Findings from Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition Monitoring of Disability Rights
The Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Coalition has released findings from the Disabled Person-Led Monitoring research project. This project monitors how well the New Zealand government implements the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The current report focuses on the establishment and intent of Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People and is the first of five reports monitoring disabled people’s experiences of supports and services. Conducted by the Donald Beasley Institute on behalf of the DPO Coalition, the research, which is based on interviews with disability sector leaders and disabled people, whānau, aiga, and close supporters, highlights both progress and concerns about the Ministry’s structure, operations, and alignment with the needs of the disability community. The data was collected between late 2022 and early 2024, before the reduction of function and operations of Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, and the findings provide critical insights for shaping a Ministry that genuinely represents the rights, needs, and aspirations of disabled people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
[The government officials] don’t have all the answers clearly, that’s why things have to change so [there is] a different way of sharing power.” (Disability Sector Leader 13-01)
Key findings include:
Respect for Foundational Principles: While the establishment of Whaikaha was grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the UNCRPD, and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles, participants expressed concern that these were not always respected in practice. There was a call for stronger partnerships between tākata whaikaha Māori, disabled people, and the Crown.
Operations and Functions: Participants emphasised the importance of well-resourced Disability Supports and Services (DSS) to achieve equity for disabled people, including addressing the disparities between disability funding from DSS and ACC.
Frustrations and Cautious Optimism: Participants felt frustrated with the lack of accessible information about Whaikaha’s functions. They were also concerned about the impact that changes in government have on the Ministry’s direction and about the exclusion of certain disability groups, such as people with psychosocial disabilities, chronic health conditions and older disabled people, that prevented them from benefitting from the new Ministry.
Participants recommended Whaikaha:
- Upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the UNCRPD, EGL principles, and the social and human rights models of disability, and promotes a government-wide commitment to the human rights of disabled people.
- Strengthens partnerships with disability communities, prioritising leadership from tākata whaikaha and whānau hauā.
- Serves as a “one-stop-shop” for accessible information and support for disabled people and their whānau.
The report is available in official languages and accessible formats (Te Reo Māori, NZSL, Easy Read, Braille, Large Print, and audio) from the Donald Beasley Institute’s website at https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring-of-the-uncrpd/
Contacts:
Alexia Black (Chair Balance, DPO Coalition Member): 022 395 9761.
Umi Asaka (Researcher – the Donald Beasley Institute): uasaka@donaldbeasley.org.nz
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