Canterbury Family/Whānau voices - disability system transformation

01/08/2025

Online Workshop

In this workshop, you will learn about the rights and support for carers and people with disabilities, as well as how to protect yourself and your whānau from

01/08/2025

Parent to Parent Guide: Choosing a Health Professional

A resource to guide you through the process in simple steps

31/07/2025

🚍 Discounted Bus Fares for Community Services Card Holders in Christchurch! 🚌

If you or someone you know has a Community Services Card, you can now ride Metro buses and ferries in Greater Christchurch for just $1.50 per trip – but only with a registered Metrocard.

Here’s what you need to do:

✅ Get a Metrocard – Your first card is free! Pick one up from the Bus Interchange or order online.

✅ Link your Community Services Card – Use the quick online form to register your CSC to your Metrocard so the discount is applied automatically. No need to show your card each time.

✅ Tag on and off – Use your Metrocard every time you hop on or off the bus or ferry to get the discounted fare.

💡 This makes getting around Christchurch more affordable for individuals and whānau on lower incomes. Please share to spread the word!

📲 More info and the form to register your card here:
https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/metrocard-and-fares/community-connect

Details of Canterbury public transport fares for students using the Tertiary Student metrocard: fares, eligibility, FAQ.

31/07/2025

Important Change for Families Receiving Board Payments

Starting 2 March 2026, the Government is changing how boarder income is assessed for housing support through Work and Income NZ.

What’s changing?

62% of all board income - no matter how many boarders you have or how much they pay - will now be included when calculating your eligibility for housing subsidies like the Accommodation Supplement or Temporary Additional Support.

Families with disabled adult children who contribute board are deeply concerned. Many use that board income to help cover day programme fees once Work and Income supports run out. With this change, those top-ups may no longer be possible.

One person relying on board payments even told us they don’t know how they’ll afford rent. This policy shift could affect the wellbeing and independence of disabled adults - and increase the pressure on caregivers.

Important Change for Families Receiving Board Payments

Starting 2 March 2026, the Government is changing how boarder income is assessed for housing support through Work and Income NZ.

What’s changing?

62% of all board income - no matter how many boarders you have or how much they pay - will now be included when calculating your eligibility for housing subsidies like the Accommodation Supplement or Temporary Additional Support.

Families with disabled adult children who contribute board are deeply concerned. Many use that board income to help cover day programme fees once Work and Income supports run out. With this change, those top-ups may no longer be possible.

One person relying on board payments even told us they don’t know how they’ll afford rent. This policy shift could affect the wellbeing and independence of disabled adults - and increase the pressure on caregivers.

We’re listening.

How will this change affect your whānau? Share your story in the comments below to help us advocate for fair support.

Image description: blue tile with white text reading "Boarding incomes and housing assessments. How will this change impact your family?" There is an outline of a house above the text, and the Disability Connect logo is in the top right corner.

30/07/2025

Disability Pride Month

Happy Disability Pride Month

Every July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month — a time to recognise the diversity, strength, and achievements of disabled people both around the world and here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Disability Pride Month began in the United States in July 1990, marking the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act — a landmark in the disability rights movement. Since then, it has grown into an international celebration, observed across many countries to promote pride in disability identity, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility.

Disability Pride celebrates and embraces disability as an essential and valuable part of one’s identity. It acknowledges the strengths, resilience, and unique perspectives that come from living with a disability, chronic illness, or mental health condition. It also honours the value of diversity, recognising how different experiences enrich our communities and strengthen our collective voice.

At the NZDSA, Disability Pride means bringing to life our vision of people with Down syndrome as respected, valued, and equal members of their communities — empowered to fulfil their potential and aspirations. It is about championing a society that genuinely values disability and diversity.

We understand that pride looks different for everyone. For some, it’s about embracing identity and self-worth. For others, it’s about being visible, having rights upheld, and feeling connected. For parents and allies, it means celebrating the achievements of loved ones and working to remove the barriers that still remain.

30/07/2025

Supported Decision Making

Our ability to make decisions can be affected by many things - including brain injury, dementia and learning disabilities.

29/07/2025

Concerns about possible changes to Total Mobility Scheme. Spectrum Foundation are seeking feedback from the community. See their facebook post below for details.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1NjXRJ9hug/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Disability advocates are worried funding for subsidised transport will be cut without notice - fearing the situation could be the same as the shock cuts to disability support service funding last March.

26/07/2025

Our friends at Disability Leadership Canterbury have shared this update.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/162LvhhqFG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

25/07/2025

Article about a new Accessible Respite option in Northland.

Northlanders with disabilities no longer have to use hospitals or rest homes for respite.

21/07/2025

Information about Carer Support claims processing.

The Carer Support Subsidy is available for older people and people with other health conditions who need support.

11/07/2025

Carer Support Claim forms Update:
How people claim Carer Support is changing.