Champion
- Phil O'Reilly ONZM, Chief Executive, Iron Duke
- Kirsten Patterson (KP), Chief Executive, Institute of Directors
- Jasper Poole, Young Neurodiversity Champion
- Loren Savage, Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive, Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
- Joanie Sims, Organisational Development & Capability Interim Lead - Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ
- Mike Styles, Consultant, Researcher, Trainer
- Geoff Trappet OAM, Disability Inclusion Lead, Woolworths Australia
Lived Experience Storytellers
- Jonathan Darby
- James Edley
- Monica Leach
- Sean Prenter
- Katrina Matich
See highlights from past conferences