Southern region welcomes Richard Buchanan to GM role

Richard Buchanan has had a long career within the disability sector and a strong personal and professional affiliation with CCS Disability Action in particular. His most recent role with the organisation was as the National Disability Leadership Coordinator which he resigned in 2019 to take up a position as a Team Leader for Manawanui Support Ltd. He re-joins CCS Disability Action as General Manager Southern region on 12 July 2021.

Richard says he feels honoured to take on the GM position. “I am passionate about the empowerment of disabled people and am really looking forward to working with an excellent team of people throughout the Southern region who are equally passionate about the work they do. As a disabled person, I know what good support looks like and am relishing the opportunity to assist CCS Disability Action to continue being a leading provider of quality supports to disabled people, their whānau and the community,” he explains.

Richard grew up in Paroa, near Greymouth, and was supported by a local Field

Officer from what was then called the Crippled Children Society. He feels strongly about the organisation’s commitment – at all levels – to delivering genuine choice, flexibility, and control.

“CCS Disability Action focuses on assisting individuals and their families to obtain the life outcomes that they want, not what others think is best for them. The organisation has extremely committed and passionate governance, staff and support workers who work together in genuine ways to ensure disabled people have the resources and support they need to achieve a good life outcome. It will be a privilege to lead such a dedicated team of people in the Southern region,” he says.

Richard brings a broad range of skills and attributes to the role and has clear aspirations and vision for the position.

“Firstly, I look forward to supporting and growing the positive work culture within the region whereby everyone shares a passion for the work they do and looks forward to every day at work. Secondly, fostering disabled leadership within the region so that disabled people receive the support they need to take their place within CCS Disability Action, their communities and society. Thirdly, building on the strong relationships that CCS Disability Action already has with disabled people, families/ whānau, other organisations, companies, government departments and current/potential funders throughout the Southern region to ensure that disabled people are included in all decisions effecting their lives from the outset. Finally, ensuring that CCS Disability Action uses the Enabling Good Lives principles as a base for working proactively in the community.”

It’s a challenge and an opportunity that sees Richard come full circle. “Having been associated with CCS Disability Action since a young age when I was supported by them on the West Coast, it is an absolute honour and privilege to now have a key leadership role within the same organisation. I am not underestimating the challenges ahead but also looking forward to the opportunities before us. Thank you to all those who have been part of my journey so far and welcome to those about to join. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata – it is the people, it is the people, it is the people.”