"The goal isn't a symbolic headcount. The goal is a parliament where disability experience is so present – in the research, in the submissions, in the lived knowledge of enough members – that you can't design policy in ignorance of it." - Nick Ruane
"For some people just paying for it is their solution but not everyone can do that so it is an equity issue. It's not fair that some are asked to pay and others just wait and wait." - Laurie Hilsgen, Carers NZ chief executive
Map of new zealand with affected areas shown and a cartoon rain cloud.
A State of Emergency has been declared for Wellington City and the surround region following severe weather.
Call 04 499 4444 for welfare support
You can find Easy Read information about floods and emergencies here:
getready.govt.nz/alternate-fo...
Stay updated: www.wremo.nz/your-area/we...
A screen-shot of the petition on the NZ parliament website.
Last election, DPA joined 23 organisations and dozens of experts in signing on to an open letter to call for an end to discriminating against disabled migrants.
The organisation at the forefront of campaigning to abolish this discrimination have a petition to sign.
Read it here: buff.ly/2XMkElX
Public consultation is now open on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, led by the Ministry of Health. The Strategy will guide how mental health and wellbeing services are shaped over the next decade, including how the system works for disabled people.
Read more: buff.ly/OxxSUSR
Fuel crisis hui for disabled people – 1 May in Christchurch
DPA is holding a hui in Ōtautahi Christchurch to discuss the impacts of rising fuel costs on disabled people and their whānau.
Venue: Braintree Wellness Centre, Papanui
Date: Friday 1 May
Time: 1pm - 4pm
RSVP: kaituitui.ootautahi@dpa.org.nz
NZSL interpreters, parking and refreshments provided
Information about the Māori Electoral Option is available in various accessible formats, including Large Print, Braille, audio, and New Zealand Sign Language.
Find out more here: tinyurl.com/mr2h56b2
John Landreth acquired his disability mid-acting career. Through navigating chronic pain and a different body, he's also found a new voice for his art and music.
The Whangārei Accessible Housing Trust is currently preparing a funding application to the Ministry of Housing to support the development of new, fully accessible homes in the Auckland and Far North areas.
If you have a physical disability, you can help by completing this short survey:
In the latest episode of DPA Notable Radio, Amy Taylor speaks with Patti Poa, Policy Advisor at DPA, about learning te reo Māori and NZSL.
As part of DPA’s initiative to support staff in learning new languages, Patti shares insights into the programme and its impact.
"This is not efficiency, it is isolation, a missed doctor's appointment and lost independence," - Joe Davies, Environment Canterbury councillor
With residencies not fully accessible to everyone, Andi C. Buchanan wonders how can we open more and different pathways for artists to access these benefits.
"No residency is going to be fully accessible to everyone – but many could be more accessible than they are now." - Andi C. Buchanan
Text that says Ilead regional showcase dates, with the following dates. All showcase days are 10am – 3pm: Auckland – Thursday 14th May (YES Disability Resource Centre, Albany) Christchurch – Thursday 21st May (Youth Week Event) Blenheim – Monday 8th June Whangārei – Monday 15th June Dunedin – Friday 17th July Tauranga – Wednesday 22nd July Invercargill – Friday 14th August Waikato -Thursday 20 August Manawatū – Wednesday 16th September Wellington -Wednesday 21st October
I.Lead Showcase Days are an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and grow our disabled youth-led movement across Aotearoa.
This event will provide disabled youth the opportunity to become part of the largest disability youth movement in Aotearoa New Zealand!
Link: www.ilead.org.nz/i-lead.../re...
Disabled Persons Assembly has signed NZCCSS' open letter to extend the fuel relief package announced this week.
The current package does not reflect the needs of people receiving income support with a health condition or disability.
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People is inviting nominations from the disability sector for the Erin Geaney Global Leadership Exchange (GLE) Scholarship 2026.
The successful nominee will be fully funded to attend the GLE in Canada from 1 to 5 June 2026.
Easy Read shouldn’t shy away from the real or awkward parts of life, like the messiness of human bodies.
Image that says: Easy read document. factsheet: changes to flexible funding - more choice and control 2026
Disability Support Services has shared Easy Read information about changes to flexible funding from 1 April 2026.
Find out more here: tinyurl.com/znjme5vd
Are you part of a Lived Experience community in mental health or addiction? A group of organisations is working with communities to design national representation for tāngata whai ora and whānau and they want your voice in the process. Find out more & get involved 👉 tinyurl.com/4fbbu4ef
"When we talk about 'modernising' the postal network, we must ensure progress for some does not come at the cost of independence, dignity and connection for those already facing the greatest barriers." - Michelle Clucas, Regional Disability Leadership Advisor, CCS Disability Action Southern Region
AIA NZ has released its Neurodiversity Toolkit to other workplaces and sectors for the first time to support them in taking practical, meaningful steps to better support neurodivergent employees.
New insights from the latest NZ Health Survey highlight the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and long COVID across Aotearoa. Among the total population, about 1 in 11 adults reported ever having long COVID symptoms.
Access the survey results here:
"These homes should not be limited to those who can afford expensive, bespoke builds. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in homes that are safe, accessible and located within the communities they love." - Jonny Wilkinson, CEO of Tiaho Trust
Civic duty is sexy. The word consultation… is not. It’s time to have your say on Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2026/2027 – and you can do it your way.
Watch the powerful international World Down Syndrome Day campaign video and join the global call to “Just Evolve”. 👍
By evolving the language we use, we can create communities where people with Down syndrome are recognised with dignity, respect, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Inspiring Communities is hosting a free online Community Building Block workshop exploring how we can create communities that are accessible, welcoming and inclusive for disabled people.
Learn more and register here:
From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through DSS will have more choice and control over how they use their funding for disability-related supports.
For more information about the April flexible funding changes, please visit the DSS website: tinyurl.com/mdw2mm3f
People for Us is a peer-to-peer initiative where disabled individuals visit adults living in residential care. Awesome mahi!
From accessible cooking classes to film screenings and online events, here’s an accessible selection from all 100 events in Pōneke.
Information tile about Disability Support Services changes. Text says: Disability Support Services. Changes from April 2026 will mean more choice and control for people who use flexible funding. Purchasing rules will be removed. Flexible funding budgets stay the same. More flexibility in how funding is used. Extra support to help manage flexible funding. The information appears on a light green background with star icons next to each point. Disability Support Services and Ministry of Social Development logos appear at the bottom of the tile.
From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through DSS will have more choice and control over how they use their funding for disability-related supports.
For more information about the April flexible funding changes, please visit the DSS website: tinyurl.com/mdw2mm3f
