James Paul

Advocate for education and entrepreneurship

As an advocate for education and entrepreneurship, my goal is to empower individuals and communities through business support and educational initiatives. Entrepreneurship has been a passion of mine for almost all of my adult life. I have founded and achieved success with a cafe in Wellington called "Good Boy Sammies", a music education business in Whanganui called "Black Sand Music Retreats", and a charitable organisation delivering music education to rural areas of Aoteroa called "Community Music Aotearoa".

I currently lead Thrive Whanganui, where I head Thrive Whaikaha, an entrepreneurship upskilling programme specifically designed for entrepreneurs with access needs. My aim is to support this vibrant community and their whānau in achieving their entrepreneurial goals, thereby enhancing community well-being, economic resilience, and advancing toward greater social equity in the business world.

WHY WCOP?

Having grown up with a brother who has multiple disabilities, I have always been attuned to the many unmet needs in day-to-day life for the access community. This community is often 'designed' out of everyday society, not being afforded the same platforms necessary for it to realise its full potential. I firmly believe that the vision of WCOP is a critical kaupapa that will contribute to greater equity within the access community.

We have an incredible community of people living with access needs right here in Whanganui, and there is no better time or place to initiate this concept. I have no doubt that if this concept is given the time, care, and investment it deserves, we will see an entire community empowered and uplifted.