CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 1
THURSDAY DECEMBER 11, 2025
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DECEMBER 11, 2025
Tension in the House By Mary Anne Gill
A long-standing Cambridge disability workshop, operating since 1976, is facing criticism from families who say recent management changes are unsettling vulnerable participants. Karen Carroll, whose brother Stephen Livingston, 56, has attended Achievement House in Wilson Street since 2014, says the environment has shifted dramatically in the past two months. Other families share her fears the workshop’s traditional model - structured, hands-on work for participants known as ‘The Pals’ or ‘People We Support’ - is under threat. They worry the workshop could be dismantled in favour of “community participation” programmes. Carroll calls the workshops “oldfashioned but vital,” saying they give people dignity, purpose, and routine. Some families have already withdrawn participants, citing a negative environment and poor management. Staff will hold a stop work meeting next week and march through town with supporters. In a statement prepared by a Hamilton public relations practitioner, interim chair Jeff Small assured the community the safety, dignity and wellbeing of participants remained the organisation’s first priority. “Achievement House is committed to being kind and tolerant, meaningful and of use,
predictable, honest and competent in the way we support disabled people.” Carroll is unconvinced. She has
lodged complaints with the board and contacted Taupō MP Louise Upston and the union. Upston, who is also the
Disability Issues minister, said if people had any concerns, they should raise them with the board. “I know many disabled people
enjoy contributing to their communities through work, and the learning and social
Continued on page 2
Santa’s a good sport
Hautapu School’s colourful ‘Santa’s Olympics 2025’ float was the Cambridge Christmas parade’s overall winner on Sunday and Viv Posselt was on hand to snap this photo and a host of others which appear today on pages 8 and 9. Waipā had two huge parades over the weekend, confirming the events remain as popular as ever – and still draw the crowds.
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