I’ve been to many Big Day Outs. I’ve never been able to see much, as might be obvious to many of you. I have nonetheless persisted, taking solace in the fact that I’m not only enjoying (albeit sans visuals) world-class music, but also socialising in confined, sweaty spaces with my peers – very important in youth culture, you see. But this year – oh boy, this year – the BDO organisers had erected a platform in front of the main

I do. Some people just don’t think, do they.

Hi everyone, welcome back to the blog for another year! As of this week I am officially jobless, so look out for a greater frequency of postings and a raft of side-projects I’ve got brewing! Exciting stuff… I haven’t made many new years resolutions to be honest, but would love to hear some of yours! Let me know in the comments below, but other than that consider this the beginning of another year of delicious disability-related discourse. Red

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