Renata Kotua, Wellington & Manawatū I.Lead Coordinator
Renata (Ngāti Toa Rangatira; she/her) is the I.Lead Coordinator for Wellington & Manawatū, and a fierce advocate for disabled youth. Growing up, she tried hard to be “normal” and ignored her disability, which meant she learned a lot of life lessons the hard way. Now she’s all about helping young disabled people work smarter, not […]
Jennine Vandermey, Office and Projects Administration Coordinator.
Jennine is YES Office and Projects Administration Coordinator. Her experience in office management and self-employment helps her keep our office running smoothly behind the scenes. She has travelled extensively, been a volunteer with Riding For The Disabled and has also worked for Driving Miss Daisy. She is excited to be working alongside our disabled […]
Ella Smith, National I.Lead Committee Secretary
Ella is the National Committee Secretary, and has also been a member of the Auckland Regional Committee since late 2024. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and loves to dance in her free time. Ella has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is passionate to use her experiences, both good and bad, to help other disabled […]
Ashe Black, Rainbow & Disability Coordinator
Kia ora! My name is Ashe, my pronouns are he/she. I’m a mix of Māori and British, and my role is the Rainbow & Disability Coordinator for YES Disability Resource Centre. I have Septo-Optic Dysplasia and am also neurodiverse, as well as of course part of the LGBT+ community! I’ve worked as a Youth […]
Hannah Butson, Southern Regional I.Lead Coordinator
Hannah is the Southern Regional Coordinator for I.Lead. Based in Dunedin, Hannah moved to New Zealand in 2003 and has been active in the disability space for a few years, starting first in inclusive education before moving into the health and disability workforce. Hannah started her journey as a member of I.Lead in 2024 before […]
Hayden Clements, William Pike Challenge Coordinator
Hayden is the William Pike Challenge Coordinator at I.Lead. Hayden is a young person who experiences multiple disabilities including Neurodiversity and autoimmune disorders. He is passionate about helping others who experience similar challenges to him.
Joseph Bergin
Joe is a lawyer working in urban regeneration with experience in community and youth advocacy. He has previously served in various community roles including as a member of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board where he held portfolio responsibilities for community facilities and community funding. While on the Local Board, Joe played an active role in advancing […]
Jade Farrar
Jade is New Zealand-born of Cook Island/Italian heritage, based in Auckland, and is a proud Father to a young daughter. His whānau and strong family values play a huge role in Jade’s good life. As a member of the National Enabling Good Lives Leadership Group, Jade has contributed to the expansion of the Enabling […]
Amy Clements, Social Media & Communications Facilitator
Amy is 24 years old. She is studying a Bachelor of Communication, and she has been involved in the disability activism space since she was a teen. Having grown up with an invisible physical disability, she has faced a lot of discrimination and skeptism of my disability status; both from medical professionals and members of […]