On April 9, 2026, Barney Koneferenisi stood before the Rotary Club of Papakura to share a story that is as much about resilience as it is about a radical vision for the future of transportation.
The Spark: A Life Without Limits
Barney’s journey began with a battle for survival. At just four months old, he contracted meningococcal meningitis. He left hospital with a club food and 4 and a half fingers, and became an amputee at the age of 12.
Growing up in South Auckland, Barney refused to let his disability define his boundaries. He became a world-class athlete, representing New Zealand as a Wheel Black in wheelchair rugby at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. But while he could navigate the elite world of international sports, he found that navigating the streets of his own city was a constant, humiliating struggle.
The Turning Point: Left on the Curb
The inspiration for his talk—and his current mission—didn't come from a podium, but from a sidewalk. Barney shared the frustration of being a "second-class citizen" in the world of ridesharing. He spoke of:
- The Rejections: Ordering an Uber or Ola, only for the driver to see his wheelchair and speed away.
- The Cost of "Freedom": Being overcharged or watching drivers abuse total mobility subsidies meant for the vulnerable, or drivers taking longer routes to "tick the meter" or purposely taking a long time to dismantle equipment to increase fees.
- The Damage: Equipment worth thousands of dollars being tossed into trunks like scrap metal and damaged, or worse, being left behind entirely as the driver pulled away.
- Verbal Abuse: He noted that the disabled community frequently faces verbal abuse from both drivers and other public transport commuters.
- Limited Availability: Wheelchair vans are often unavailable because they are fully booked for set school runs.
After surveying others in the disabled community, he found he wasn't alone: 217 out of 230 people surveyed had faced similar transport rejection or abuse.
The Vision: "Safe Rides"
Barney told the Rotary members that he stopped waiting for the world to change and decided to build the change himself. He is currently developing Safe Rides, an app designed specifically for the vulnerable.
His solution is more than just software; it is a specialized service model:
- Quality Control: Utilizing unused accessible vehicles and ensuring drivers are properly "P Endorsement" licensed and specifically trained in disability awareness.
- Human Dignity: Unlike standard apps that prioritize speed, Barney’s model allows for extra travel time, ensuring drivers aren't rushing and potentially hurting passengers or equipment.
- Safety Filters: The app will include safety features, such as allowing female passengers to request female drivers, and a strict non-discriminatory hiring policy to protect the LGBTQIA+ community.
Barney’s ultimate goal is a world where disabled people don't have to "pre-book their lives". His vision includes:
- Social Freedom: The ability to stay out late, "get on the piss" with mates, and network with colleagues just like "walkers".
- Economic Impact: Increased accessible transport would directly improve employment rates and independence within the community.
- Resilience: Despite being turned away by government agencies and other funders for seven years, he remains committed to the fight.
The Call to Action
Barney’s focus has shifted toward mental health and empowering the youth, teaching them that "disability" is a perspective, not a finality. He is currently fundraising to cover the high costs of specialized app development (estimated at $200k after initial setbacks) and to purchase the first fleet of vans.
He closed his talk by inviting the Papakura community to support his Givealittle page, "Providing a Safer Ride for the Vulnerable," reminding them that a ride is more than just a trip—it’s the difference between being trapped at home and being a participant in the world.
How to Support Barney:
You can find his current project and contribute to the development of the app via his Givealittle page: A Safer Ride Option For Everyone.