I’m a passionate believer in social justice, I am a fighter and determined to see things through.

What issues are most important to you?

Inequity, homogeneity, discrimination of any kind, homelessness, medicinal cannabis being legal, and to see gender diversity recognised in law.

Are you associated with any change organisations?

I belong to a lot of networks, but I do most of the actual work solo. Such as the backpacks that my partner and I make up for the homeless.

I am a member of Medicinal Cannabis Awareness New Zealand and Not Dead Yet Aotearoa, where we advocate for the voice of disabled rights to be recognised in the euthanasia debate. I am involved in a Treaty claim around adoptions and fostering, and I am looking into two more Treaty claims around health and social justice issues.

I am an advocate at times around homelessness and disability, and moderate several groups on Facebook.

What achievement are you most proud of?

My sons. They are my life and I am very proud of them. Being able to marry my wife and share my life with her. Being given the role of Indigenous Peoples’ Representative for the International Disability Caucus when the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was being developed. I felt honoured.

Just making it through each day can in itself be an achievement when it’s difficult to find work, or even survive in this current climate.

Who inspires you?

Buddha, people like Rosa Parks, Princess Te Puea, bell hooks, my wife, my children and my grandson.

Name your favourite queer anthem or protest song.

Same Love – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis