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 also report to the Minister for Disability Issues and support the Ministerial Committee on Disability Issues. We are located within the Ministry of Social Development.
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
New Zealand ratified the Convention on 26 September 2008 and is progressively implementing its obligations. The Government has established a framework to promote, protect and monitor implementation of the Convention, which involves participants within government and independent of government.
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.
New Zealand Disability Strategy
The New Zealand Disability Strategy is the government framework for removing barriers to disabled people's participation in society. The Minister for Disability Issues reports annually on progress.
Ministerial Committee on Disability Issues
The Ministerial Committee co-ordinates action across government impacting on disabled people. Its Disability Action Plan provides priorities for implementation by government agencies.
