Auckland - I.Lead

NIAH LOVO

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Niah is a major advocate for pasifika youth with disabilities. She has been a part of many different pasifika projects within the disability sector, and is a resounding voice when it comes to the nature of pasifika youth with disabilities and how they fit into their families, aiga, communities and cultures. She helped found Phusion, an all-abilities pasifika dance group that advocates for inclusiveness and cultural identity for.

To learn more about Niah, click here.

NAOMI VAILIMA

COMMITTEE DEPUTY CHAIR

Talofa Lava! It’s your girl Naomi here. I’m a 23 year old Samoan who has been involved with the disability sector since my high school years. Since then I’ve been able to accomplish my certificate in social work, had a great number of opportunities working alongside some really cool people breaking barriers amongst other things. I am one of the few founders of Phusion, as well as being part of a few board committees and projects. I have a passion of supporting our pacific people and our youth. All this may sound boring, but if you meet me in person you’ll see I’m just a regular shy person who is ready to see more of the world. Oh and I’m also the secretary of I.Lead and I have been part of the committee since 2019.

To learn more about Naomi, click here.

Amy clements

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

My name is Amy and I am 24 years old. I am studying a Bachelor of Communication and I’ve been involved in the disability activism space since I was a teen. Having grown up with an invisible physical disability, I have faced a lot of discrimination and skeptism of my disability status; both from medical professionals and members of the wider community. My mission is to improve things for future generations of disabled tamariki, so that they never have to experience the struggles that I had.

To learn more about Amy, click here.

FAITHLEEN TOU

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hello, my name is Faithleen Tou. I am 19 years old. My disability is Femoral Hypoplasia Facies Syndrome, which practically means I was born with no knees and my right arm is fused. I am half Samoan and half Cook Island.

To learn more about Faithleen, click here.

Lachlan nagle

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Heyo! My name is Lachlan Nagle. I’m a multifaceted artist and a downhill skateboarder. I’ve been working in support for 3 years, and I’m a very happy and proud I-Lead committee member!

I believe that everyone deserves more than just a chance for love, that sort of love being love from your communities and peers. A friendly love! One of the biggest things that brings me joy as a support worker is to see the clients I work with finally get truly accepted by the people they surround themselves with. This sort of the community helps anyone to pull themselves through the hardest parts of life.

I hope I can help break away the stigmatizations that people hold against others in my life time on earth; The sort of stigmas that take apart or stop a community from coming together & stigmas that single out others. I believe people shouldn’t have to worry for themselves about the things they can’t change! You could be LGBTQ+, you could be of a specific race, you could have a mental or physical disability. Who ever you are isn’t just defined by those titles, and I strongly believe that you deserve more than just a chance for love!

ASHE BLACK

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Kia ora!

My name is Ashe. I’m a 26 year old, transgender man, and I live with Septo-Optic Dysplasia. This means that I’m partially blind and have some learning and processing delays.

I’ve worked in the youth space since late 2020 as a facilitator for Rainbow Youth, and now work as a Youth Worker for Shore Junction, a youth hub that runs under YES. I’m also a member of the Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel for Auckland city!

I’m passionate about making the LGBT and disabled spaces more accessible and mainstream, and love to write, play video games, and draw in my free time!

To learn more about Ashe, click here.

JADEn MOVOLD

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Jaden is an 18-year old university student, competitive athlete, leader, advocate, and community contributor. He lives with Spina Bifida and has a strong belief that we all have the ability to make positive contributions to society. He is passionate about advocating for young New Zealanders, in particular, those who live with a disability so that their voice is heard. Aside from being on the National I-Lead committee, Jaden also serves on the Ministry of Youth Development Youth Advisory Group, the Halberg Foundation Youth Council and is a youth ambassador for the YES Disability Resource Centre.

To learn more about Jaden, click here.

jordan kareroa

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Kia Orana, my name is Jordan Kareroa and I am Cook Island and I’m 28 years old I have a learning disability it’s called Global developmental delay. My hobbies are playing sports ten pin bowling and basketball for Special Olympics i like to hang out with my friends and family and eat some good food.

To learn more about Jordan, click here.

NATASHA ASTILL

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hi, my name is Natasha, and I am 22 years old. I have an Invisible disability called Fetal Valproate Syndrome. I am also neurodiverse and have lived experience living with anxiety.

I have been a part of some consumer groups, where I shared my lived experiences and knowledge.

I am a Youth Ambassador for FACSNZ, where I share my lived experiences with others. I am also the founder of a Disabled Youth Forum in Auckland.

Back in 2021, I shared my story at the ATSNZ expo.

In my spare time, I like doing jigsaw puzzles, ballet dance and CrossFit.

To learn more about Natasha, click here.

Matakorama Waipouri

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Tēnā koutou katoa Ko Matakorama Waipouri Taku Ingoa.

E rua tekau. Ko Ngati Raukawa me Ngati Maniapoto oku iwi ō te taha o taku Whaea. Ko Te Aupōuri oku iwi ō taha o taku Matua.

I’m Matakorama Waipouri, a 20-year-old with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegia and Global Developmental Delay. My ancestry is rooted in Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Maniapoto on my mother’s side, tracing back to Ōtaki and Te Kuiti, and on my father’s side, I’m connected to Te Aupōuri of Pawarenga.

I joined the Auckland I.Lead committee team to develop skills that will enable me to advocate for the next generation of disabled youth, striving to create an accessible community tailored to their needs. Through this role, I aim to provide enjoyable adaptive activities and empower disabled youth to use their voices to drive change in their communities, fostering greater disability awareness. I.Lead motivates me to deepen my connection with my disabilities and collaborate with like-minded colleagues who share a passion for making the world more accessible for disabled young people. Although this is a daunting task, I am prepared to take on the challenge.

To learn more about Matakorama, click here.

HAYDEN CLEMENTS

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hi, my name is Hayden and I am 20 years old, I am very glad to have been given the opportunity to be apart of the I Lead committee, I am passionate about both education and employment. In my spare time I enjoy going out with friends, going on road trips and photography.

To learn more about Hayden, click here.

GRACE LEE

COMMITTEE MEMBER

My name is Grace Lee, I am the newly appointed chair person for the i-lead committee but have been part of the disability sector since I was 15 years old and am now in my late 20’s. I was born with cerebal palsy-spastic diplegia and my passion is to create a more accessible future for other young people living with impairments. Despite living with an impairment, I am your typical young person. I enjoy traveling, listening to music and being with my friends. I also hold a full-time job outside of the sector, so am always keeping busy!

To learn more about Grace, click here.