2025 Pūrongo ā-tau | Annual Report
Chief Executive foreword
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā kārangatanga maha,
Kua tūtaki, kua kōrero, kua whiriwhiri i ngā kaupapa nunui.
To the many respected voices and connections,
We have gathered, we have spoken, we have woven together important kaupapa.
I present this Annual Report for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 November 2024 as per the Public Finance Act 1989, section 45J (final annual report for disestablished entities).
The Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha has continued to work with, disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau, families, the wider disability sector, and our colleagues across the public service towards a non-disabling Aotearoa New Zealand.
In our final part year as a departmental agency, we focused on implementation of the Independent Review recommendations into the Sustainability of Disability Support Services and the work necessary to transition to a standalone Ministry. Details are contained in this report.
System improvements were required so that disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau can have more confidence about the quality of supports they receive.
During this busy and complex period, we continued to deliver on the Government’s priorities, providing advice across government, investing in relationships, and identifying opportunities to advance the rights and interests of the disabled community. To maintain community engagement in the work of the Ministry, we continued to work with many groups including a Strategic Advisory Group, the Disabled Peoples Organisation (DPO) Coalition, roopū Māori including those representing Turi Māori and Kāpō Māori and the National Enabling Good Lives Leadership Group.
We also supported the Minister for Disability Issues to establish a Ministerial Disability Leadership Group. The issues and barriers facing disabled people tend to be cross-cutting and require collective action. The Ministerial leadership group will provide the necessary joined-up oversight, leadership, and accountability to ensure future progress is made in the right areas.
Thank you to our community and sector who have contributed to the vision of a non-disabling Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngā mihi manawanui ki a koutou katoa,
My heartfelt acknowledgements to you all!
Paula Tesoriero MNZM PLY Te Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive
Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha