MEGAN LYSTER
COMMITTEE CHAIR
I am passionate about diversity and inclusion and ensuring people receive the support they deserve. I have a background in community peer support in a volunteer role and then as a coordinator for peer support volunteers. I live with invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses. I believe in the strength of community building and the value of lived experience input in all forms of decision-making.
When I’m not doing mahi for I.lead or working as a Peer Support Worker, I can be found reading, spending time with friends, and binge watching the best shows on Netflix.
KIM POLLOCK
COMMITTEE DEPUTY CHAIR
I am a 27-year-old Pakeha woman who lives in Wellington and is a mother to a 6-year-old son.
I have an intellectual disability, and I am a creative and kind person. I am also a hardworking person as a security guard and an advocate for my peers. I am developing her leadership skills, and I believe in equal rights and speaking out to make the world fairer.
To learn more about Kim, click here.
Sean Prenter
MENTOR ROLE
I am a Co-President of the New Zealand National Disabled Students’ Association and 2022 Co-President of the Otago Disabled Students’ Association. I have presented research on Cripping Sustainability at Tertiary Institutes at the Global Disability Summit and Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability Conference and researched accessible urban forms. I am a New Zealand ambassador for Unite2030’s New York Innovation Lab, the 2024 Prime Minister Scholar ambassador to India, and on the youth advisory group for Inspiring Stories. Across these channels, I engage his pūmanawa of ensuring disabled people have accessibilities, inclusion and dignity.
Rachel Wiltshire
COMMITTEE MEMBER
I have been passionate about disability advocacy since discovering that I am autistic when I was 12. I am particularly interested in education and serve on the Ministry of Education’s Disability Voices Group. As the National Community Educator for Auckland Disability Law, I educate disabled people and their supporters about their rights. I have also done a lot of work with Altogether Autism. I am particularly proud of my involvement in writing guides to help tertiary educators better support autistic learners.
Outside of work in the disability sector, I am a keen dancer. I hold a Bachelor of Creativity in Commercial Dance from Whitireia Community Polytechnic and regularly dance at events around Wellington with Society Event Entertainment. I also hold a Master of Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation from Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington.
Leo Hoffman
COMMITTEE MEMBER
I want to be an advocate for people with disabilities as there are not enough resources for people in our community, and it’s important for people to have access to help and information. As a person in a wheelchair, I know how hard it is to use transport and get into places. Stores, venues and restaurants mention they are accessible for disabled people, but when we get there, we realise they are not set up for disabled people.
I have not always been in a wheelchair. I have progressively lost the use of his legs over the last 5 years. I am a part of the Silver Noodle Soup drama group for disabled youth (my great sense of humour serves me well on stage). Sport is a big part of my life. I love basketball, and I am a supporter and volunteer for the Wellington Saints basketball team. I also have been playing wheelchair rugby since 2023. I am excited to join a sport with a community for disabled people.
I live with my mum, stepmum, and dog Obi, one of my best mates.
Annabel Murtagh-Broekman
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kia Ora!
My name is Annabel, and I am 22 years old. I live on Kāpiti Coast, an hour away from Wellington.
I am very passionate about neurodiversity and mental health and also the LGBTQ+ community . I believe in people who love who they want to be. I am Bisexual and Neurodiverse. I have Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and (ASD undiagnosed). I look forward to seeing from you, and I look forward to making a difference in today’s society.
Tasmyn Grindlay
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kia Ora!
My name is Tasmyn Grinlay. I am 24 years old.
I do Special Olympics, and I love being outdoors with my Duke of Ed group. I enjoy going to Manaaki Ability Trust.
I have dyspraxia as my disability and am learning one, too.
Laura Montgomery
