Featured on:
10/10
This is an incredibly important topic ... We are really fortunate to be
learning from people with your depth of experience and perspective.
Evelyn Moorefield
MindMatters Workshop Attendee, Open Polytechnic
Renata Kotua
Disability and Inclusion Consultant
A passionate and astute advocate for disabled people, Renata (Ngāti Toa Rangatira; she/her) is an engaging workshop facilitator and provides consultation to organisations on disability and inclusion.
Driven to improve outcomes, combat stereotypes, and shift societal assumptions about what disabled people are capable of achieving, Renata has been invited to chair national conferences and brings experience in governance and leadership roles including as Vice President of the Cerebral Palsy Society, Disability Advisor for Auckland Council, and Trustee with Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People and Your Way Kia Roha.
Renata draws on her lived experience as a disabled person, having Congenital Cerebral Palsy, which impacts her balance, coordination, and ability to walk long distances. Renata also has a special interest in psychology and a deep understanding of wellbeing from a Te Ao Māori perspective.
Renata has supported research projects focused on reducing inequity for disabled people, including in the areas of driving, ageing, and reproductive health, collaborating with institutions such as the University of Auckland, The Liggins Institute, the Starship Foundation, Donald Beasley Institute, Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, and the NZ Cerebral Palsy Register.
Clients describe Renata as hearty, thorough, and practical. Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch and the proud Mama of two, her secret skills include outdoor survival skills and photography.