Refresh of the New Zealand Disability Strategy
Kia hiwa rā kia hiwa rā.
Kia kōkiri ake, kia mataara.
He karanga atu ki te ao whānui, ki te ao whaikaha.
Haere mai ōu whakaaro rangatira ki tēnei kaupapa whakahirahira nau mai e te iwi e.
Be watchful, be alert. Rise up, come forward, be counted, be alert. A call going out to the world, to the disabled world. We welcome your chiefly thoughts to this important discussion. We welcome all.
New Zealand Disability Strategy
The New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-2026 external URL guides the work of government agencies on disability issues. It represents New Zealand’s approach to the progressive realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The Strategy outlines key outcome areas where societal change is required. The vision and principles have a role in guiding the work and responsibilities of all government agencies to ensure disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau can lead full lives.
Updating the Strategy
The current Strategy is almost 10 years old, so it is time for a refresh. As a first step, we are seeking expressions of interest from disabled people, Deaf, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau hauā, Turi Māori, Pacific people and families to be selected to be on one of five specific Working Groups.
How will the Strategy be developed?
Throughout 2025 there will be three main ways disabled people can contribute to the development of the new Strategy.
During the first half of this year, we will:
- Undertake targeted engagement to refresh the Vision and Principles of the Strategy
- Establish Working Groups to help develop the outcome areas and actions for the Strategy
During the second half of the year, we will:
- Consult broadly with the disabled community on a full Strategy
Why use Working Groups?
We are seeking a range of people from the disability community to be part of specific Working Groups that will help to develop content for the refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy. This may include disabled people, Deaf, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau hauā, Turi Māori, Pacific people and families.
Those selected to be part of the Working Groups will help shape the details of specific outcomes and actions for the refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy.
During 2025 there will also be other opportunities for the disability community to get involved and we will keep people updated on our website and social media channels.
What will the Working Groups cover?
Five Working Groups will have outcome areas which are aligned to the Government’s targets for public services:
- Health
- Education
- Employment
- Housing
- Justice
These outcome areas are due to be considered by Cabinet in March 2025. The Working Groups will discuss each issue, the experiences of disabled people and look to develop actions to include in the new Strategy. Considerations that are likely to run through all these outcome areas include accessibility, data and equity.
Who is in the Working Groups?
Each Working Group will be made up of people with lived experience of disability, cross-agency government officials, industry or sector experts, and will be supported by officials from Whaikaha.
The Working Groups on Education, Employment, Health, Housing and Justice each have a chair. Find more information about the working groups members.
What is expected of Working Group members?
You will provide lived experience, and knowledge of the outcome area and will be well connected to your community. We expect you to represent the broader experiences of others, and to contribute to decisions about priorities and strategic action. To do this, you will be well connected in the community in relation to the outcome area and be able to use your networks to draw information and test ideas.
Other tasks could include talking with government agencies and groups, reviewing and contributing to policy papers and working collaboratively across Working Groups and with government officials.
Time commitment and payment
- The key working period for Working Groups will be between March to November 2025 and will require approximately 50 hours of time to attend meetings during these months
- In addition to meetings, an estimated 40 hours will be allocated, to give community members an opportunity to network and connect with their communities and other engagement opportunities
- Payment will be based on $100 per hour
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided as necessary
- Any costs associated with travel to attend in-person meetings will be covered
More information
Information on Working Groups
Call for Expressions of Interest to join Working Groups Information (DOCX 169KB)
Call for Expressions of Interest to join Working Groups Information (PDF 116KB)
Application forms
Expression of interest form (DOCX 162KB)
Expression of interest form (PDF 176KB)
Alternate formats
NZSL
NZSL: Expression of Interest: Do you want to join a Disability Strategy Working Group? external URL
NZSL: Expression of Interest Form external URL
Easy Read
Easy Read: Expression of Interest Form (DOCX 15MB)
Easy Read: Expression of Interest Form (PDF 4MB)
Large Print
Large Print: Expression of Interest in Working Groups (DOCX 166KB)
Large Print: Expression of Interest Form (DOCX 160KB)
Braille
Braille: Expression of Interest in Working Groups (BRF 7KB)
Braille: Expression of Interest Form (BRF 6KB)
Audio
Audio: Expression of Interest in Working Groups (MP3 2.9MB)
Audio: Expression of Interest Form (MP3 2.9MB)
If you have any questions, please get in contact by emailing disabilitystrategy@whaikaha.govt.nz