The FERNZ Porirua Community Action Group (CAG) is a disabled-led group formally established in early 2024. The group is committed to identifying and addressing equity-based issues within the Porirua community, using lived experience and a collective voice to advocate for meaningful change and a more inclusive city.

The Porirua CAG meets monthly at Pātaka, bringing members together in a welcoming and relaxed environment to talk through community issues, plan advocacy, and work collectively on solutions.

Our meetings are about more than the work. We take time to share kai, get to know one another, and build genuine connections. These relationships strengthen trust and collaboration, shaping how we support each other and approach advocacy together.

June 2024 – Engagement with Local Leadership

The Mayor of Porirua attended a CAG meeting, creating an opportunity for direct dialogue and relationship-building with local government.

July 2024 

 Hidden Disabilities Advocacy

CAG members presented at a Porirua City Council meeting, advocating for the adoption of the Hidden Disabilities initiative. As a result, the initiative has been implemented at Pātaka, Te Rauparaha Arena, the library, and council offices.

August 2024

 Mobility Parking Advocacy 

Two CAG members met with a council representative to advocate for improved mobility parking design that accommodates a wider range of vehicles, supporting greater accessibility.

September–October 2024

 Public Awareness Campaign 

CAG members participated in a Porirua City Council photoshoot to raise awareness about mobility parking. The resulting social media campaign educates the public on the importance of using mobility parking spaces only with a valid permit. 

March 2025 

Training and Development

Three CAG members attended and successfully completed  Leadership in Action – Empowering Advocates for Accessibility and Inclusion, delivered by Strawbridge Accessibility and FERNZ

May 2025 

 Local Accessibility Advocacy
The CAG successfully advocated for improved seating at a local lab supporting comfort and inclusion for all.

June 2025

 Beach Accessibility Engagement

CAG members met with the members of the Porirua City Council infrastructure team to discuss access improvements at Plimmerton Beach, sharing lived-experience feedback.

June 2025 

 Cultural Connection
Five CAG members attended a CAG wide Matariki event, supporting reflection, connection, and community celebration.

July 2025

 Community Recognition
The Porirua CAG won the Health and Wellbeing Award at the 2025 Wellington Airport Community Awards (Porirua City), recognising the group’s leadership and impact in accessibility advocacy.

The Porirua Community Action Group continues to build momentum through lived-experience leadership, strong relationships, and collective action. By combining advocacy with connection and care, the group works toward a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable Porirua.

Venue:  Helen Smith Room
   Pataka, 17 Parumoana Street
 Porirua
 

Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

 Meeting Dates:

· Sunday, 01 February 2026

· Sunday, 01 March 2026

· Sunday, 12 April 2026

· Sunday, 03 May 2026

· Sunday, 06 June 2026 (Zoom)

· Sunday, 05 July 2026 (Zoom)

· Sunday, 02 August 2026

· Sunday, 06 September 2026

· Sunday, 04 October 2026

· Sunday, 01 November 2026

· Sunday, 06 December 2026

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

Pip McLean

FERNZ Community Coordinator

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