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 of disinvestment from successive governments that has gone on long enough.  We need a fair go.

Whaikaha is a brand new Ministry.  We believe this decision is not negative, but an endorsement of the importance of their role in our disability community.

We welcome the approach and trust the proposed review will highlight the level of investment needed to give disabled people a good life and otherwise enable the sector and country to meet its United Nations obligations.  We look forward to continuing to work with Whaikaha to deliver sensible policies developed in partnership with the sector.