Page Section: Centre Content Column

Consumer Advisory Group

HDC's Consumer Advisory Group is comprised of a cross-section of consumers who use health and disability support services. We consult on a regular basis with our disability advisory group for key decisions and initiatives in the disability sector.  Read more about the Consumer Advisory Group.

 

The current disability advisors are:

Martine Abel

David Corner

Beverley Grammer

Pati Umaga

Martine Abel

I settled in Auckland in 1996, following emigrating from South Africa and I live with my husband and guide dog, Kosmo, in Pakuranga, a suburb of Auckland.  I'm currently the Policy Advisor - Disability at Manukau City Council and I'm also on the Board of the Association of Blind Citizens of NZ.

I was born with limited sight as a result of a congenital eye condition and I am totally blind now; I do have plenty of 'vision' though!  Part of what drives me, is the need I feel to promote human, disability and health rights to others in the community, and I have a keen interest and work scope in the areas of community development, engagement and empowerment.

Go to top of page

David Corner

David works for IHC New Zealand as a fulltime advisor on the National Self Advocacy team, and has been in this role for over 13 years. His work sees him represent people with disabilities on a national and international level. David has been elected as Self Advocate representative for the Asia Pacific Region on the Council of Inclusion International. Inclusion International is a global federation of organisations advocating for the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Inclusion International represents more than 200 member federations in 115 countries.

On a national level, David speaks out on disability issues through his work with the New Zealand Disabled Persons Assembly National Executive Committee, the Human Rights Commission, the Association of Supported Employment New Zealand Board and the New Zealand Standards and Monitoring Board.

David is very passionate about the rights for all persons with intellectual disabilities. He believes every human being is entitled to be seen as having equal value, equal status and must be accepted for the person they are.

Go to top of page

Beverley Grammer

Beverley Grammer is Managing Director and owner of Up2date consultancy service and online community, and comes from Ohope Beach, aka Paradise.

Bev now contracts to a number of agencies to provide ongoing training for staff and consumers and to undertake client satisfaction investigations and feedback projects.  Bev also holds the position of chairperson on the Office for Disability Issues' Advisory Council, Disabled Persons Assembly Vice President, Lotteries Commission Committee Member, Total Mobility Management Committee Member, Director of Access Ability Ltd, Standards Plus, Voice Advocacy Board, and in her spare time gives of her time to local service club  Ohope Beach Lions Club, as their Bulletin Editor.

Bev is passionate about disabled people and their families having access to information and resources to be able to manage their own lives and participate fully in the community. Apart from the work in the sector Bev lives for her family and friends, and her greatest pride is being "Aunty Bev".

Go to top of page

 

Pati Umaga

Pati Umaga is a  Wellington-based, first-generation NZ-born Samoan. He had a fall over four years ago that resulted in him using a wheelchair and becoming an ACC long-term serious injury client.  At the time of his accident Pati was a Youth Development Worker for the Community Development team at Lower Hutt City Council.  He has used his Community and Youth Development background to become involved within the disability sector.  In 2006 he established the Wellington Pasefika Disability Network, a registered trust which is a voluntary support group for Maori and Pacific people with disabilities.

Pati has had first-hand experience at poor service delivery by service providers for disabled people.  He uses this as a motivating factor to spread the work of the Health and Disability Commissioner to ensure that consumers are aware of their rights to be treated fairly and with respect and to lay a complaint with the HDC's office if they are getting a sub-standard service.  Pati also has a background in music. He was the bass player for the Holidaymakers who in 1987 had the number one hit "Sweet lovers".  He plans to use his music experience as a way for people with disabilities to develop and express their creative abilities in performance and recording.