Latest News

Thoughts On Last Week’s Whaikaha Announcement

Where do things stand as the dust settles after a week’s worth of headlines on the Whaikaha support fund announcement? I personally think some rules around the use of support funds are appropriate. But the announcement of the purchasing guidelines for equipment management services’ funding and the use of funding by those receiving Individualised Funding …

Disability Support has been in the media this morning, following announcements on Whaikaha, funding and new oversight on spending.

RNZ:  https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018931831/disability-support-network-on-funding-boost- ft Peter Reynolds interview  Newsroom: https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/03/26/external-review-to-probe-disability-ministrys-spending-and-systems/ Our position – NZDSN welcomes the additional Cabinet oversight of Whaikaha to ensure they have the funding to do the job.  The decision addresses the previous ill-advised decision to appoint a Minister outside of Cabinet for such an important portfolio. Disability support has been subject to decades …

OPINION PIECE – The Immigration Conundrum and Disability Support

New Zealand’s population over the second half of 2023 grew at its fastest rate since 1946 putting our population at just over 5.3 million people. The government has introduced changes to immigration settings with Finance Minister Nicola Willis saying the door has been open to too many low-skilled workers. Minister Willis has been saying she …

Disability Sector Facing Death By A Thousand Cuts To Fund Tax Cuts

An ongoing series of disability support services cuts, including equipment disabled people can purchase to help them live good lives, offering respite for them and their carers amongst other costs is undermining the entire disability sector, says New Zealand Disability Support Network CEO Peter Reynolds. NZDSN is a network of not-for-profit organisations and some for-profit …

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About Us

New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) is an incorporated society of member organisations which provide support to disabled people.

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What We Do

  • We provide a strong voice to government on matters of policy, service design, and legislation.
  • We promote innovation, quality services, research, and deliver a Provider Development Programme.
  • We ensure good communication with members, and support for regional networks.
  • We contribute to government working parties and reference groups.
  • We contribute to government working parties and reference groups.

Events

We host a range of events to facilitate the sharing of knowledge within the disability sector.

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Our Services

Provider Development Programme

A series of workshops and training events showcasing best/next practice and innovation. Two workstreams are tailored for leaders and direct service staff. The programme also includes communities of practice and leadership mentoring opportunities, and is informed by an analysis of NZDSN member needs.

NZDSN Conferences

NZDSN hosts conferences that attract a wide variety of international and national keynote speakers and workstream presenteres covering the latest developments and innovations within the sector.

Regional Networks

NZDSN supports a series of regional networking activities providing opportunities for information sharing, which ensures providers are well-connected across the regions.

Workforce Development

NZDSN contributes to, and leads initiatives to develop and improve qualification pathways with the disability workforce as well as advocating for fairer remunerations.

Research and Quality Development Projects

These include things like the development of practice guidelines, and policy research.

Become a Member of NZDSN

NZDSN members belong to a values-driven network of service providers and supporters committed to a social change movement that is focused on achieving inclusive lives and active citizenship for disabled people

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