Kōrero for Change - Employment

Explore workforce inclusion and accessibility in this webinar with Access Matters. Discover strategies for equitable employment. Learn more on WebinarCafe.

Human Resources Webinar Benefits

Welcome to Kōrero for Change | Employment, a webinar hosted by Access Matters Aotearoa Trust, with support from Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People and funding from J R McKenzie Trust.

An inclusive workforce drives innovation, diversity, and stronger communities. Barriers—physical, digital, or attitudinal—exclude talented individuals. True accessibility goes beyond compliance; it empowers businesses, employees, and society to thrive.

Join us for an impactful event exploring employment’s role in fostering inclusion and belonging. We will have courageous conversations on ableism, reasonable accommodation, employment quotas, anti-discrimination laws, inclusive hiring, supported employment, workplace accessibility, government incentives, and the role of Corporate Social Responsibility & DEI in disability inclusion.

We are excited to feature speakers, panellists, and moderators to spark dialogue, challenge ableism, and drive action toward equitable employment opportunities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Speakers:

• Richard Wagstaff, President, New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU)

• Paul Mackay, Manager of Employment Relations Policy, Business New Zealand

• Juliana Carvalho, Project Manager, Access Matters Aotearoa

• Andrew Craig, Policy Director, Employment, Skills & Immigration Policy, Hīkina Whakatutuki Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

• Lucy Langston, Manager for Disability and OSCAR, Ministry of Social Development (MSD)

• Prudence Walker, Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Disability Rights Commission

• Dr. Katie Bruce, CEO, Hui E!

• Dr. Pam MacNeill, Managing Director and Founder, Disability Responsiveness NZ DRNZ Ltd

• Dr. Katherine Ravenswood, Professor of Industrial Relations, Human Resources & Employment Relations Curriculum Lead, Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau Auckland University of Technology

• Dr. Gretchen Good, Associate Professor, Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University

• Philip Hendry, CEO, Workbridge

• Phil Turner, CEO, New Zealand Disability Employers Network

• Maretha Smit, CEO, Diversity Works New Zealand

• Jennifer Del Bel, Managing Director & Founder, Downlights New Zealand

• Lesley Slade, Former Organisational Change and Leadership Development, Be. Lab (dis-established 2025)

• Georgina Kirk, Director, Organisational Psychologist for Kindred Work

• Kate O'Leary, CEO, Will & Able

• Sonia Thursby MNZM, CEO, Yes Disability (iLead)

• Julie Woods, Master of Ceremonies, Professional Speaker, That Blind Woman