Conference Overview

When and Where

The "Leading Change Together" conference was held at AUT University’s Wellesley campus in central Auckland from Friday 24 November until Sunday 26 November, with the central "Allies for Action" session on Saturday 25 November 2006.

Why Leading Change Together?

Disability reform is essential so that disabled New Zealanders can fully contribute to our society and economy. That's more customers, workers, employers, entrepreneurs and citizens. The 2001 Census says one in five kiwis are disabled.

Collaborating with others is now crucial to get results. The "Leading Change Together" conference brings together grassroots disabled leaders from communities around New Zealand and allies from like-minded agencies and enterprises.

About DPA

Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand (DPA) is a respected non-profit disability organisation with a proud record of over two decades as an independent voice leading change. DPA is the recognised New Zealand representative on global bodies like Disabled Peoples International (DPI) and Rights and Inclusion/Rehabilitation International (RI), and in forums like the recent United Nations negotiations for the first disability convention.

Conference Purpose

This event is intended as a springboard for organised shared action, with Saturday 25 November dedicated to working with allies.

Along with inspiring speakers, workshop sessions on a variety of topics will build working relationships and start a journey of action together. Workshops will set plans for joint action in areas where change is needed such as employment and transport, and will strategise about using tools including research and communications. After the conference, ongoing groups will coordinate action and share successes and resources.

Our focus is practical change – both the richer lives that all disabled New Zealanders deserve, and the stronger voices needed to achieve that. The time is right to make a difference and be part of major reform.

Summary of Programme

On Saturday 25 November, the conference session with allies began with speakers and workshops about Areas of Change – Support Services, Work and Enterprise, Transport, and Sport and Recreation.

Our afternoon session had speakers and workshops about leadership and Tools for Change – The New Zealand Disability Strategy and United Nations Disability Convention, Allies and Advocacy, Communication and Technology, and Research and Evidence.

An informal cocktail session was followed by a gala dinner with a range of entertainers. Friday 24 and Sunday 26 November were focused on DPA New Zealand's Annual General Meeting.

You can read the full programme and details about the ongoing workstreams

Attendees

Along with grassroots disabled leaders from DPA branches around New Zealand, attendees hailed from public agencies including Councils and District Health Boards, other disability organisations and business allies. Each workshop aimed to include representatives of agencies and enterprises that could help turn talk into action.

Presenters

Presenters included:

Mark Bagshaw, senior executive with IBM Australia and leading disability reform advocate.
Lester Levy, head of the New Zealand Leadership Institute.
Anne Hawker, President-Elect of RI (Rights and Inclusion/Rehab International).
Ruth Dyson, Minister of Labour and Disability Issues.
Dick Hubbard, Mayor of Auckland City.
Mike Gourley, national President of DPA NZ and Senior Disability Advisor for SPARC.
Chris Blum, Manager, New Zealand Relay Service.
Minnie Baragwanath, Strategic Advisor – Disability for Auckland City and co-founder of The Point Network.
Sacha Dylan, Strategic Partnerships Advisor – Disability for Waitakere City Council and President of DPA Auckland.