The achievements of Whanganui man Robert Martin were celebrated with a function at the Whanganui District Council yesterday.
Mr Martin has recently returned from New York where he was elected to the UN's Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - the first person with a learning disability to do so.
It's just the latest achievement for the man who was diagnosed with brain damage at birth and spent much of his childhood in an institution.
The reception and morning tea in the council chamber was attended by Mr Martin and his wife Linda, Whanganui Mayor Annette Main and most of her councillors, and members of Whanganui's disability community.
Also there to celebrate Mr Martin's appointment was Dame Tariana Turia, who was responsible for nominating Mr Martin for the committee.