Accessibility legacy of Far North leader

He Maimai Aroha.

Staff at the Far North District Council are saddened by the passing of David Senior, a respected community leader who served with distinction as Chairperson of Far North District Council’s Accessibility Action Group, and as a dedicated member of Te Hiku Community Board.

Deputy Mayor Kelly Stratford also personally acknowledges the passing of David.

“E te rangatira ahuwhenua, moe mai rā. David was a strong voice for those with a disability or with accessibility concerns. Experiencing blindness himself, he ably led us on the journey toward an accessible, inclusive district with wisdom and grace. Our aroha goes to David’s whānau. What a loss for the Far North access-needs community, we must honour his legacy by ‘levelling up’ on these issues.”

David was a passionate driver in the delivery of Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy, says Councillor Ann Court.

“David was a tireless advocate for accessibility planning, design and decisions guided by the lived experience of disabled people. His work towards achieving barrier-free public places and transport will remain a positive legacy.”

David Senior had been involved in the disability sector since the early 1990s. He held several governance roles on trusts or incorporated societies, such as Parent to Parent, Tiaho Trust, and Far North Disability Resource Centre. That was in addition to his service on Te Hiku Community Board between 2007 and 2016, and with the council’s Accessibility Action Group.

Totally blind since the age of 13, David was a strong believer in disabled leaders being actively involved in and contributing to the wider community. He demonstrated this as recently as January this year, when he featured alongside Derek Donker in a council video showing the challenges faced by the disabled community – including when mobility car parks are used illegally.

His leadership, compassion, and tireless commitment to improving the lives of others has made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Our deepest condolences go out to David’s whānau.