New data shows disability providers under extreme pressure to deliver contracted support

New Zealand Disability Service Network media release 20 December 2023 New data shows disability service providers are struggling to meet demands for their services, and over a third are operating at a loss, meaning there are no guarantees for disabled New Zealanders seeking support. A December New Zealand Disability Service Network member survey showed: Alarmingly, …

NZ Disability Support Network First Meeting With New Disability Issues Minister, Hon Penny Simmonds

 Jonathan Mosen (NZDSN Chair), Fletcher Tabuteau (Capital GR) and Peter Reynolds met with Minister Simmonds for 15 minutes Tuesday morning.  Also attending was Amanda Bleckmann from Whaikaha. We didn’t go through the BiM in detail, although noted the Minister had been through our document, made notes and had a number of questions. We commented that …

NZDSN Opinion: As the government repeals fair pay agreements, the pressure is on to finally settle pay equity claims, Peter Reynolds writes.

Otago Daily Times: The worry of wage expectations under a new government 18th December 2023 To date, there have been no Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) claims in the disability sector. Their removal was predictable, as it was well-signalled ahead of the election. The repealing of the FPA legislation and suspension of any funding towards FPA …

Appointment of the New Minister for Disability Issues

The new National-led coalition has announced its Cabinet and portfolio line-up.  Hon Penny Simmonds has been appointed Minister of Disability Issues.  Unfortunately, this appointment is outside Cabinet – not a good endorsement for the disability sector.  Read the following media statement from our CEO and the interview on Morning Report. …

NZDSN Opinion: As government repeals Fair Pay Agreements, the pressure is on Pay Equity claims

By Peter Reynolds, New Zealand Disability Support Network CEO 6th December 2023 To date, there have been no Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) claims in the disability sector. Their removal was predictable, as it was well-signalled ahead of the election.   The repealing of the FPA legislation and suspension of any funding toward FPA claims in progress …