Te Arero was established in 2006 as a forum to support Maori staff within NASCs, and now sits under the umbrella of the NASCA Executive. Membership includes Maori NASC managers or Maori who are currently involved with a NASC.
Some of the objectives of Te Arero are to:
- provide a forum for support of Maori managers in Maori Disability Support Services
- provide leadership to the disability sector on appropriate access to and/or delivery of services for Maori
- explore possibilities and strategic issues for NASC services to Maori
- provide Maori leadership for NASC in the disability sector
- advise the Ministry of Health Disability Services on NASC issues for Maori and the provision of culturally appropriate services
- improve NASC services to Maori with a disability and their whanau
- improve Maori access to NASC
- improve NASC service responsiveness to Maori with a disability
- align with other government activities that may impact on Maori access to NASC
News and Initiatives
In December 2010 Te Arero undertook an information-gathering exercise to establish the key concerns of NASCs in relation to providing NASC services to Maori in the disability sector. Results have been compiled for further discussion and exploration.
Outcomes of Te Arero discussions in 2010 with Disability Issues Minister the Hon. Tariana Turia include:
- a national Maori forum planned for 2011
- scoping of a Maori Disability Action Plan
Te Arero Members (2011)
Marlon Hepi, Taikura Trust, Auckland (Chair)
Noel Matthews, NorthAble, Whangarei
Angela Te Whaiti, AccessAbility, Whanganui/New Plymouth; Otago/Southland
Craig Hutchison, LifeLinks, Christchurch
Sonia Hawea, Taikura Trust, Auckland
Don Sorrenson, Support Net, Tauranga