Everyone should be able to easily access the things they need. For Tan Phuangdokmai, looking after the needs of older people and disabled communities means we can make our city more accessible for all of the people who live, work, learn, play, and visit here.
Tan works alongside council colleagues and community organisations to advocate for better accessibility for older people and disabled communities in all of our mahi (work). He also provides support to community-led initiatives.
In the last few years Tan has noticed a growing awareness of the benefits of accessible design in council projects, particularly since we launched the Accessible Tauranga Action & Investment Plan. Recently he’s been working with the project team for Te Manawataki o Te Papa, helping to ensure that all the spaces, from the new library and museum to the playground, are created with accessibility in mind.
He’s also pleased to have helped bring Super Support to Tauranga. This collaborative, community-led service provides Tauranga’s older community with free nutritious pre-cooked meals, food supplies, and wrap-around support.
Tan’s career journey has seen him through teaching physical education at primary schools, to managing operations at a local charity. Relationship building is a key skill – it helps him to connect with a diverse range of people. Advocating and storytelling to bring people along the journey, and project management skills, are also crucial.
“Working at TCC offers a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that genuinely cares about making Tauranga a better place for everyone,” says Tan. “I enjoy the diverse range of projects I get to be involved with at TCC and the equally diverse range of people I get to meet and work with. Plus, I get to indulge my competitive streak – council has lots of opportunities to participate in sport challenges, which is a great way to meet people from across the organisation.
“If you enjoy working with people and want to make meaningful change in our community, come join the team at TCC. It’s a rewarding and impactful career choice.”
