What's Happening

This is an opportunity for disabled people, emergency services, and others to talk about their earthquake experience.

April 2012

Read guidance for agencies on including a disability perspective in Canterbury earthquake recovery planning.

March 2012

Read our Briefing to the Incoming Minister for Disability Issues 2011.

February 2012

Read the the independent working group report on 'Day Options' to the Minister for Disability Issues.

August 2011

Read the NZSL Act review 2011.

October 2011

Read the Minister's report on implementing the NZ Disability Strategy.

September 2011

The Office for Disability Issues

The Office for Disability Issues is the focal point within government on disability issues. We promote and monitor implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We report to the Minister for Disability Issues and support the Ministerial Committee on Disability Issues.

New Zealand Disability Strategy

The New Zealand Disability Strategy is the Government's committment to promoting a society that is inclusive of disabled people. Find out more how to implement the New Zealand Disability Strategy in our guides and toolkits, or read research and statistics on disabled New Zealanders.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

New Zealand ratified the Convention on 26 September 2008 and is progressively implementing its obligations. Reports on progress are submitted to the UN every four years. The Government has established a framework to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the Convention, which involves participants within government and independent of government. The Ministerial Committee on Disability Issues leads and co-ordinates implementation across government.

Email newsletter

Sign up to receive our monthly email newsletter, with news and information from the Minister for Disability Issues, government agencies, and the disability sector.

Promoting positive attitudes and behaviours towards disabled people

The Government has invested $3 million dollars over three years for a campaign to improve attitudes and behaviours towards disabled people. The campaign will fund community-driven social change, strengthen existing initiatives and support new approaches to changing attitudes. Support will be provided through national strategic partnership with organisations and the Making a Difference fund for local, community-based initiatives.