Manawatū – I.Lead

Lael Marshall

COMMITTEE CHAIR

My name is Lael Marshall, and I live in Levin. I live with invisible disabilities, including ASD and ADHD, which have shaped both my perspective and my passion for change.

I strongly believe that all disabled people should have a voice in the decisions that impact their lives, regardless of how they communicate. I am deeply passionate about neurodiversity, mental health, and building inclusive spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging and can engage without barriers.

I am proud to serve on the I.Lead Committee and the Horowhenua District Council’s Access and Inclusion Committee, where we work to improve accessibility and inclusion across our communities. One initiative I have contributed to is introducing sensory-friendly hours at the local swimming pool.

Beyond my advocacy work, I have a strong interest in photography and a commitment to supporting others, particularly those with invisible disabilities. My goal is to help create a future that is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for disabled, neurodivergent, and Deaf communities.

Jasmine Breheny-Anderson

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

Hello, my name is Jasmine. I have been to four I.lead conferences.

I have been involved in planning events in Palmerston North for disabled people, such as a Marae stay and a ball. My interests include travelling (having been to Europe, Melbourne, and Rarotonga), attending festivals such as Armageddon, and exploring restaurants.

Also, I am studying Disability and Inclusion studies by distance at the University of Waikato. I am passionate about disability rights and being able to achieve things others achieve, such as education and employment.

Abigail Pratt

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hi, I am Abigail Pratt, grew up in Shannon on a lifestyle block, but now live in a flat in Palmerston North. I am an autistic with autistic catatonia, and due to that I sometimes use a wheelchair, I also am getting a service dog to help with my catatonia from pawsable service dog trust.

I ride horses and do special Olympics Equestrian and Para Vuits Dressarge.

I am a Christian, and like to do punch neddling when I have free time.

Eleanor Southee

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Kia ora koutou, my name is Eleanor, I live in Palmerston North. I am hard of hearing/deaf and dyslexic.

I am currently in my final year undergraduate studying psychology at Massey University. I hope to continue to do a masters in psychology next year.

I am passionate about being a part of this mahi that is working towards addressing bringing change towards the everyday barriers that disabled ākonga face. I strongly believe in self-determination for disabled people by disabled people approach and the self-automony to have control of our own lives.

Outside of I.lead, I am the disability student representative for our student organisation, Te Tira Ahu Pae, alongside along side three other disability representatives across the Massey University campuses, where we strive to address barriers in the tertiary spaces.

Meihana Ratana Hartley

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Hi, I’m Meihana.

I work as a Team Support Assistant at Nelson Street Rest Home in Feilding and have cerebral palsy. I’m passionate about creating more inclusive pathways for disabled people, particularly in employment and accessing support through Mana Whaikaha.

In my spare time, I enjoy making artwork and participating in ten-pin bowling with Special Olympics. My current goal is to get my full driver’s licence.

Cait Lawrence

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Kia Ora koutou. Ko Cait Lawrence toku ingoa. Ko Ngati Apa toku iwi.

I live with multiple dynamic disabilities, including physical, neurodivergent, and mental health. I grew up in Wellington and moved to Palmerston North in 2021 for an easier lifestyle as a full time wheelchair user.

I have worked as a content creator since 2020, creating disability content that educates and contributes to safe and supportive community for disabled people around the world, even those most isolated like I was for a very long time.

As hobbies I enjoy illustration, crafts, and music. I play three instruments and sing in the Manawatu Overtones women’s barbershop chorus, an auditioned and competing Sweet Adeline’s International chorus, where I am the only wheelchair user in New Zealand to compete. I do my best to stay connected and involved with the local Aotearoa disabled communities, connections that are growing all the time, and contributing all I can to these spaces is what I am most passionate about.