Hutt Valley Community Action Group (CAG)

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The Hutt Valley Community Action Group (CAG) is a disabled-led group working to create a more accessible, inclusive, and connected Hutt Valley. Grounded in lived experience, we advocate for practical change while fostering a strong sense of community, connection, and mutual support.

Our meetings balance advocacy with whakawhanaungatanga. Alongside meaningful discussions and action, we share kai, laughter, and conversation — building strong relationships that underpin our collective work. This camaraderie is reflected in the enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment that drive our advocacy.

Highlights of Our Activities in 2024:

September 2024
The group visited Palmerston North.

This included exploring the EASIE Living Shop, where they discovered innovative products designed to enhance daily living for people with accessibility needs.

October 2024 – Accessible Parking Advocacy
The Hutt Valley Community Action Group’s Lead Community Coordinator met with the regional manager of a local shopping centre on behalf of the CAG to advocate for more equitable accessible parking.
This advocacy focused on improving mobility parking design, including spaces suitable for side- and rear-entry vehicles, to better meet the needs of disabled community members.

November 2024 – Engaging Local Leadership
The CAG welcomed Councillor Andy Mitchell to a CAG meeting, providing an opportunity to share lived-experience perspectives and strengthen relationships with local decision-makers.

December 2024 – Building Community Connections
We hosted Ya’el Friedlander, Senior Community Facilitator for Rainbow, Elders, and Disability Communities, strengthening relationships across diverse communities in the Hutt Valley.

Highlights of Our Activities in 2025:

 February 2025 – Mobility Parking Advocacy
The CAG hosted  Pauli Sola Nei
Parking Services Manager HCC, to discuss mobility parking concerns and share lived-experience feedback directly with enforcement leadership.

March 2025 – Leadership Development
Two Hutt Valley CAG members participated in CAG-wide training delivered by Strawbridge Accessibility and FERNZ
Leadership in Action – Empowering Advocates for Accessibility and Inclusion.
This training strengthened advocacy skills, confidence, and leadership capability

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May 2025 – Transport Policy Engagement
The CAG hosted Evandro Scherer, Transport Engineering Manager at HCC, to discuss council policies and their impacts on disabled people. Members shared lived-experience insights to support more inclusive transport planning.

June 2025 – Accessible Voting and Civic Participation
The CAG hosted Erin Marsh  from the Electoral Commission to discuss voting accessibility and barriers faced by disabled voters, reinforcing the importance of inclusive democratic participation.

June 2025 – Matariki Celebration
With funding support from Hutt City Council, the CAG hosted a Matariki celebration that brought CAG members from across the region together to reflect, connect, and celebrate.

 August 2025 – Community Recognition
The Hutt Valley Community Action Group was named Winner of the Rising Star Award at the 2025 Wellington Airport Community Awards (Hutt City).
This award recognises the CAG’s leadership, advocacy, and growing impact in advancing accessibility and inclusion across the Hutt Valley. 

Ongoing 2025 – Council Accessibility Engagement
CAG members toured Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt city centres with council officers, providing lived-experience feedback on accessibility barriers and opportunities for improvement.

The CAG has also provided accessibility feedback on the Hutt City Council CBD Redevelopment Plan, advocating for inclusive design within the city centre.

Hutt Valley CAG 2026 meeting dates

Venue: Function Room, Naenae Bowling Club, Vogel Street, Naenae

Time: 1:00 -3:00 pm

Monday, 16 February 2026 

Monday, 16 March 2026 

Monday, 20 April 2026 

Monday, 18 May 2026 

Monday, 15 June 2026 

 Monday, 20 July 2026 

Monday, 17 August 2026 

Monday, 21 September 2026 

 Monday, 19 October 2026 

 Monday, 16 November 2026 

 For more information about the Hutt Valley Community Action Group, please contact:

Pip McLean

FERNZ | Lead Community Coordinator

+64 21 271 1151 or pip.mclean@fernz.org.nz