The DPA team is growing and we welcome Amy Taylor, Kaitautoko Whakarite /Administration Support and Natalie Brunzel, KairurukuPāpāho / Communication Coordinator.
Natalie Brunzel
Kia ora,
I am excited to join the DPA team. In the past fifteen years I have worked within the disability sector, both on a national and regional level. My passion is to amplify disabled people’s voices to be heard so we can all live the life we choose.
Growing up overseas my mother always told me about this mythical country, or so it seemed to me, called New Zealand. We finally returned to my mother’s homeland when I was a teenager. My childhood gave me a love of learning about diverse cultures, languages, and food. It also offered me alternative views on disability.
Having an impairment has meant I have often felt the frustration of dealing with an overly bureaucratic system. Igniting a desire to find solutions and remove barriers for others and myself. In the past, I have served on boards. One of the key issues discussed was the lack of effective communication. Considering this I returned to university and completed my Master’s in Communication, majoring in Public Relations.
When I am not at work you will find me at the air rifle shooting range in Auckland. Over the next two years I will be competing internationally in the hopes of qualifying for the Paralympics in Paris 2024. It’s a passion I bore anyone that will listen…so don’t get me started.
I look forward to utilising both my lived and work experience at DPA. It is my hope to connect with you so feel free to contact me.
Ngā mihi,
Natalie Brunzel
Amy Taylor
Kia ora,
I am excited to have joined DPA in the role of Kaitautoko Whakarite / Administrative Support.
I live in Sunny Mosgiel town just outside of Ōteputi Dunedin with my husband and two little girls. I have been involved with Dunedin DPA, including on the committee for about a year. I am also active in the Deaf community in Dunedin.
I live with a mast cell disorder, hearing loss and various other health issues that limit my mobility. Being a disabled parent of young children shapes my identity in a big way and presents many challenges. Outside of work I enjoy getting out with my children as much as possible and doing crafts.
The disability community has been such a huge support to me through my health challenges and I have made so many friends. I look forward to continuing to build whanaungatanga in my new role.
Ngā mihi,
Amy Taylor