Hi everyone, Well, it’s that time of year again! I’m sure it was only yesterday that we were doing Christmas last time, but maybe it’s down to this deliciously busy year we’ve all had! So before I run off to Mt Maunganui for a few weeks, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful start to the new year. See you all in 2009! Best wishes, Red Nicholson

As you may be aware, two of the last major acts to visit New Zealand, Westlife and Eric Clapton, have both set exorbitant pricing for the wheelchair section Auckland’s Vector Arena. Both times I was able to lobby Vector Arena on my readers’ behalf, who then in turn spoke to the promoters, and convinced them to lower the wheelchair pricing to a more reasonable level, in line with what other consumers pay. With international rock act Coldplay announcing a one-off

Christchurch teenager Erin Gough has written a poem about growing up with cerebral palsy, and it’s quite a fascinating read. I have my own thoughts on it, but have a look and let me know what you think in the comments below. I make life difficult I tear families apart I do not have a cure I break some parents’ hearts I force kids to go through therapy To endure a surgery or two So that they have a chance

Last week I was down in Wellington for a youth forum on the ratification of UN Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (link to document in PDF format) where I met Mike Gourlay, who runs the ‘One in Five‘ show on National Radio. The show runs at 7pm on Sunday nights, and addresses a range of issues facing New Zealanders with disabilities – it really is worth a listen. If you can’t make it to a radio, the

As if you didn’t know who he was already. However, Philip Patston has created a YouTube video about how amazing he is, and I’d hate to deny him a chance to spread his cyber-ego further. And considering the flak I’ve taken recently for embedding certain YouTube videos on this blog, hopefully I’ll get through this one unscathed! Here, in all its unadulterated self-indulgent glory, is Philip Patston’s latest foray into self-promotion. (psst. I’m just jealous ;P)

Ah, if only all mobility parks were put to such practical uses, this sort of discussion would be completely unnecessary! Ha. Cheers to Matt from CCS Disability Action for the great pic!

Following on from the discussion regarding the overzealous clamping of cars displaying mobility parking permits, Matt sent me a few pics detailing his latest encounter. While Matt admits his permit had expired, he says he had no idea, and was never sent a reminder notice, despite CCS Disability Action finding it within themselves to send him various newsletters and pamphlets throughout the year. Here are his pictures below, featuring: Matt’s clamped car, with mobility parking permit (albeit expired) displayed in

Firstly, I just want to extend a massive apology to all those who entered our latest iPod nano competition, as I’ve been really slack/busy/occupied the last few months, and haven’t got onto this nearly as quickly as I would’ve liked. That aside, thanks to Allan, Barbara, Saphiya, Nic, Honor, and the others that sent me reviews for this month’s competition – your contributions are muchly appreciated! But there can only be one winner, and this month it is… Nic Steenhout!

Lately I’ve been getting all kinds of reports regarding overzealous parking wardens clamping/towing cars showing a valid mobility permit for almost no reason at all, or because the permit was “partially obscured”. Have you any experiences you wish to share? Also, have a read of the story below (and note the way the reporter describes the woman as a “pregnant paraplegic” – is she not also a person?!): A heavily pregnant paraplegic has had her car clamped at Christchurch’s Eastgate

Thanks to Barbara Hart for this great review! The Rendezvous Hotel was great. It has an underground walkway to the Aotea centre which is why I chose it. I booked a twin disability room as I had a friend staying with me. Best thing was the parking, large disability parking close to the door to the reception, and it cost $10 a day. A very helpful concierge took my bag to my room for me. The room was huge. Plenty