The community services committee listened to Securing Our Aspirational Realities co-ordinator Jack Lovett-Hurst explain, from a perspective of someone living with a disability, how the group wanted employers to be open-minded, supportive and trusting.
A group of about 10 came to support Mr Lovett-Hurst, and Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust chief executive Tracey Wright-Tawha said before Mr Lovett-Hurst started working at Nga Kete she thought she knew about disability, but working alongside him she had learned what it is to be an active listener and to really understand what valuing somebody was all about.
Cr Toni Biddle said she was proud to see Mr Lovett-Hurst speaking at the meeting and asked how council could support him.
"To see you in this environment, I'm so proud you came and spoke on behalf of so many people to lend a voice.
She also thanked fellow councillor, Darren Ludlow, who was the station manager at Radio Southland, where Mr Lovett-Hurst hosted a radio show.
After councillors had finished their questions, Cr Lindsay Abbott said he wanted to give the team a round of applause.
