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About Frankie

[Pronouns: They/Them/Ia]

[Self ID: Non-binary, trans, gay, disabled (ASD, ADHD, hard of hearing)]

 

Frankie is a thought leader and formidable advocate in human rights (rainbow; disability), public law, policy and operational policy. They have a cheeky smile, quick wit, snappy dress, sharp intellect and natural knack for solving the most complex problems.

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They were born in Auckland to migrant parents from South Africa but grew up in the beautiful river city of Whanganui for 18 years where they were heavily involved in the music scene through Brass Whanganui, art and design through UCOL School of Design and youth politics through the Whanganui District Councils' Youth Committee. 

 

In 2012 they moved to Pōneke / Wellington where they remained for 10 years to undertake university study at Victoria University of Wellington where they completed Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Policy (Public Economics) and undertook study towards a Master of Laws (Dissertation) [Graduation expected May 2023].

 

Frankie now lives in rural North Canterbury with their husband, fellow human rights defender Rawa Karetai Wood-Bodley (Kati Mamoe, Waitaha and Kai Tahu), their deaf furry son Māui and kitten Moana. 

 

Frankie has spent 14 years as a public servant in local and central government in Aotearoa New Zealand.

 

This included 4 years in local government with the Whanganui District Council, 7 and a half years in central government in service delivery and operational roles with the Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora. They have also previously worked for short stints with the Human Rights Commission, Victoria University of Wellington and Whaikaha - Ministry for Disabled People. 

 

Frankie has led, and been involved in, a number of high-profile projects including:

  • Picnic in the Park (via Whanganui District Councils' Youth Committee)

  • the operational implementation of the BDMRR Bill (via Department of Internal Affairs);

  • the strategic refresh of DIA’s information sharing agreements (AISAs) being the architect of the overall strategic design and heavily - involved in early implementation design work (via Department of Internal Affairs);

  • the repatriation of Suhyra Aden from Syria (via Department of Internal Affairs);

  • the All-of-Government COVID-19 Disability Response (via Ministry of Health);

  • the Enabling Care workstream of the Maternity & Neo-Natal System Plan (via Te Whatu Ora / Health New Zealand).

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They were admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand in December 2018. They are not currently offering regulated legal services.

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In January 2020 Frankie established their first start up and social enterprise - legal advocacy brand Queerly Legal which has received overwhelming support from the community leading to the establishment of Access Legal focused on disability law in October 2021. 

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Frankie's work in the community has been recognised by being awarded the John Millar Scholarship for Community Development and Social Justice in 2021 while a post-graduate student at Victoria University of Wellington. They are also nominated for Young New Zealander of the Year in 2022 for their services to LGBTQIA+ and disabled people. 

 

Frankie and their husband Rāwā are filming a documentary with funding from NZ On Air and in conjunction with Jacks Media about their pregnancy journey as a cis / trans queer couple. The documentary is expected to air in 2023/24 on TVNZ. 

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Affiliations:

  • Member Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Associate Member Aotearoa Legal Workers Union

  • Member Public Servants Association

  • Member International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

  • Member of the Disabled Persons Assembly

  • Independent Board Advisor ILGA Oceania and Qtopia

  • Board Member Christchurch Heroes Inclusive Sports Trust

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