𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝘁

A proposed downgrade of community input on disability and aging has been unanimously rejected by Ngāmotu councillors.

New mayor Max Brough’s efficiency drive saw him chop the Age and Accessibility Working Party (AAWP) as he pruned New Plymouth District Council committees.

But councillor Sam Bennett gave voice to a public backlash with a motion to bring back the working party – and even the mayor ended up voting in favour.

For nine years the AAWP allowed disabled whānau and seniors to advise on things like accessibility, building and facility design, and positive ageing.

But behind closed doors the mayor and a few loyal councillors planned to replace the working party with a ‘steering group’.

Opponents rallied and on Thursday 120 disabled and elder citizens, and their whānau and supporters, filled NPDC’s public gallery.

Next to the chamber 50 more watched a livestream in another overflowing room.

Victoria Coleman spearheaded the pushback for her “very, very high needs” seven-year-old son Levi, who has atypical Down syndrome and two rare bowel disorders.

Victoria Coleman, supported by her husband Tim, spearheaded the pushback to get the Age and Accessibility Working Party restored. (Te Korimako o Taranaki)

“Until recently the one thing we didn’t have to fight for or justify was his representation at the council table and his right to be considered in the decisions.”

Coleman said it was crushing that calls for engagement were ignored, despite being required under the Local Government Act.

“These decisions affect real people. They affect my son’s future – and I am fearful for his future.”

Craig Neilsen from Enabling Good Lives Taranaki, who sat on the AAWP, also spoke for his disabled son Zack.

“For us, this disability shit isn't for a triennium, it's for life,” said Neilsen.

“We don't want your solutions for us, we don't want your well-meaning pity, we want a seat at the table.

Real life in the chamber: Victoria Coleman fed her son Levi directly into his stomach as the meeting dragged on. (Te Korimako o Taranaki)

Age Concern Taranaki’s Richard Anderson said older people were a resource, not a burden.

“Turning 65 does not erase decades of skill, knowledge, leadership, and contribution.

“We do not have a best-before date stapled or sellotaped on our forehead. Yet our people consistently tell us they feel invisible, unseen and unheard.”

Mayor Brough noted the raw emotion of the community’s show of force.

“I'm sorry that you’ve all been brought here today in … concern and trepidation for the future of age and accessibility issues.”

Mayor Max Brough apologised for the worry and fear caused by cutting the working party. (Te Korimako o Taranaki)

Brough said he’d intended the steering group to be less formal and cumbersome, and more flexible, but conceded the community should have been included in talks.

“Sometimes when we're sitting here making decisions we need a human face to them, right? And that's what we're seeing here today.”

Councillor EJ Barrett, who used a wheelchair for two years due to an incurable genetic condition, also said sorry.

“I want to apologise because this whole process has been, frankly, embarrassing.”

“The disability community frequently, consistently gets used as a political football from organisations from both sides of the political spectrum and I'm sad to say that may have happened here as well.”

Deputy mayor Murray Chong drew jeers for arguing the efficiency of a steering committee was needed.

“Embrace the change – it could be a blessing in disguise.”

His view was at odds with other councillors who thanked the mayor for changing course and bringing the council together.

Seven years ago, councillor Dinnie Moeahu’s whānau took on 24-hour care for his sister-in-law who has the rare neurological disorder Rett syndrome.

Moeahu said it opened their eyes to the needs of the disabled and elderly.

The public gallery was full of supporters with more spilling into an adjacent room. (Te Korimako o Taranaki)

“When I tried to reach consensus with his worship regarding what measures we have in place for people with difficulties I saw my colleagues – able, fit – and they were confused.

“They gave me all the confused looks. Fear. They just didn't know.”

Councillor Sam Bennett agreed to remove a clause to install himself as chair of the resurrected Age and Accessibility Working Party.

Bennett said despite accusations it was never about him.

“What I'm proud of today is that Mayor Max and I have worked together for this outcome for this community.”

Brough will now decide membership of the AAWP and it’ll be reviewed along with all other council committees in a year’s time.

nā Craig Ashworth craig@tekorimako.co.nz

𝙇𝘿𝙍 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙏𝙚 𝙆𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙤 𝙤 𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙞 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙏𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙤 𝙄𝙧𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞 𝙤 𝘼𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙧𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞 𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙩𝙪