Tiaho Trust - Why change our name?

Published 17 September 2006, Posted in Northland

On the 24th July 2006 Tiaho Trust launched it’s new name with an event celebrating the culture and value of disability.

Jonny Wilkinson,CEO says that “The name reflects our philosophy - our kaupapa of empowering disabled people and supporting the development of an inclusive community”.

Please read more to view Tiaho Trust CEO, Jonny Wilkinson’s speech from this event.

Why a change of name?

The existing name, Te Tai Tokerau Disability Empowerment & Advocacy Support Trust was so long that when Jonny Wilkinson, CEO of Tiaho Trust used to introduce himself people’s eyes would glaze over by the time he got the name out.

Also the Trust was named after a Ministry of Health Contract which has subsequently ended with a new contract with a different focus now in place.

Tiaho What does it mean? It means shining radiating shimmering light. In this context a light that casts knowledge into what can be a sea of ignorance that fuels attitudinal barriers that can disable those of us with impairments

The name reflects our philosophy - our kaupapa of empowering disabled people and supporting the development of an inclusive community. Our new logo also recognises another kaupapa that we strongly embrace and that is “for disabled by disabled”, we rigorously support the inclusion and involvement of disabled people in all levels of disability support organisations; one does not see Te Puni Kokiri predominantly run by Europeans or the Ministry of Women’s Affairs run by males.

Jonny Wilkinson (Tiaho Manager) said that “we wanted to launch our new name by celebrating disability culture and the value of disability to showcase our pride in being disabled”.

The Tiaho Trust has a new contract to be a Hub of Disability Information and Advisory Service providers. The service co-ordinates and facilitates collaboration to provide more efficient and effective disability information in Northland. We also have a new wheelchair accessible van bought with the support of ASB Community Trust which will be available to other disability organisations that wish to facilitate the inclusion of disabled people in events in their community

Jonny Wilkinson said “Today (the launch) is a new push forward for our organisation and I look forward to working with you all in the future. I hope you enjoy today and leave with an altered perspective on disability”.