NZ Disability Rights

02/06/2026

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.

26/05/2026

“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.

26/05/2026

21/05/2026

“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.

12/05/2026

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.

11/05/2026

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

08/05/2026

06/05/2026

Data continues to show disabled people are more likely to live in lower income households. Disability communities have voiced solutions to the poverty traps that must be addressed with urgency to uphold the right of tāngata whaikaha Māori and all disabled people to a decent standard of living.

The Human Rights Commission hosted a webinar discussion in December 2025 with researchers Moira Wilson, Dr Jonathan Godfrey, Dr Rebecca Gray, Helena Tuteao and Dr Fiona Cram to discuss the issues behind material hardship and what needs to change. Link to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu_LJeGiW_8

Access Matters Aotearoa hosted a webinar on 'Social Support & Welfare' which has relevant themes to the Hardship to Equity webinar. https://www.accessmatters.org.nz/k_rero_for_change_social_support_welfare

This is the first time statistics were derived from the Household Income and Living Survey (HILS), which replaced the Household Economic Survey (HES) from the 2024/2025 year onwards. We’ve summarised the data for disabled people.

06/05/2026

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People has set up a webpage with information about the fuel response in alternate formats.

This page has information about fuel supply disruptions and the Government response, available in audio, Braille, Easy Read, large print and NZSL.