It gives me much pleasure as the Minister for Disability Issues to present the third report on progress in the implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.  It is heartening to see that this report on disability-related work by government agencies between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003 shows increased activity and progress across the whole of government.

The Strategy presents the aspirations of New Zealanders with disabilities for a society that values and continually enhances their full participation.  The Strategy outlines what government agencies need to do to remove barriers and promote a fully inclusive society.

This report is the first to cover a complete year of action by all 37 government departments, 27 of which are reporting on their first attempt at implementing the Strategy.  As more agencies, and individuals within agencies, have engaged with the Strategy it is clear that they have gained experience in, confidence in and commitment to progressing its objectives. This is reflected in the more comprehensive coverage of this progress report.  For the first time we are able to report significant activity under every one of the 15 objectives, including many of the 113 actions of the Disability Strategy.

As I said in last year's report, consultation with and involvement of disabled people by departments are pivotal to the implementation of the Strategy.  I am particularly encouraged to be able to report an increased involvement of disabled people in supporting the development of Government policy.  Progress towards fostering leadership by disabled people is much stronger than it has been in previous years.  One highlight is the VIP (Valued, Included and Participating) calendar, developed by Ripple Trust to promote the New Zealand Disability Strategy, under contract to the Ministry of Health.

I am also proud of New Zealand's contribution to the development of a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  This has been achieved with significant leadership from various groups of disabled people.  The Government modelled a partnership approach to disability issues when it sent a delegation to the United Nations including three disabled people participating alongside officials.  The delegation was recognised by the international non-government organisation (NGO) community for its progressive approach and the leadership it brought to the meeting.

I am pleased that this year many of the activities reported on will make a real difference to the lives of disabled people.  For example, major progress has been made towards setting up a Telephone Relay Service.  It is envisaged that by late 2004 people who are Deaf or who have hearing or speech impairments will have access to instant two-way communication just like everyone else.  Another example is the pilots established across the country designed to help disabled people in their transition to work.

I am confident that the focus on making a real difference will continue.  With my full support, the Office for Disability Issues has made an investment into building the disability knowledge of departments and developing mutually beneficial relationships.  We aim to embed the objectives of the New Zealand Disability Strategy into all planning, policies and processes of departments' business.  This is exciting, as it places the implementation of the Strategy as part of departments' business-as-usual regime.  The resulting implementation plans for the 2003-04 year are very encouraging.

I am looking forward to watching progress over the next year as this investment starts to pay off and as commitment to the Strategy continues to gain impetus within the work of all government agencies.  It is notable that three Crown entities have chosen to participate in the reporting process by submitting implementation work plans.  This is the first step in widening the reach of the Strategy to include the broader state sector and local government.

In the year ahead, I anticipate some very significant policy work, the further development of exciting service provision pilots, and the increasing participation of disabled people in government decision making through increased consultation and leadership. 

Many of the necessary changes are beginning to happen to achieve our vision of an inclusive society, and to ensure that we can and do make a world of difference. 

Hon Ruth Dyson
Minister for Disability Issues