ABOUT US
What Is ParaFed Taranaki?
Parafed Taranaki is part of a National body, that locally consists of a committee and a sport development advisor. We organise and facilitate sport and recreation for people with a physical or visual impairment. The sports and recreation opportunities are as follows: wheelchair basketball, boccia, swimming, athletics, youth sports club, Halberg junior disability games, cycling, surfing, schools project.
The Committee
Philip Wells Chair Person Philip Wells is currently chair of Parafed Taranaki and a passionate advocate for people living with disabilities. Philip is involved in the governance of a number of groups that work to improve the lives of New Zealanders. Philip worked for 16 years in software development, including 15 years with a software development company in New Plymouth – a role which he found hugely rewarding. Philip is a New Zealand Rugby Foundation ‘VIP’ (Very Injured Player). He was injured during a rugby tackle whilst playing for his school, Okato College, on home ground in coastal Taranaki. Philip remains a farmer at heart and has fulfilled his dream of building his own home on his parent’s dairy farm. Meeting new and interesting people has always been one of Philip’s favourite things, along with following the All Blacks and attending as many games as he can
Ian Rowe Committee Member Ian is a local man and was born in New Plymouth, although resides in Oakura. Ian enjoys spending time with his partner and their young son. He is self-employed importing & distributing adaptive recreation & rehabillitation equipment. He loves getting out on the snow using his sit-ski or out on the road riding his modified Can Am Spyder motorbike.
John Sigurdsson Committee Member John has been a board member for about 6 years and was the first SDO for Parafed Taranaki back in 2010. He has been involved in the disability sport sector for over 10 years, mostly with Halberg Disability Sport Foundation. He is a keen footballer, golfer and runner and also finds time to hike the many tracks around Taranaki
Olly Jowsey Secretary Olly Jowsey is the secretary for Parafed Taranaki. Olly started off in Parafed Taranaki as the Sport Development Advisor but has now moved on to a job with Athletics Taranaki as their development officer. Olly enjoys spending time with his young family, playing the guitar and drums, reading, and playing/watching sport.
Matt Giddy Committee Member Matt is the newest Board member and also the youngest. He is currently studying a Business diploma at WITT having left high school at the end of 2016. Whilst he graduated from NPBHS he has continued to stay involved in the school 6th XV rugby team as the star winger. Sport has always been important to Matt, playing cricket, golf, swimming, athletics, wheelchair basketball and most recently boxing. Matt aspires to be an accountant and will be helping the Parafed Board with the financials
Erica Perry Committee Member Erica Perry has spent the majority of her life here in Taranaki and works as a nanny and has been doing this for a number of years. Erica enjoys socialising with different people of all different ages. When not working she likes going to the pools for a swim, the occasional boccia session or just being outside. Erica has accomplished many achievements in her life, she works with schools to talk to students and travels overseas frequently. Erica is an inspiration to many with her can do attitude.
Therese Campbell Committee Member Therese is originally from Dunedin, but grew up in Whanganui. She has two children who are currently overseas on their OE’s. Basketball has always been her passion, along with a social game of golf. Therese loves to travel and is keen to be outdoors, which she plans to do a lot more of in the future.
Dean Probyn Committee Member C6C7 incomplete Tetraplegic after a car accident 27 years ago. I competed in track and field for 10 years specialising in field events. I have been involved with Parafed, either as a member or on the board for 20 plus years and have given most sports opportunities and activities a try, meeting great people and friends along the way. I am a member of the Wanganui Motorboat club where I race in the Prostock class for the past 7 years.
Sport Development Advisor
Tracy Coker has been the Parafed Taranaki Sport Development Advisor for over a year. Tracy’s role is to organise and facilitate sport and recreation for people with a physical or visual impairment. Tracy is originally from Taranaki, although moved away for six years to attend university and travel, she is a keen football player but is interested in a range of physical activity. You can contact her at tracy@sporttaranaki.org.nz or on 027 632 2911.
Taranaki Disability Strategy Coalition Group
The Taranaki Disability Strategy coalition was launched in 2012 and involves 12 key partners. The coalition works together to monitor and implement the strategy’s action plan. In 2016 the Taranaki Disability Action plan was updated with the 2017-2020 Disability Action Plan endorsed by the Taranaki Disability Strategy Coalition. This updated strategy and action plan provides a framework for greater collaboration in working together towards a non-disabling society. Working together, the strategy partners can achieve better and more sustainable outcomes for people with disabilities, and provide greater equal opportunities to participate.
Taranaki Disability Strategy Coalition Group
Plants for Parafed
Growing heritage, old fashioned and rare garden plants for sale to support ParaFed Taranaki
Lynda is a passionate gardener in Taranaki for over 30 years and has a number of old fashioned, rare, heritage, cottage and special plants in her home sized garden in New Plymouth. Many of the varieties you can no longer buy at garden centers.
Having always grown plants for friends and Lynda has now decided to donate her time and the proceeds of all sales to support a fantastic Parafed Taranaki.