NZDSN CEO Peter Reynolds challenged Whaikaha to lead and bring the disability sector together.
“Many people, including some in this room, have long called for a Ministry of our own, separate from MSD and Health, to truly understand the needs of the people we serve.
“I realise Whaikaha is a relatively new Ministry, and some problems have become apparent in recent months, but we want you to succeed and be the best you can be, to serve our disabled community and our members.
“By its very nature, our disability sector is diverse, with a range of views, issues and challenges. The danger is that addressing its different parts – people with disabilities, their families, advocates… and yes, providers, separately leads to a fractured, piecemeal approach. Try and please everyone, you please no-one.”
“The challenge I put to Whaikaha is to bring these groups together. These problem we face are too great to solve on our own. We’re ready and willing to work together – by understanding each others’ problems and goals, we have a far better chance than doing it alone,” said Peter Reynolds.
ENDS