NZ Disability Rights

"I strongly support calls for a cross-agency approach to improving health outcomes for disabled people and creating a health system that we can trust to meet our needs. Disabled people must be involved in leading this approach." - Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker

Two important reports issued today highlight the significant barriers that disabled people face when engaging with health services.

‘Disabled People’s | Tāngata Whaikaha Experiences of Health Services: report on complaints to HDC’ details an analysis of complaints received between 2023 and 2025. The HDC makes a series of recommendations related to the right of disabled people to receive safe, person-centred care. https://www.hdc.org.nz/our-work/research-and-data-reports/health-experiences-of-disabled-people-report/

The Health Quality & Safety Commission Te Tāhū Hauora report, ‘A Window on Disability’ is also now public which finds that disability is largely invisible in national health data. https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/news/disability-data-gaps/

The two reports reflect similar barriers to those found in the 2022 disabled people-led research: https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/our-projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring-health-and-wellbeing

Disability data gaps leave health inequities hidden, new report finds New report exposes major gaps in NZ health data, leaving disabled people’s needs invisible. Linked data reveals systemic barriers, poorer outcomes, and urgent need for better data to drive equitable care improvements.

Kia ora 👋 Disabled people, families, whānau and carers are being invited to help shape further improvements to Disability Support Services (DSS).

We want to improve services in key areas that the disability community has told us matter most to them.

We are building on what the community has told us over the past two years. This feedback has already helped shape some important changes across DSS, and we know there is more to do.

Now we want to know what good support looks like.

From 8 June to 31 July, DSS will be running a community consultation focused on key areas including:
💬 Outcomes that matter, including how supports make a difference in disabled people’s everyday lives and safety
💬 Earlier, proactive and planned support as people’s needs change over time
💬 Feedback and complaints processes that make it easier to speak up about DSS services
💬 Better options for carer respite, making it easier for family, whānau and carers to take a break
💬 More choice and control in services, including more flexibility in supports funded outside of flexible funding
💬 Improved information and advice to make supports and services easier to access

We are seeking feedback from people who receive DSS funding, and people who support or advocate for those who do.

From today, you can read the consultation documents and register for workshops ahead of the consultation officially opening on 8 June.

You can take part in a way that works for you, including online and in-person workshops, written or recorded submissions, and an online survey. Workshops will be running throughout June and July.

Your input will help shape the next improvements to services and supports.

Visit the DSS website below to read the consultation documents, learn more about the consultation, and register for upcoming workshops 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/have-your-say-on-further-improvements-to-services

This consultation is separate from the Disability Support Services Bill and is focused on improvements to DSS-funded supports and services.

The Bill is a separate Parliamentary process that sets the legal framework for DSS.

“Mokopuna Māori, disabled children and children with chronic health conditions tell me that online spaces are important to their sense of belonging. Their lived experiences must be heard in this conversation, and we need evidence-based solutions that protect them from harm while ensuring their rights to connection, culture and community are upheld.” - says CMG Convenor and Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad.

Experts urge government to go beyond a ban to build effective online safety law for children

Experts urge government to go beyond a ban to build effective online safety law for children

“At the moment, disabled people’s rights, autonomy and ability to pursue a good life are being reduced instead of progressively improved - especially their right to seek redress.” - Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker.

Human Rights Commission calls for rights-based approach to Disability Support, condemns raft of rollbacks

Stats NZ publishes overview of disability data Statistics New Zealand has published a new report that brings together disability data from multiple sources to make it easier to find, understand, and use.

Committing to universal design is an investment in more sustainable and accessible social housing in the long term for many types of residents - disabled people, older people and families with young children, says Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker.

"It's very concerning that Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities has dropped its annual targets for creating accessible homes. The right to a decent home is enshrined in commitments New Zealand has made internationally. Many disabled New Zealanders are living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions that do not meet their needs. Without annual targets it will be difficult to measure how we as a country are doing to respond to this housing crisis."

(Story behind a paywall)

https://www.thepost.co.nz/politics/361000561/kainga-ora-ditches-target-make-more-public-homes-accessible

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission - Right to Housing information https://tikatangata.org.nz/human-rights-in-aotearoa/right-to-housing

Kāinga Ora ditches target to make more public homes accessible Kāinga Ora is building fewer accessible homes than it did last year after scrapping its target to have 15% of new public housing builds be accessible.