Through Renaissance and the partnerships we have developed, we are able to give you the opportunity to access a range of expert consultants, trainers and public speakers that will add valuable expertise and knowledge to your organisation, community group or company.  Read through the brief profiles listed below, and to book or get further information contact Carmel Henry directly on 09 2504346, or send us an enquiry on our contact us page.

Dr John Hopkins ( MBChB, MRCPsych) (Lon)
John is an Auckland based psychiatrist, with experience in the areas of rehabilitation, adult mental health, old age psychiatry, needs assessment and dual disability.  He has a passion for working to ensure the needs of people with both a disability and mental health issues are met.  He has worked with the NASC (Taikura Trust) since 2005, developing appropriate needs assessments, reviewing service packages and providing expert input to address issues between the mental health and disability sectors.  He has also consulted, provided training and developed service models for a number of Trusts and organisations across the country.

Areas of expertise include;

• Dual Disability Training
• Needs Assessment Training
• Consultation and Advice on complex and or disputed Dual Disability Assessments and Reviews
• Clinical Pathway development
• Consultation and Advice on the Forensic ID Pathway

Pukenga Consultancy
Dr Huhana Hickey (LLB/BSocSc, LLM (Dist), Phd)
Sophie Tauhara (BSocSc, PGDipM&PDvlpmnt)
Huhana and Sophie bring with them extensive experience in the Disability Sector, particularly in the area of human rights law and advocacy.  They specialise in the area of indigenous disability issues, in particular Maori and cross cultural issues.  Pukenga Consultancy are able to offer a wide range of training and consultancy services.

Areas of expertise include;

• Treaty of Waitangi
• Disability Rights
• Disability, Women and Sexuality
• Governance for Disabled People

Barry de Geest
Motivational Speaker
Barry is in constant demand on the public speaking circuit, and talks on a diverse range of subjects, from overcoming hardship, through to personal challenge, and knowing that with passion, anything is possible. Barry’s spirit and determination is unique; his story is moving, enlightening and educational. Additionally, his direct approach, combined with his honesty and humour reaches out to his audience, and offers a brand new, totally fresh and original perspective on life. 

As someone who believes “you’re only limited by what you think”, Barry de Geest is living proof that disability needn’t hold you back. If anything, he’s seen more, done more and achieved more than most. By far and away not your average New Zealander,  you’ll love hearing his inspirational, 
courageous and insightful story.

Click on the link below to go to Barry’s website and read his full bio and list of achievements
*please insert link to www.barrydegeest.co.nz

Evan Clulee
Trainer
Evan has extensive experience providing training to a broad range of people and organisations.  His own personal experience with disability, and his passion for improving the service people receive and changing attitudes, makes Evan a very powerful trainer for any organisation.   Evan is responsible for the development, co-ordinating and training of our in house Renaissance Academy Certificate in Supported Living.  He is also responsible for the CareerForce National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Core Competencies) (Level 3).  In the near future CareerForce are developing a Level Four course for Senior Support Workers (Level 4), which he will be able to provide, in the meantime, he is also able to offer the National Certificate in Human Services (Level 5) Qualification.

Areas of expertise include;

• Disability Awareness
• Supported Living
• CareerForce National Certificate in Health, Disability, and Aged Support (Core Competencies) (Level 3)
• CareerForce  National Certificate in Human Services (Level 5)