Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Honest communication changes a room.
I'm Gray Ruffell, and I've spent thirty years finding out how. I run a workshop that changes how organisations see the people around them, and I marry people under big oak trees. Different stages. Same thread.
For organisations
Community Investigation
A half-day workshop that stops the talk about inclusion and starts the practice. For community organisations, businesses and public sector teams who want tools they can use on Monday.
See the workshop
For couples
Your words. Your day.
A registered celebrant since 2009. I turn up early, I turn up prepared, and I've been told the sense of humour helps.
WeddingsTrusted by
Organisations who've done the work
- Options Hawke's Bay
- Parent to Parent
- PACT
- Oceania Group
- Methodist Church
- Since 1994Talking honestly about disability, starting in Hawke's Bay schools
- Since 2009Registered marriage celebrant
- Human Rights CommissionFormer presenter of the Tu Tikanga workshop
- Samaritans NZVolunteer
Where it started
It's interesting how one part of your life can play a dominant role, even if you don't mean it to.
At seventeen a friend asked me to help with something called Disability Education '94. We went into schools across Hawke's Bay and let kids ask us anything about living with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy. It was inside that experience that I learned what honest communication does to a room. Everything on this site is coloured by it.
Gray possesses the unique ability to challenge societal norms, such as concepts of disability, independence versus inter-dependence and self-determination, whilst also being sensitive to the needs of his audience.
We had the privilege of being married by Gray under a lovely big oak tree. He was early, well prepared, and we especially enjoyed his sense of humour.