NZDSN Newsletter 15 November 2021

Inside this issue

A message from our CEO

What’s happening in our sector

National Employment Services Coordinator update from Gordon Boxall

The NZDSN Board

Regional news

NewMember introductions

New member profile

Upcoming events.

Members’ Only Facebook Group and LinkedIn

A Message from our CEO

This is the first month of a newer format for our Newsletter.  We hope you find it both useful and informative.

This last month has also been one of the most memorable for our sector.  The announcement by joint Ministers of the formation of a Ministry for Disabled People is the very welcome result of years of lobbying and sends a clear signal to the country that this once-in-a-lifetime change is ready for reform and change to make Enabling Good Lives a reality.  As your representative body, we are now focused on “what next”.  See our media release here.

The Mandatory Vaccination Order has and continues to test us all.  Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but clearly the definition of who is in and who is not could have been much simpler.

After more than seven years Mireille Vreeburg is leaving us at the end of the year.  Mireille has been a great servant and passionate advocate for NZDSN members in the Auckland region and will be sorely missed.  Mireille has signalled it is time for her to focus on her needs and that of her family – something I totally endorse and understand.  She will continue to manage a number of smaller clients through her training business, Coacha Ltd.  We will, in due course, think of ways to farewell Mireille.

Finally, to our colleagues in the upper north, Auckland and Waikato.  Thank you for all you have and continue to do.  Lockdowns are not easy, and for many the duration has been particularly challenging.  Kia Kaha – we are with you!
peter@nzdsn.org.nz

What’s happening in our sector

  • Equitable (residential) pricing project

NZDSN continues to work with the Ministry of Health on the equitable pricing project to develop a fair and transparent funding model for residential services.  This is particularly complex work, but is well on-track.

  • Pay equity settlement legislation

We are chasing the MoH to progress discussions on the pay equity legislation, which has now expired.  Several attempts have been made to re-engage with the MoH, but as resources get dragged into COVID response issues, meetings get cancelled or deferred.  We will continue to chase this as a priority.

  • Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership

We have a great opportunity for people working in organisations that are our members, and individual NZDSN members to get on the Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership with the Open Polytechnic fees free! For further information, go here…

Application processNZDSN Website

National Employment Services – Coordinator update from Gordon Boxall

Gordon is NZDSN’s National Employment Services Co-ordinator. Take a look here for an overview of progress in the Employment Support Diploma, and projects he is currently getting underway – re-stablishing regional Employment Support networks and updating the Employment Support Practice Guidelines. Check it out here…

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The NZDSN Board

We welcome a new Board member, Jonathan Mosen, from Workbridge.  Sean Stowers (Spectrum Care) has been re-elected Chairperson, and Karen Scott (Enrich Plus) as Vice-Chair.  Also re-elected to the Board are Tania Thomas (Te Roopu Taurima), Pip Stewart (Brackenridge), Karen Scott (Enrich Plus) and Carissa Pereira (A Supported Life). A review of NZDSN’s strategic plan for the next five years or so is now underway.

Workforce Development Collaboration: project update

Workforce Development Collaboration: project update

A suite of projects has been developed through NZDSN to address some long standing concerns around the development of the disability support workforce. These are being led by Garth Bennie. Go here for more detail on each of the projects and an update on progress.

Workforce Development Collaboration Project Overview

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Workforce Development Collaboration Project Overview pdf

Workforce Project Update

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Workforce Project Update pdf

Regional News

  • NZDSN Auckland update

For a summary of issues and happenings from the Auckland region, go here.

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  • NZDSN Canterbury/West Coast update

For a summary of issues and happenings from the Canterbury/West Coast region, go here.

Facebook Canterbury/West Coast Update

LinkedIn Canterbury/West Coast Update

  • Nelson/Marlborough Update

For a summary of issues and happenings from the Nelson/Marlborough region, go here.

Please note that some of the issues raised have been “answered” in recent government announcements.

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  • Otago/Southland update

For a summary of issues and happenings from the Nelson/Marlborough region, go here.

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Again, some of the issues raised have been “answered” in recent government announcements.

NewMember introductions

New Member Introductions

We welcome the following new members:

Skillet

Te Wana Ltd

Changing Places

White Cloud Professionalisation

My Life My Voice

St John of God

Workwise

David Hogg (individual member)

Community Living and Lifestyle Choices are pleased to announce that Lifestyle Choices has become a part of Community Living.  Lifestyle Choices have been providing disability support services in the Tauranga, Katikati and Bay of Plenty area since 2001.  For more information, go to: Lifestyle Choices becomes part of Community Living | Community Living NZ

New member profile

In each monthly newsletter, we will feature a randomly-selected member.  This month, we welcome Te Wana Ltd.  Te Wana provide a state of the art range of medical grade Care and Epilepsy sensors to connect local caregivers with their loved ones via Care Pagers.  Multiple sensors can be placed in a house or large residency to help manage many different risks and situations.  Full support is offered to enable people and organisations to identify the right sensor and set up.  Most sensors come with 30-day money-back guarantees and three-year warranties.

Upcoming Events

Safeguarding a Good Life

This workshop will be held on the 2nd and 3rd of December at Tait Technology Centre Tait Communications Campus 245 Wooldridge Road Harewood Christchurch.

To register a family member, contact admin@nzdsn.org.nz  Register here: NZDSN Events

Members’ Only Facebook Group and LinkedIn

NZDSN has created a Members’ Only Facebook group which will give you access to information, events and polls designed specifically for our members.  We invite you to request admission to our private Members’ Only Facebook group Facebook Members’ Corner for yourself and key members of your organisation.  When requesting admission please bear in mind that the person/people for whom you request access to the group will be commenting or answering polls on behalf of your organisation.

Our LinkedIn New Zealand Disability Support Network profile is:

New Zealand Disability Support Network LinkedIn

Our Members Only LinkedIn profile is LinkedIn Members Only

NZDSN November Newsletter pdf

NZDSN November Newsletter word doc