The Wairarapa Community Action Group (CAG) is a disabled-led group established in May 2024, with members from across the Wairarapa region. The group brings together lived experience to advocate for a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable Wairarapa.

The CAG is actively working on a range of issues, with a strong focus on improving accessibility in public spaces and advocating for change within government systems to better support disabled people and whānau.

The Wairarapa CAG meets monthly at the Carterton Events Centre to connect, collaborate, and plan actions for meaningful change.

Our meetings are relaxed and welcoming. 

We always share afternoon tea, take time to get to know one another, and build the strong relationships that underpin our collective work. This supportive environment ensures every voice is valued and helps turn lived experience into action.

September 

Community Presence – Disability Expo
The Wairarapa CAG had a presence at the inaugural Wairarapa Disability Expo, supporting visibility, connection, and engagement with the local disability community.

March 2025 

 Training and Development
Three Wairarapa CAG members completed Leadership in Action – Empowering Advocates for Accessibility and Inclusion, delivered by Strawbridge Accessibility, strengthening the group’s collective advocacy capability.

March 2025 

Submission to DSS Consultation
The Wairarapa CAG prepared and submitted a response to a DSS consultation, sharing lived-experience perspectives to inform policy and service development.

Early 2025 

 Health System Engagement
Two CAG members engaged with Te Whatu Ora, sharing lived-experience perspectives on accessibility and experiences within the Emergency Department (ED).

June 2025 – Cultural Connection
Three CAG members attended a CAG wide Matariki event, supporting reflection, connection, and community celebration.

August 2025  

Disability and Fire Safety hui
The Wairarapa CAG hosted a hui focused on disability and fire safety, supporting members to build knowledge and confidence around emergency preparedness.

October 2025 

 Sector Engagement
Three CAG members spoke at an AECM hui, sharing lived-experience insights related to Emergency Department access and care.

November 2025

 Accessibility Advocacy
The Wairarapa CAG completed a 

lived-experience accessibility audit of the Featherston public toilets.
This work was supported by a South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) grant.

2025 

 Leadership and Future Planning
Throughout 2025, the Wairarapa CAG took on a leadership role in planning the Wairarapa Disability Expo and began planning a collaboration with other CAGs, the Hidden Disabilities initiative, and Autism Wairarapa for an expo scheduled for February 2026.

Venue:  Carterton Events Centre,
 Holloway Road, Carterton
Room:  Hurunui o Rangi Room

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm

Thursday,  05 February 2026

Thursday, 05 March 2026

Thursday, 02 April 2026

 Thursday, 07 May 2026

Thursday, 04 June 2026

Thursday, 02 July 2026

Thursday, 06 August 2026

Thursday, 03 September 2026

Thursday, 01 October 2026

 Thursday, 05 November 2026

Thursday, 03 December 2026

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

Pip McLean

FERNZ | Lead Community Coordinator

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