Whaikaha Update - October 2026
Chief executive Paula Tesoriero PLY MNZM shares highlights from our work including a position statement in AI and NZSL, paid internships in the public service adn more.
Nau mai, haere mai.
Welcome to Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People.
About 1 in 6 New Zealanders are disabled. We work across government, businesses, and communities to improve outcomes for them.
We focus on things that make a tangible difference to disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and their families and whānau, whether that means working with partners to get more people into employment or making New Zealand more accessible.
Disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori make an important contribution to society and the economy. We have a huge opportunity for that to grow even further.
Whaikaha does not provide direct support to disabled people or their families. For more information about services and support available, visit Disability Support Services.
News from Whaikaha
NZSL Board releases position statement on NZSL and AI
The New Zealand Sign Language Board has published a position statement on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) with New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
Annual report highlights achievements in 2025/2026
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha has published its annual report after its first full year as a standalone public service department.
About Whaikaha
Get to know Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, our role in Government, and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Find resources on collecting and using disability data and recent updates from across New Zealand.
The New Zealand Disability Strategy gives direction to government agencies on issues disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau say are important.