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Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People View our
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Programmes we have progressed

Disability system transformation

Over the last two years the Ministry has progressed initiatives to transform the disability support system. There has also been an increased focus on organisational structure, systems, processes and policies to ensure the Ministry can deliver its system stewardship functions.

Advice on the most appropriate way to advance transformation of the disability support system was also developed with disability community leadership groups.

High and Complex Framework (HCF)

The High and Complex Framework (the ‘Framework’) supports people under the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003 and other relevant legislation. It provides a diversionary pathway for people with an intellectual disability who are engaged with the criminal justice system towards more appropriate services with a strong rehabilitative focus. Around 200–250 disabled people, many of whom have committed serious offences, are supported through the Framework.

Although this is the primary reason for the Framework, it may also support those who have not been formally charged with a crime or those held under wider legislative means. This population is also made up of a number of former care recipients in the process of transitioning out of the Framework.

The Kaupapa Māori team are continuing to support development of the Framework. Around 40 percent of this population is Māori and this work programme requires a strong Te Tiriti lens and culturally relevant response.

My Home, My Choice

This initiative is focused on the work needed to transform the way people in residential services are assisted so they have more choice and control in their lives.

The Ministry continues to build the peer support network and evidence base for My Home, My Choice initiatives below, including setting up a project group:

  • the Intensive Response team
  • Te Ao Māori alternative options
  • separating accommodation from other supports
  • establishing practice networks to support alternative options and continuous improvement.

Paid family carers

People receiving disability supports have the option to choose to pay a family member to provide those supports. This applies to supports that would otherwise be provided by a support worker through the Ministry’s funding and Health New Zealand-funded support services. The Ministry has used this funding to address increases in costs where disabled people were receiving Family Funded Carer services and are now receiving Individualised Funding and other flexible supports.

During the financial year the Crown successfully appealed aspects of an Employment Court decision that could create employment obligations for the Ministry towards a large number of people who provide care to disabled family members. The Court found that the Ministry was not the employer of these family carers.

Contributions and key reviews conducted during the financial year:

  • Contributing to the Crown Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith Based Care.
  • Contributing to the Crown Response to WAI2575, the Waitangi Tribunal’s inquiry into health services and outcomes.
  • A rapid assurance review of the Ministry’s commercial management practices conducted to ensure that its contract management practices are robust, provide public value, and to reduce legal and financial risk for the Ministry.

The Implementation Unit in Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet | Te tari o te Pirimia me te Komiti Matua (DPMC) carried out an assessment of the Ministry’s progress in establishing its governance and system leadership arrangements, progress of its establishment and transition stages, Enabling Good Lives initiative, and lessons from its establishment as a new departmental agency.

The findings and recommendations were reported to the previous Minister of Finance in September 2023 and a final copy provided to the Ministry in March 2024 (the timing difference was due to pre-and post-election activities and change in administration).

On the key risks identified in DPMC's assessment of the Ministry, the following actions were undertaken to strengthen our systems and capability to better support the delivery of DSS to disabled people.

  • Strengthened financial planning and monitoring mechanisms through a focused financial sustainability programme of work.
  • Key Shared Service arrangements were reviewed, and improvement actions completed.
  • Employment agreements across Whaikaha was completed. Work to improve internal processes and procedures will be ongoing as the Ministry responds to inherent system challenges and change.
  • Advisory Boards/Groups established in partnership with disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori to increase participation and voice across key disability matters.