Public consultation on the Government’s draft New Zealand Disability Strategy has opened today.
Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says the draft strategy now out for discussion sets out a vision for the future, with a clear set of goals, and actions to help achieve them in key areas of education, employment, health, housing and justice.
“The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha carried out targeted engagement with disabled people and organisations to develop this draft and they’re now consulting with the wider disability community and the public,” said Ms Upston.
“There has been a lot of progress in a short time, and I urge anyone with an interest, whether they be a disabled person, a carer, a family member, or an employer, to give their feedback on the draft.
“The purpose of the strategy is to improve the lives and uphold the rights of disabled people who we know face many barriers, for example in employment, education and housing.
“Three-quarters of unemployed disabled people want to be working which means creating employment opportunities must be an important focus.
“Disabled people, like non-disabled people, want to participate in their communities, to thrive, lead and make decisions about their own lives.”
The current 10-year New Zealand Disability Strategy ends in 2026, and the draft refreshed strategy will be for five years from 2026-2030.
In addition to targeted engagement, Whaikaha commissioned independent facilitators to work with groups from the disability community on the refresh, and
in a New Zealand-first, working groups drawn from the disabled community, industry and government agencies were also involved.
People can have their say via various formats, including an accessible online platform, which can be found on the Ministry’s website. They can also find dates, times and locations to register for in-person or online meetings at  www.whaikaha.govt.nz/disability-strategy.
Consultation will remain open until 28 September.
