16/11/2025
Today, the DPO Coalition, together with the Donald Beasley Institute, has released Report 4 – Enabling Good Lives. This is part of the ongoing Disabled People-Led Monitoring research. Blind Citizens NZ, along with six other disabled people’s organisations, compiles the DPO Coalition.
This research monitors whether the New Zealand Government is upholding its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). In this report, disabled people and their whānau shared their experiences, potential and concerns about EGL.
“Being on the Enabling Good Lives demonstration since 2016 has increased my quality of life to no end.” (Focus Group Participant)
The report is available in official languages and accessible formats (Te Reo Māori, NZSL, Easy Read, Braille, Large Print, and audio) from the Donald Beasley Institute’s website: https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring-of-the-uncrpd/ (and https://tinyurl.com/22vw7zco)
Key findings:
● EGL: A Way of Life: Disability Sector Leaders described EGL as more than a service or funding model — they believed it is a way of life that empowers disabled people and their whānau, while transforming disability services to become more mana-enhancing.
● Disabled-Led and Building Community and Relationship: Disability Sector Leaders emphasised the importance of the EGL roll-out being disabled-led. They highlighted that strong relationships and inclusive community building are central to EGL’s success. Community meetings were described as valuable spaces where disabled people could connect, share experiences, and strengthen collective advocacy. However, participants noted challenges in ensuring diverse representation and maintaining authentic engagement when government officials led meetings.
● Investment and Information Gaps: Participants acknowledged the positive impact of government investment in EGL pilot sites, calling for continued funding to sustain and expand community-led development. At the same time, many expressed concern about a lack of information and awareness about EGL — particularly in regions where EGL has yet to be implemented. Furthermore, due to the Government’s decision to pause the national rollout of EGL, it is currently unknown when EGL budgets will be consistently and widely available.
● EGL experiences: Disabled participants who live in EGL pilot regions reported improved assessment processes that focus on aspirations rather than deficits. Access to flexible funding gave participants more choice and control, contributing to improved wellbeing. Even so, concerns remain about inconsistencies in funding, uncertainty about ongoing support, and varying levels of understanding of EGL principles among providers.
Recommendations:
Participants made clear recommendations for strengthening EGL’s implementation and impact:
● Implement a whole-of-government approach to adopting and embedding EGL principles.
● Increase government investment and resourcing for EGL and community-led initiatives.
● Establish robust disabled-led monitoring and evaluation to measure effectiveness.
● Develop peer-to-peer mentoring to support disabled people in utilising the EGL approach.
World Blind Union
Pacific Disability Forum
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People\
Deaf Aotearoa
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA
International Disability Alliance
NZ Disability Rights
Blind Citizens Australia
Blind Low Vision NZ
Balance Aotearoa
Muscular Dystrophy Association
People First New Zealand
Access Matters Aotearoa
Ombudsman NZ
https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/our-projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring-of-the-uncrpd
Disabled person-led monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
