Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People View our
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Pacific community talanoa feedback report

Download the full report or read it using the section menu for navigation. 

Tēnā koutou kātoa, Noa’ia, Mālō ni, Kia orāna, Mauri, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Talofa lava, Halo oloketa, Mālō e lelei, and Pacific greetings.

Fakamalolo ke he tau amaamankiaga, ke mafola ai e tau matakainga - strengthen all endeavours and the community will benefit”
(Niuean Proverb)

A picture of green palm tree fronds interlocking with each other
The leaves of a coconut tree depict shelter, protection and provision to the social interactions that bring harmony to the person and their surroundings.

Acknowledgement

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People recognises the dedication and passion shared by the community throughout the talanoa series and we want to thank you for sharing your stories of strength, challenges, resilience, and success. The gift of your voices has brought this report to life and now we need to ensure the Action Plan we develop reflects the thoughts of our people.

Meitaki Maata, Fa’afetai lava, Fakaaue, Vinaka, Fakafetai lasi, Malo ’Aupito, Fakafetai lahi lele, Tanakyu, Ngā mihi

Introduction

Pacific disabled people are an important area of focus for the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha (Whaikaha).

Whaikaha is developing a National Pacific Disability Action Plan (the Action Plan). Progressing this Action Plan is a priority for Whaikaha. It demonstrates our on-going commitment to improving disability services, information, and cultural responsiveness to the needs of our communities. 

The advice from our Pacific disabled community is to ensure Whaikaha co-design and co-develop this Action Plan with and for Pacific disabled people.

Our community have told us they want an Action Plan that boldly re-shapes the design of disability supports around the needs and aspirations of Pacific disabled people and their Aiga in Aotearoa, New Zealand for the next five years.

The Action Plan is being co-developed with the guidance and support of many Pacific disabled people representing Pacific young people and their parents, service providers, and support groups such as, Blind/Low vision Pacific group and Parents of children with autism groups.

From February to April 2024 a series of 20 talanoa (conversations) were held throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand for all Pacific disabled people and their aiga, carers to share their experiences with us. 

The talanoa series was attended by over 1000 Pacific disabled people with their Aiga, carers, community leaders, Pacific non-government organisations, providers, extended family members and others interested in conversations regarding disability.

This report brings together feedback and information from this talanoa series. It aims to offer a comprehensive perspective and voice of how we can all contribute to the collective success of Pacific disabled people.   

Mua ia ina Mua Ō! – This is our moment.