Philip Patston: Exploring the deep and paradoxical nature of diversity and identity.

Philip Patston stands out as a beacon for social change, creativity, and inclusivity. From his early days in counselling and government social work to his prominent role at the Human Rights Commission, Patston (now preferring to be known by his nickname Pip) has navigated his career with a distinct blend of humour and gravitas. Initially gaining notoriety as a comedian, he later pursued more focused activism and consultancy work.

Pip's multifaceted career is marked by his tenure as a comedian, which he used as a platform to challenge societal norms and advocate for diverse communities. His transition from activism and entertainment to consultancy did not diminish his public influence; instead, it enhanced his role as a thought leader in diversity and social entrepreneurship. His leadership and creative projects, such as music videos and public speaking engagements, including a TEDx Talk, extend his commitment to redefining societal labels and fostering an inclusive understanding of diversity.

Throughout his career, Pip has applied his distinctive personal and professional lenses to a diverse range of kaupapa, including disability, rainbow inclusion, mental health, addiction, assisted dying, and beyond. His ability to traverse these frequently siloed domains underscores a sophisticated understanding of the complexity of identity and the interconnected nature of systemic barriers. Pip approaches the inherent tensions within and between these fields with a rare combination of candour, critical insight, and respect.

Moreover, Pip has been a vocal supporter of the End of Life Choice Act, using his platform to discuss the nuanced debates surrounding assisted dying, emphasising factual and compassionate arguments for dignity in death while debunking fear-based opposition. His work in this area reflects a broader advocacy for the rights and dignity of those at the margins of society, whether through direct activism or his consultancy, Diversity New Zealand. More about his views can be found in blog posts on the discussion on the End of Life Choice Act.

Pip's reflections on leadership, especially in the context of the Be. Leadership programme, reveal his emphasis on accommodating diverse needs and perspectives within leadership models. His approach challenges conventional norms and encourages a more inclusive and adaptive style of leadership that is responsive to the needs of all participants, further elaborated in the Be. Leadership Programme.

In his public and digital dialogues, Pip often engages with the complexities of identity and privilege. For instance, his discussions on how marginalised individuals can sometimes adopt mainstream narratives highlight his nuanced understanding of social dynamics and the continuous need for self-awareness and advocacy within all communities, which is discussed further in [Philip's Blog on Diversity NZ](https://www.diversitynz.com).

Pip's career and ongoing work present a compelling case study of how personal experiences can fuel a lifelong commitment to challenging and reshaping societal norms, making him a unique and influential figure in the diversity and social change landscape.

Pip Patston: Laughing through complexity, leading through change.

Philip (Pip) Patston isn’t easy to label — and that’s precisely the point. Once known for his comedic chops on Shortland Street, Pip has since flipped the script, becoming one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive voices in diversity, leadership, and social transformation.

A thinker, disruptor, and compassionate agitator, Pip blends razor-sharp humour with radical empathy. His work moves between governance, consultancy, and advocacy — often in the same conversation — as he reframes how we think about disability, identity, and belonging. Pip doesn’t just challenge systems; he reveals the invisible scripts they’re based on.

Over the years, Pip has brought his unique personal and professional lenses to a wide range of kaupapa, including disability, rainbow inclusion, mental health, addiction, assisted dying, and more. His ability to move fluidly between these often siloed domains reflects both the complexity of identity and the intersections of systemic barriers. He’s unafraid to speak to the tensions within and between them.

He’s primarily known for refusing to buy into buzzwords and lazy language. Take “lived experience,” for example. Pip will ask: "As opposed to… a dead experience?" He prefers “living experience” — because it captures the messy, dynamic, ongoing nature of being human, especially when navigating the world with disability.

Mobility is another example. For Pip, a wheelchair isn’t an object — it’s a process. It’s part of a larger system of movement, accessibility, and agency. He critiques the lack of innovation in wheelchair tech, not out of frustration alone, but from a belief that society resists progress in this space because of its deep fear of vulnerability and loss.

Pip’s worldview is grounded in paradox. He can quote Brené Brown on trust, John Stuart Mill on autonomy, and still make you laugh mid-rant about corporate dress codes. Whether he’s consulting for government agencies, writing philosophical blog posts, or pushing for better funding for support workers, his impact lies in his ability to bridge strategy and soul, policy and poetry.

At the core of Pip’s work is a deep commitment to belonging, not just inclusion. Inclusion, he argues, invites people in. Belonging says, “You already have a place here.” And that message resonates across everything he does.

Pip Patston doesn’t just lead — he invites others to imagine new ways of living, working, and being together. And he’s not afraid to be provocative in the process. After all, if we’re not willing to laugh, challenge, or wonder aloud — what’s the point?