Whaikaha Update - September 2026
Deputy chief executive Ben O’Meara shares an update highlights from our work including work to grow Pacific disabled leadership, the launch a new ID card for disability assist dogs and more.
You can watch a video of this update with NZSL and captions. A transcript is also available.
You can also read the written update.
Video update
Video transcript
Kia ora, My name is Ben O'Meara. I'm the deputy chief executive of policy and insights at the Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha. I am also totally blind so I am reading form my Braille notes as we go through this video.
As we head into the Spring here are some highlights from our recent work here at Whaikaha.
A key action from the Atoatoali’o, the National Pacific Disability Approach, is now underway.
Faiva o Ta'ita'i is a first-of-its-kind leadership programme for Pacific disabled people. It is being delivered by Pacific organisation Le Va with support from Whaikaha.
At a 2-day forum in Auckland, 8 emerging Pacific disabled leaders worked with established leaders to build their confidence, strengthen their skills, and explore how their experiences could be brought to leadership.
There is now a new Service Dog ID card to make it easier for businesses, services and the public to identify disabled people's disability assist dogs.
Disability assist dogs have legal access rights, but some handlers are still being questioned or refused access to places, businesses or public transport.
More information about disability assist dogs, their rights, and the new ID card is on the website of the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, which is at mcert.govt.nz.
Three new members have joined the New Zealand Sign Language Board.
Rāhera Turner, Thora Huebner and Jo Witko bring strong experience and skills as well as community connections to the board. Kim Robinson has also extended his term on the board for another year.
Te Rōpū Kaitiaki – the Māori strategic advisory group to the New Zealand Sign Language Board – also welcomes a new member, Tanesha Sleeman.
Finally, Standards New Zealand is reviewing the country's main standard for access and mobility in buildings and associated facilities. This is the first review in 25 years and is being funded by Whaikaha and Building System Performance.
You can more information about our work programmes on our website at www.whaikaha.govt.nz.
Written Update
New initiative for emerging Pasifika leaders
A key action from the Atoatoali’o National Pacific Disability Approach is underway.
At the 2-day forum in Auckland, 8 emerging Pacific disabled leaders worked with established leaders to build confidence, strengthen skills, and explore the unique strengths and experiences they bring to leadership.
Faiva o Ta'ita'i is a first-of-its-kind leadership programme delivered by Pasifika organisation Le Va with support from Whaikaha.
Le Va’s work spans mental and addition, public health and disability as well as prevention services and youth well-being.
“This is an excellent example of working with and knowing what community needs are, through the thorough process of talanoaga,” says Whaikaha Fautu Sili, Tofa Suafole Gush.
ID card for disability assist dogs launched
A new Service Dog ID card to make it easier for businesses, service providers and the public to identify disability assist dogs is now available.
Disability assist dogs have legal access rights, but some handlers are still questioned or refused access to public places, businesses and public transport.
The disability assist dog sector developed the card with Whaikaha and the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT). It is a simple way for handlers to show their dog is trained and certified.
More information about disability assist dogs, their rights, and the card is on the MCERT website: Disability assist dogs external URL .
New members for NZSL Board and Te Rōpū Kaitiaki
Three new members have joined the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board.
Rāhera Turner (Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, Te Patupō, Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Thora Huebner and Joanne Witko bring strong experience, skills and community connections to the board.
Kim Robinson has also extended his term on the board for another year.
Te Rōpū Kaitiaki also welcomes new member Tanesha Sleeman. Te Rōpū Kaitiaki works with the NZSL Board to improve outcomes for Turi Māori. This includes improving access to te ao Māori (the Māori world) through NZSL.
Read more about the appointments on the NZSL Board website.
NZSL Board and Te Rōpū Kaitiaki welcome new members | NZSL Board external URL
News
- Standards New Zealand is reviewing the country's main standard for access and mobility in buildings and associated facilities. This first review in 25 years is funded by Whaikaha and Building System Performance. Revision of New Zealand Standard 4121:2001 | Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People external URL
- Whaikaha and the New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network have launched a Public Service Community of Practice for agencies to collaborate and share good practice. Register your interest on the link. Disability in the Public Sector CoP - NZ Disability Employers' Network external URL
- The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service has published its fourth annual report on threats to the security of New Zealand as an accessible online document. The report includes examples of behaviours and activities happening in this country. New Zealand's Security Threat Environment 2026 | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service external URL
Whaikaha has moved to Pastoral House (Te Puāwahi o Te Aroha) at 25 The Terrace, Wellington.