Despite New Zealand’s legal commitments, genuine accessibility remains inconsistent and overlooked. This op-ed highlights the gap between policy and practice — revealing how disabled people continue to face barriers in spaces that claim to be inclusive. It’s a call for accountability, clarity, and change.
Te Tauihu Volunteer Strategy Update
Update
Work on the regional volunteering strategy began in 2023 with the recruitment of volunteer managers and collaboration with NCC and DIA. Feedback from 20 community organisations and 20 volunteers was collated and analysed. Ellie Young from Volunteer Nelson led the project, assisted by Deborah Bradley, Writing for Councils, to draft the strategy. It soon expanded to include Marlborough. Surveys and data collection were conducted, with Marlborough District Council providing design support. The strategy was launched on February 12th at a Community and Whanau meeting, and the next step involves developing separate action plans for Marlborough and Nelson Tasman.
The Nelson Tasman Action Plan is being developed by a dedicated Working Group, which consists of three subgroups: multicultural, youth, and social service. The Group will collaborate, with subgroups meeting separately as needed, to finalize the Action Plan by July. While some initiatives will commence earlier, priorities will be set based on high-impact and low-resource requirements. Certain actions may also require additional funding.
Article type:
Contact Name: Ellie Young
Contact Email: [email protected]
