ESTHER WOODBURY is a disabled disability researcher, advisor and advocate from Te Whanganui a Tara. She has worked across universities, government agencies and the disability community sector – and is currently working as lead advisor to the Disability Rights Commission at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata (New Zealand Human Rights Commission).  

Esther's particular interests within the broad area of disability include poverty, belonging, and abuse – while her PhD was on disability, transport and social participation.  

While Esther didn’t quite finish her English literature major, she takes disabled people telling stories about their lives very seriously – in research, in advocacy and through art.

Verb Festival 2022 appearances:
Breaking the Mould: Acts of Writerly Sabotage, Sun 6 Nov, 2pm.