Manawanui

Have you heard about Third Party Payments?

It's one of the ways we help make things a little easier.

Instead of paying an invoice yourself and waiting for reimbursement, you can upload an invoice from an approved provider and we'll pay it directly from your funding.

If you're using an approved provider for regular support, Third Party Payments can help reduce paperwork and save you time.

If you're a Manawanui customer, you can find out more by contacting our Customer Experience Centre or in the Manawanui Portal.

From 8 June – 31 July 2026, DSS is seeking feedback on key areas that the disability community has identified as important, including:

✅ Outcomes that matter in everyday life
✅ Earlier and more proactive support
✅ Feedback and complaints processes
✅ Better respite options for carers and whānau
✅ More choice and control in services
✅ Improved information and advice

Consultation documents and workshop registrations are available now, with opportunities to participate online, in person, through surveys, or by providing written or recorded feedback.

This consultation is about improving Disability Support Services and is separate from the Disability Support Services Bill currently before Parliament.

🔗 Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4gfSf6P

Giving back to her community has always been important to Alana.

With support from Fund for Good, she’s been able to take the next step on that journey with Billy - a puppy now training to become her future dual-purpose service and therapy dog.

At just 8 months old, Billy is already making great progress, building the foundations to support Alana in her day-to-day life while also helping bring comfort to hospital patients and support children to build confidence through reading.

Read more about Alana and Billy, and the journey they’re on together. 🐾

Alana’s Dream: Giving Back, One Paw at a Time Alana is passionate about giving back to others and creating meaningful connections in her community.As a Manawanui customer since 2017, she has been able to stay independent and connected to her whānau, friends, and local community. With the help of her service dog, she gained confidence and indep...

Manawanui was recently invited to speak at The Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ conference in Auckland to MDANZ staff from across the country.

Our Customer Engagement Manager Simon Anderson presented an overview of IF and Manawanui then answered questions from the floor, which prompted some interesting discussions, including the legal obligations of IF customers as employers.

But the best was saved for last – as soon as the ever-popular Manawanui merch came out it quickly disappeared, snapped up by everyone in the room.

Thanks for having us MDANZ – hopefully we’ll see you again next year!

🗣 It’s Talking Tuesday!
Today we are covering the DSS Bill going through parliament, the community consultation that was recently announced and some Manawanui related updates.

We know not everyone can tune in live each week, so here’s your chance to ask ahead of time.

Got a question for Simon to answer during today’s 4:30pm livestream? Drop it in the comments below (or send us a private message) 👇

📢 The Disability Support Services Bill is now before Parliament, and public submissions are open.

If you'd like to share your views on the proposed legislation, submissions can be made to the Social Services and Community Select Committee until 1pm Friday 12 June 2026.

DSS has stated that the Bill does not change current supports, funding, or eligibility while it goes through the parliamentary process.

🔗 Learn more and make a submission: https://bit.ly/3Sr9TKR

At Manawanui, we're always looking for ways to make things easier.

That's why we created the Manawanui Portal - a simple way to keep track of budgets, expenses, timesheets and invoices, all in one place.

Quick to access, easy to use, and designed to help you stay on top of things!

Curious to know more? Check out our blog to see how the Manawanui Portal helps customers stay in control of their funding. 👉 https://bit.ly/3RKHsYf

✈️ A great example of accessibility in action.

Emirates has expanded a programme that allows autistic travellers and their whānau to experience the airport journey before they fly, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence through familiarity and preparation.

It's a reminder that accessibility isn't always about big changes. Sometimes it's about creating opportunities for people to feel prepared, supported and confident to take part in everyday experiences.

A new way to fly: Emirates’ autism-focused travel programme goes global Emirates has launched over 40 global travel rehearsals to help children with autism prepare for flying, easing anxiety for more than 250 families.

No livestream today. Simon mentioned last week that we are moving to a fortnightly schedule for our livestreams and email newsletters. This week is newsletter week, so you'll see Simon on the livestream next week Tuesday!

Got a question for Simon to answer during next week's livestream? Drop it in the comments below (or send us a private message) 👇