Accept differences

Lis Langstone, 56, coordinator of MINDS disability day service in Moerewa. Lives in Paihia.

What do you like about the Far North?

The climate and the people. They’re friendly people, and hospitable.

How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?

I’ve lived here 32 years; I moved here from Whanganui. I was born in Greytown, I moved to Whanganui and I lived in the UK for three years. Then I went to Napier, Invercargill, New Plymouth and Whanganui and the east coast...then I moved here.

What do you like least and how can we fix it?

Discrimination in regards to disability and mental health. When we go out with clients people will either stare or turn away. With mental health too, it seems to be a subject nobody likes to talk about. It’s sad, because one in two of us ends up with some type of mental illness in our lives, so why hide it? How to fix it? Through acknowledging and accepting differences in people.

What’s your favourite eatery?

Cafe Lygon in Waipapa. I go for breakfast and for the carrot cake.

Your highlight of the week?

Having lunch out with my husband on Sundays.

Who is the Kiwi you most admire?

The parents of my clients because they are there supporting and caring for their children till they can’t. It is a life time commitment they do with lots of love.

The spot in Northland I’d recommend is…

‘‘With mental health too, it seems to be a subject nobody likes to talk about.’’

Lis Langstone

Russell and all its history and atmosphere. It’s quiet and laid back, it’s nice to just walk around. If I were the Far North mayor I’d...

I would like to see more recreational parks. Everywhere else I’ve lived they’ve had parks where you can go and have picnics and feed the ducks. We don’t actually have that in Northland. When I’ve got a few free hours I like to... Go for a walk and work in my garden.