We Enable Us | Mā mātau anō mātau e whakamana is an all-of-government disabled employees network in the public sector. We provide leadership on effectively and consistently employing disabled people in the public sector.
Our vision
A public sector that is an employer of choice for disabled people because they feel they can belong and flourish.
Our purpose
The purpose of the We Enable Us network is to:
- Drive change to create fully inclusive workplaces
- By using it as a mechanism to share resources, stories and ideas
- Breakdown the myths that surround disabled people and educate how to tap into the valuable resource that is disabled people
- Provide support for peers, including those with non-visible impairments, and agencies
- Providing expertise to colleagues and agencies
- Consulted as readily available experts with experience
- Provide support for agencies to establish their Disabled Employee Network
- Connecting agencies as a virtual network
- Work with other employee networks on common issues – intersectionality.
Who can join
The network is open to disabled employees in the public sector, at a national and regional level, and their allies and supporters.
Disabled people include “those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others” – UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Article 1.
Why join us
Be a part of the mahi! We Enable Us are continually working towards and supporting a clear cultural shift in creating an inclusive workplace where disabled people are represented in all tiers of the public sector.
With your help we hope to achieve a Public Service where:
- Senior leaders, managers and colleagues are disability confident
- Disabled people are recognised as valuable employees throughout all tiers of the public sector
- We Enable Us is recognised as a source of expertise for senior leaders in the public sector
- There are consistent employment practices across the Public Service for disabled people
- Intel is collected across the public service in terms of employment of disabled employees.
Opportunities include:
- To advocate for consistent employment practices across the public sector
- Build knowledge and capability across the public sector
- Address unconscious bias and discrimination.
How to join
Click the button below to join the network. To leave the network, please contact them directly.
Who is involved
Karen Davidson
Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities
Role: Convenor
Sue Kendall
Te Tari Taake | Inland Revenue
Role: Co-chair
Ben Lucas
Te Kaporeihana Āwhina Hunga Whara | ACC
Role: Co-chair
Sonja Eriksen
Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development
Role: Executive member
Pamela Dawson
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Role: Executive member
Becky Klein
Te Tari Taake | Inland Revenue
Role: Executive member
Fiona McCourt
Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa | New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Role: Executive member