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
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
Jonny Breedon Secretary Jonny joins the committee as the Secretary after working as the SDA at Parafed Taranaki for a year. He has enjoyed creating sport and recreational events for our members and will continue to assist with this in his new role. He is into all things outdoors including tramping, surfing and cycling and likes to spend his weekends exploring Taranaki.
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.
Krys Beardman Treasurer Krys Beardman is the Treasurer for Parafed Taranaki. Krys Beardman lives in New Plymouth, has an interest in administration, technology, travel and has been a volunteer for over 20 years.. She is a life member of the New Zealand Inline Hockey Association and the New Plymouth Roller Sports Club Krys is a past recipient of the Sport Taranaki Volunteer Administrator award in 2003 and 2012 and continues to volunteer her time across three different organisations.
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.
Sport Development Advisor – Tracy Coker
Tracy’s role is to organise and facilitate sport and recreation for people with a physical or visual impairment. Tracy was in the advisor role for three years before going on maternity leave for a year. In 2020 Tracy is back in the role and looking forward to creating physical activity opportunities for people with a physical disability. You can contact her on 0276322911 or tracy.coker@sporttaranaki.org.nz
SDA Assistant – Sam Burgham
Sam’s role is to support the Parafed Sport Development Adviser by assisting with day to day tasks. Sam is currently studying a Bachelor of sports management at Massey University, As a Parafed Taranaki member herself, she is passionate about sport and inclusion. One of her favourite sports to play is wheelchair basketball so is involved with that as much as possible. You can contact her at samantha.burgham@sporttaranaki.org.nz or 0278573529
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.