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Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People View our
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Introducing our Annual Report 2024/25

Introducing our Annual Report 2024/25

Our first annual report has now been tabled in Parliament, showcasing a commitment to partnering with disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, their whānau, and government to drive meaningful change.

The report, covering the period from 1 December 2024 to 30 June 2025, marks a significant milestone in our journey as a standalone public service department, highlighting seven months of foundational progress, strategic leadership, and deepening partnerships with disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, their whānau, and government agencies.

Key achievements include:

  • Disability and NZSL Strategy refresh underway: Cross-agency collaboration and community engagement are shaping renewed strategies, with the updated New Zealand Disability Strategy due for release in December 2025.
  • Accessibility Work Programme expanded: Key initiatives included stabilising Alternate Format services and supporting emergency planning.
  • System stewardship strengthened: Whaikaha supported cross-agency responses to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
  • Establishment as a standalone department: On 1 December 2024, Whaikaha transitioned from a departmental agency to a fully independent public service department, with a dedicated vote and mandate.
  • Strategic outcomes framework launched: Six strategic outcomes – accessibility, education, employment, health, housing, and justice – now guide our work to reduce barriers and enable disabled people to thrive.

The report also outlines how we are reshaping its internal capability to deliver on its stewardship role and embed disability expertise and lived experience into public services and policy.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to leading system-level change, building inclusive public services, and promoting equity for disabled people. Our work is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our values of mana taurite, mana kaha, and mana tīhura – with a vision of disabled people thriving in every aspect of life.

Read the Annual Report | Pūrongo ā-tau 2024/25 here:

Pūrongo ā-tau | Annual Report 2024/25 | Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People external URL