KRAMER HOEFLICH
ALUMNI
Kia Orana, Ko toku ingoa Kramer Hoeflich. I was born and raised in the beautiful Cook Islands on the island of Rarotonga, till I was 15 and a spinal cord injury changed my life and brought me to New Zealand. During this time, I was faced with many challenges and had to overcome many barriers to become the person I am today. This is where I found my passion to work with young people of all abilities, cultures and backgrounds, alongside them make a difference within in the community. I have a strong focus on equality, inclusion and diversity this is reflected on the projects, events and boards I am a part of.
I am a strong believer in the unique ingenuity that young people possess and the unlimited potential that is tapped when we work together as a community. I am passionate about working to change perceptions of what young people of all abilities can achieve and contribute. One of the ways I plan on doing this is by building awareness and acceptance around mental illness and breaking the taboo that surrounds youth suicide. I am a strong voice for both the Pasifika and disability sectors. My aim is to bridge the gap between disability, youth, community & government.
KATHLEEN DERRICK
ALUMNI
Kathleen is a representative of Kids with Arthritis NZ, and has lived experience with Rheumatoid Arthritis. She is also a member of YES Disability’s Youth Engagement Group, as well as being one of the founding members of the Phusion Dance Group, an all-abilities dance group dedicated to Pacifica dance and culture. Her bubbly attitude and caring nature has been a welcome addition to any group or project she’s been involved in.
To learn more about Kathleen, click here.
Prakashni Prakash
ALUMNI
My name is Prakashni Prakash.I am Deaf and also have cerebal palsy. I was born in Fiji but moved to New Zealand when I was a baby. I grew up with friends in the deaf community who had sign language experience, I am from Indian descent so my sign language is a little different than NZSL. I enjoy travelling and learning about different cultures and places.
To learn more about Prakashni, click here.
Rachel Wiltshire
ALUMNI
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.