New Zealand Disability Support Network - NZDSN

26/09/2025

Expressions of interest are open now for the New Zealand Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Level 5) Applied Practice - hear why it can make a difference to your skills and career.
Find out more: https://www.careerforce.org.nz/qualifications/new-zealand-diploma-in-health-and-wellbeing-level-5-applied-practice/
Remember you can apply for the MSD Training Fund for these courses: https://nzdsn.org.nz/msd-training-fund-is-open-for-applications/
Careerforce

10/09/2025

The Public Service Association invites employers in the home support, disability and mental health and addictions sectors to get a briefing from PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons on the Bill of rights case on pay equity the PSA has raised.
Let us know at contact@nzdsn.org.nz if you'd like to attend, and we'll share the registration details.
✅ Thursday, 25 September 2025 1:30 pm-2:30 pm
There will be time for questions and answers. All are welcome.

03/09/2025

"Let's keep up momentum on solid progress"
Our view on today's disability support announcement - link in comments.

02/09/2025

The programme is out!
NZDSN Conference 2025 is a full day of learning and connection - hear from sector leaders and peers as we find creative solutions to challenging times.
Members - earlybird pricing is extended to 19 September!
See the full programme: https://nzdsn.org.nz/nzdsn-conference-2025-navigating-uncertainty/
Register now: https://eventdynamics.eventsair.com/nzdsn2025/registration/Site/Register

21/08/2025

Members - register for NZDSN Conference 2025 before 5 September and save $69!
We're delighted to confirm our first speakers - Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston MP and Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People CEO Paula Tesoriero.
Don't miss out - register now: https://eventdynamics.eventsair.com/nzdsn2025/registration/Site/Register

21/08/2025

Play your part in our next national Disability strategy - take the consultation survey now: https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/our-work/new-zealand-disability-strategy-refresh
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People

We want to know your views on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy's goal for education: “Every learner is supported to attend, participate and progress in education. There is a high expectation that all learners – including disabled learners – will achieve their potential in the education setting of their choice.”

There are also 9 actions to support the goal.

Let us know what think of the goal and the actions. Find the draft strategy in alternate formats and all the ways you can give feedback at www.whaikaha.govt.nz/disability-strategy

You can also go straight to our accessible survey platform https://accessiblesurveys.com/v2/szct9hS3gesfG0f5gYhT/intro
It has audio, large print, Easy Read and NZSL.

Image description: There is a speech bubble on a peach coloured background. Inside the speech bubble is a statement in quotes. "I want to reach my full potential at school". There is graphic of an apple on a book. On the left side there are patterns from the Whaikaha logo. At the bottom of the image are the words "Give feedback on the Draft New Zealand Disability Strategy".

20/08/2025

We're proud to represent members at The People's Select Committee, sharing concerns that the Pay Equity Amendment Act 2025 has undermined hard-fought progress in gender equity, devalued critical care and support work, and put at risk the rights and wellbeing of both disabled people and the workforce who support them.
Watch and read our submission: https://nzdsn.org.nz/nzdsn-tells-peoples-select-committee-pay-equity-changes-will-have-huge-impact-on-disability-support/

15/08/2025

We're talking United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Future of Institutions in NZ and and what it means for Aotearoa New Zealand.

▶️ It's happening 3pm - 4pm Thursday 4 September 2025
▶️ You can register now: https://nzdsn.gecco.co.nz/event-manager/ViewEvent/19
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People

03/08/2025

An opportunity for members to participate in the 12 November National Day of Reflection, by applying for event hosting funding. Find out more:

Groups and organisations can now apply for funding to host events in honour of National Day of Reflection on 12 November 2025. The day acknowledges survivors of abuse and neglect in care.

Learn more and apply here: tinyurl.com/3a4umr2b

Applications close Sunday 31 August 2025

03/08/2025

Have your say on the future of medicine - Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora is consulting on medicine use and optimising outcomes throughout the health system.

- Take the online survey by Friday 8 August https://www.research.net/r/medicinesuse
- Dial into the disability and whānau hauā session of the online hui @ 10am Tuesday 5 August: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea0sPujj7r_AAVqqGzjQ4k_Z0IjHGg70BaPTnDcF4ClWmNzA/viewform?usp=header

31/07/2025

Applications for the Workforce Futures Fund | Tahua Rāngaimahi Anamata open August 12 to September 12.
This is the second round for the fund, which has about $15m to spend down over three years to benefit workforces, including Disability support.
Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gE5TwYZA

25/07/2025

Whaimana is information and resources about supported decision-making, which helps people to make their own decisions about their lives. Visit www.supportmydecisions.nz to find out more.

Everyone has the right to make decisions about their life. These decisions can be everyday choices, like what to wear. These decisions can be life-changing choices, like where to live.