Search

Disability Issues and Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner says a hard-working and talented group has produced a high-level design for the transformed disability support system.

“The co-design group, which includes disabled people, worked intensively over several months to create and shape the framework for this new system,” Ms Wagner says.

Budget 2017 will invest an extra $205.4 million over four years to maintain and improve disability support services, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner say.

“The Government is committed to providing disabled people with more support so they can have greater independence and live better lives in their communities,” Dr Coleman says.

“The sector will receive an extra $52.3 million in 2017/18, taking its total funding to $1.2 billion for the year.

Evaluations of the Christchurch and Waikato Enabling Good Lives (EGL) demonstrations will help guide the transformation of the disability support system, Disability Issues and Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner says.

“The Phase Two evaluation reports show disabled people and their families really value having more choice, more control and more flexibility when it comes to the support they receive,” Ms Wagner says.

Disability Issues and Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner today announced the group responsible for designing the new disability support system.

“The co-design process is an exciting opportunity for leaders in the disability sector to work in partnership with government to transform the disability support system,” Ms Wagner says.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner have congratulated the winners of the Attitude Awards, which recognise the exceptional contributions made by disabled New Zealanders.

“This year the Ministry of Health sponsored the Making a Difference Award, which is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of disabled people,” says Dr Coleman.

Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman and Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner say the country is extremely proud of what our Paralympians achieved in Rio. 

“Our 31 Kiwi Paralympians achieved 21 medals in total - nine gold, five silver, and seven bronze – that’s three medals over their target,” says Dr Coleman.

“On a medals per capita basis, New Zealand topped the table, maintaining the top position it achieved in London 2012.

Data released today about the use of Ministry of Health-funded disability support services will help ensure that disabled New Zealanders are receiving the best services, says Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

The demographic data, which has been made publically available for the first time, gives detailed information about the age, ethnicity, marital status, accommodation, deprivation levels and disability types of people using ministry-funded disability support services.

The data will put disabled people at the centre of decision-making, Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and Minister for Disability Issues Nicky Wagner today congratulated the winners of the Attitude Awards, being held on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Mr Lotu-Iiga will present the Attitude ACC Supreme Award at the ceremony in Auckland tonight.

The Attitude Awards recognise the huge number of New Zealanders who live with disabilities, including those with intellectual, physical and mental health disabilities.