Independent Living

18/03/2026

Independent Living is proud to supply wheelchairs to the Auckland Airshow by NZ Warbirds Association Inc in March each year for any of their attendees who need to borrow one for the day.

This years event was held last weekend and we received some great feedback from an attendee who used one of the wheelchairs: “Having the wheelchair there for Mum made it possible for her to be there, have a look around and have the most wonderful day - so thank you so much for that opportunity!”

Thanks to all those who made the Auckland Airshow on the weekend a great day.

17/03/2026

Approaching 10,000 petition signatures!

We Care and Carers NZ launched a campaign petition which is still open and takes just a second to sign.

They are presenting the petition at Parliament midyear as part of their ongoing work to raise awareness of family carers, their important role, and the need for improved support for all carers.

Petition reason: Family carers deliver significant economic value – an estimated $17.6 billion per annum or 5.4% of GDP – and priceless social value. We believe carers are burning out and in crisis, and lack a clear place in government representation. We believe they deserve meaningful recognition, an equitable and adequately resourced respite system, investment in their physical and mental wellbeing, and financial security. In our view, choosing to care should not be a choice to live in poverty.

https://petitions.parliament.nz/390fec4e-437c-45cd-a182-08db3f91e80e%20?lang=en

16/03/2026

Did you know about the free Multiple Sclerosis (MS) support groups that anyone with MS or their family can attend? They are throughout Auckland and are casual coffee groups.

The support groups are free to attend and organised by Multiple Sclerosis Auckland.

You can find more information here:

MS Auckland run support groups across Auckland, for people living with MS - virtual or in-person. Find out more here.

16/03/2026

Adam Hall claims slalom silver at Milano Cortina to equal medals record

"Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM lit up the slopes of the Olimpia delle Tofane to claim a sensational silver medal in the Men’s Slalom Standing on the final day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

Competing at his sixth Paralympic Winter Games, the 38-year-old Kiwi maintained his composure in the heat of battle to surge from fourth after the first run to the second step of the podium, thanks to a scintillating second run that produced a combined time of 1:31.38..."

Read the full article on the official Paralympics New Zealand website:

Paralympian #158 Adam Hall MNZM lit up the slopes of the Olimpia delle Tofane to claim a sensational silver medal in the Men’s Slalom Standing on the final day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Competing at his sixth Paralympic Winter Games, the 38-year-old Kiwi maintained his co...

11/03/2026

Ministry of Social Development NZ has introduced a change to help make sure people are receiving the right support.

From 2 March 2026, some people who receive payments from MSD will need to confirm their circumstances at least once a year. If you’re asked to do this, it’s important to complete and return the form as soon as possible, even if nothing has changed.

You may be asked to confirm your details if you receive:
- Supported Living Payment
- Emergency Benefit (including Emergency Maintenance Allowance granted for more than 52 weeks, or with no expiry date)
- Accommodation Supplement (not including those who also receive the Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment)
-Disability Allowance
- NZ Super (if you have a partner who does not qualify for NZ Super)
- MSD will contact you directly if you need to complete a confirmation.

You can see more information here:

For certain payments, we must review your circumstances at least once every 52 weeks (one year). This helps us make sure you're getting the correct assistance and amount.

09/03/2026

From April, people who use flexible funding through DSS will have more choice and control over how they use their funding.

From 1st April 2026:

🔶 People’s allocated budgets for flexible funding will stay the same as they are now. There will be no change.
🔶 The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
🔶 Flexible funding must still be used in line with people’s plans - but people will have more choice over what supports work for them, including respite options for carers.
🔶 A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval before spending.
🔶 There will be more support for people to plan and manage their flexible funding in line with their plan. People with Hosts can expect to hear about this support from April onwards.
🔶 People don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes.

There is more information on the DSS website: https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled-people/improvements-to-disability-support-services/flexible-funding-changes

These April changes build on earlier improvements to Disability Support Services, including a nationally consistent assessment approach introduced in February 2026, and reflect feedback from the disability community.

09/03/2026

See some amazing performances at a discounted rate!

The Auckland Arts Festival is currently on and they have a commitment to accessibility including (as per their website): "providing reduced-cost tickets to members of our Deaf and disabled communities with FREE companion tickets available."

The festival runs until the 22nd of March. Check out their accessibility commitment at the link to their website below, where you'll also find the event schedule.

We believe everyone should have access to extraordinary arts, and we are committed to improving the accessibility of our festival.

08/03/2026

The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games started over the weekend!

One of the two Kiwi athletes, Corey Peters is competing in the Men’s Super-G Sitting tonight (Monday 9th) at 9:30pm New Zealand time. Make sure to watch it!

Keep up to date with all the latest information by following along on the Paralympics New Zealand page or website: https://paralympics.org.nz/

The full schedule of when our athletes are competing can also be found here: https://paralympics.org.nz/games/milano-cortina-2026/

Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee for New Zealand. We support our Para athletes at international & national competitions

05/03/2026

Did you know Disability Connect runs support groups and seminars for the public to attend? You can find out more about their upcoming events here:

There are lots of ways we can help individuals with a disability, or family members of a disabled person, to navigate the New Zealand disability sector. Check out our seminars, community conversations and additional services to the right. Information on events, resources and useful links to activiti...

04/03/2026

We love this important perspective from the great folks at Deaf Aotearoa, who are changing how we look at World Hearing Day this year.

"Here in Aotearoa, Deaf people continue to face barriers in education, health, employment, and public participation. These barriers are not caused by being Deaf - they are created by systems and environments that do not provide full, early, and lifelong access to New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)."

Follow Deaf Aotearoa for more information and to support their kaupapa.

04/03/2026

Are you an unpaid carer or have views on support for carers?

MSD (Ministry for Social Development) is calling for feedback on its draft Action Plan to support unpaid or informal carers in homes and communities across New Zealand. Consultation closes on 12 March.

For more information and to have your say go to the Draft Carers' Strategy Action Plan: https://govt.us22.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5d6b49d8795def40560e0e147&id=746ca35640&e=dff2fd90fd