Farewell to Paul Curry: A life of advocacy, adventure and service

CCS Disability Action joins many across Aotearoa in mourning the passing of Paul Curry, who died peacefully on 8 October 2025, aged 75. He was a dearly loved husband, father, and a lifelong disability advocate whose legacy continues to shape our organisation and the wider community.

Paul was more than a Patron of CCS Disability Action – he was a pioneer, a leader, and a friend to many. His disability journey began in 1969 when a spinal injury sustained during his service in the New Zealand Navy changed the course of his life. But Paul never saw his injury as a limitation. Instead, he saw it as a challenge to be met head-on.

A champion for disabled people

Paul’s involvement with CCS Disability Action began in 1976 when he was appointed Recreation Coordinator for the Central and Lower North Island, Nelson and Marlborough. From the outset, Paul was a passionate advocate for change. He challenged outdated language and attitudes, pushing for a more positive and empowering perspective.

Paul often spoke about the power of resilience and problem-solving, and believed that when people face challenges, they discover their own strength. His approach was grounded in the belief that solutions are always possible – and that empowerment comes from seeking them.

Paul’s philosophy shaped his work with disabled youth, where he championed risk-taking and independence. He believed that disabled young people deserved the same opportunities to grow, make mistakes and thrive as anyone else – a significant shift in the thinking of the day.

He played a key role in advocating for the renaming of the Crippled Children’s Society to CCS Disability Action, reflecting his lifelong commitment to dignity, fairness and progress in the sector.

A legacy of leadership

Paul’s adventurous spirit was legendary. In 1982, he and a team of friends crossed the Cook Strait in a hand-pedalled boat – a feat that took nearly 11 hours and captured national attention. He later paddled across Lake Taupō, Lake Wakatipu, and even the English Channel (in record time). These adventures weren’t just about personal achievement; they were about proving that disabled people are capable, courageous, and resilient.

Paul served CCS Disability Action in many capacities over the years, helping to shape our organisation’s values and direction – as Recreation Coordinator, Executive Director of the Wellington and Manawatū branches, President, and Patron. He was our Patron from 2019 to 2021 as well as a Life Member of our Bay of Plenty branch. He believed in the power of collaboration and saw CCS Disability Action as a key influencer in addressing issues like unemployment, low educational achievement, inadequate housing, and poverty – areas where disabled people are often overrepresented.

Paul’s leadership extended well beyond CCS Disability Action. He held senior roles in the Ministry of Health, the Health and Disability Commissioner’s Office, and the Department of Internal Affairs. Paul also served as Chief Executive of the Families Commission, where he helped launch the White Ribbon Campaign against family violence.

He held numerous governance roles, including serving on up to 11 boards at one time. He was instrumental in founding and chairing the Wellington Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Trust, which has raised millions in scholarship grants. His influence reached across the motu, including his work in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, where he co-chaired the city’s Disability Advisory Group and helped establish the Western BOP Disabled Persons’ Assembly.

Despite wearing many hats, Paul is remembered by our team as a person who was very generous with his time. He was particularly passionate about advocating for people who otherwise did not have a voice or a person in their corner, volunteering his time to work alongside them to navigate difficult issues so their wishes were respected and their rights upheld.

Remembering Paul

Paul’s passing is a loss for our community.

We honour Paul’s memory and extend our deepest condolences to his children Morgan, Nelson and their families.

Moe mai rā Paul. You were a lovely man and we will miss you.