Our latest updates

Good Lives Wairarapa is collaborating with People First, Wairarapa Community Networks and FERNZ to hold Wairarapa’s inaugural disability expo at the Carterton Events Centre of Saturday 28 September. See our events page for more details.

Good Lives Wairarapa has commissioned People First to bring their successful course “Money Smarts Made Easy” to Wairarapa. The course will run over two days on 4 and 5 September in the Carterton Events Centre and is open to disabled adults keen to upskill themselves in managing their money. See our Events page for more details.

https://www.peoplefirst.org.nz/what-we-do/learn-with-us

Good Lives Wairarapa has received a grant from Masterton District Council to run a programme aimed at raising awareness about climate change within the local disabled community. The programme will include three elements: an introduction to the science of climate change, an analysis of how individuals and households can reduce their carbon footprint (and save money… and live in healthier homes), and consideration of what steps can be taken to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Our community connector, Lynsey Parkes, has had a serious fall from her horse and has injuries to her shoulder, collarbone and head and will be out of commission for at least 6 weeks. We wish her a speedy recovery.

The Good Lives cooking class has been going from strength to strength with regular sessions every Thursday morning at James Hollis’s house on Norfolk Road. After a 10 week session with professional cook Dave Ferguson we have had a range of tutors taking each class including Lynsey Parkes, Lottie Hedley, James Hollis, Melissa Carson and Chris Hollis.

Good Lives Wairarapa has received a grant from Carterton District Council’s Waste Minimisation Fund to develop an organic waste collection service for local cafes, businesses and residential properties. The waste is to be composted and used in the Carterton Community Garden. The project will employ at least two disabled people.

Good Lives Wairarapa held a successful disco on Friday night. It was well attended by the local disability community who enjoyed the music provided by DJ Murray McMichael and the supper provided by the Good Lives committee.

Good Lives Wairarapa is pleased to announce that we have appointed Lynsey Parkes to the role of Community Connector. Originally from Wellington, Lynsey has lived in the Wairarapa for nearly 15 years and enjoys the rural lifestyle she shares with her husband and two kids.

Lynsey has spent the past few years working in a community service role and is excited to bring her skills and experience to the GLW Community Connector role. When she’s not out networking with local providers and helping to connect people with the services they need, she can be found riding her horse or taking her dogs for long walks around Henley Lake.

Lynsey has first-hand experience with the disability sector, being the primary advocate for her eldest son who is on the autism spectrum.

Lynsey is looking forward to meeting you in the near future.

Through the generous support of our funders, we are now able to recruit a part-time community connector on a fixed-term contract.

The role will include:

• making connections with the disability community and identifying the needs and aspirations of disabled people;
• advocating for disabled people and their families in relation to funding entitlements, access to services and support;
• facilitating improved support, access, and services within the wider community;
• organising opportunities for the disability community to upskill and receiving training in management of their support systems.

For a full job description and more information on this role contact us