Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People View our
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What we do

The New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016–2026 states that:

  • “We must continue to acknowledge and respect the diversity within the disability community and recognise the value it adds to the community.”
  • “Many disabled children and adults still face some barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. If these barriers are not dismantled and removed, then all of us miss out. We will not prosper if disabled people are not able to participate in and contribute to our communities on an equal basis with others.”

For the period which this report relates to, the Ministry is responsible for most DSS and works to drive improved outcomes for disabled people. The Ministry is focused on strategic policy, stewardship, system transformation and capability building for the wider government system as it relates to disabled people.

The Ministry is also focused on creating an inclusive and accessible Aotearoa New Zealand, recognising the importance of involving people from the disabled community in decision-making which affects their lives.

Through the DSS-funded system, we provide support to approximately 62,000 disabled people and their families and whānau, as well as Equipment and Modification Services to over 47,000 disabled people.

Whaikaha is committed to inclusive employment policies and practices that remove barriers for disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori to work within the Ministry at all levels of the organisation. Currently, more than 40 percent of our kaimahi/staff identify as disabled.

Many of our people are family members and whānau of disabled people or have other links to the community. The Ministry continues to strengthen its capability by building closer relationships with disability community groups and organisations to inform and guide its work.

The prevalence of disability in New Zealand is proportionally higher among Māori and Pacific peoples. When adjusted for age, the Māori rate of impairment increases to 32 percent, compared with the general population at 24 percent. Because Māori are a younger population, impairments are less likely to be linked to age-related conditions. Appendix 1 provides further information about the diversity of the disabled community and the barriers experienced.