About us.

Welcome to Blindside Advocacy and Consulting

 

At the heart of our services is a deep commitment to empowering individuals, particularly within the disability community, to lead lives of independence and dignity. Our approach is guided by a history of personal and professional experience, alongside a dedication to culturally inclusive practices that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

 

My journey is one of advocacy, consultancy, and lived experience. I have a personal understanding of the challenges faced by disabled individuals, having navigated various services myself. This personal insight is complemented by over two decades of professional experience in the charitable and state sectors, particularly in roles that emphasize service delivery, strategic management, and advocacy for accessibility.

 

I have worked in numerous capacities to support individuals with disabilities, from leadership roles with Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust and as an Evaluator with Standards and Monitoring Services (SAMS). This blend of hands-on leadership and evaluative roles has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the needs of disabled individuals and the systems that serve them.

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Throughout my career, I have collaborated closely with service providers, government departments, and employers. My goal has always been to advocate for person-centric services that empower individuals to be as independent as they wish. My professional experience spans everything from dispute resolution and conflict management to team leadership and stakeholder engagement. I have managed service delivery for charitable organizations, overseen fundraising and community outreach, and conducted thorough service evaluations to identify opportunities for improvement.

 

My work is deeply influenced by Sir Mason Durie's Te Whare Tapa Whā model, a holistic health and well-being philosophy that emphasizes four key pillars: Taha Tinana (physical well-being), Taha Hinengaro (mental and emotional well-being), Taha Whānau (social well-being), and Taha Wairua (spiritual well-being). These pillars resonate with my advocacy efforts, as I believe that true support extends beyond addressing immediate needs; it involves nurturing the entire person and recognizing the diverse factors that contribute to their overall well-being.

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