1. Lead Agency for the New Zealand Disability Strategy

Monitor the New Zealand Disability Strategy (New Zealand Disability Strategy):

• develop appropriate monitoring system for the New Zealand Disability Strategy; and
• negotiate appropriate outcome measures with the Minister.

Report on New Zealand Disability Strategy:

• prepare annual reports to Parliament from the Minister for Disability Issues as required by the NZHDA; and
• negotiate content with the Minister.

Lead implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy:

• identify the Minister’s priority objectives for action;
• assist departments to interpret the New Zealand Disability Strategy into achievable goals;
• negotiate implementation plans with other departments/Ministers; and
• report on work plans.

Ongoing development and revision of the New Zealand Disability Strategy:

• maintain a ‘living document’ approach to the New Zealand Disability Strategy and advise on requirements for ongoing development and revision in light of sector changes/needs.

Promote New Zealand Disability Strategy across central and local government, the disability sector and the general public:

• be a first point of contact for government, the disability sector and wider public regarding the New Zealand Disability Strategy; and
• encourage the government and disability sectors to move beyond compliance and into cultural change.

Manage New Zealand Disability Strategy website and provide other public information:

• establish, maintain and monitor a website; and
• produce and distribute other required resources.

Develop and promote resources across government departments:

• identify resources required to implement the New Zealand Disability Strategy; and
• lead the development of those resources.

2. Policy advice on disability issues

Lead agency for inter-sectoral disability policy issues:

• lead cross-sectoral and strategic disability policy. A priority is developing a framework for equity of access and coherence of services and support.

Prepare briefing papers:

• provide advice on issues affecting people with disabilities.

Maintain overview of all policy affecting people with disabilities:

• provide input to other government agencies on issues and policies affecting people with disabilities.

Maintain overview of Cabinet papers:

• review all relevant Cabinet papers to ensure appropriate inclusion of disability perspective.

Establish effective relationships with key stakeholders:

• develop and maintain links with key individuals, the disability sector and government agencies.

Provide advice on disability sector views:

• take a pro-active and reactive role in gathering information regarding disability sector issues, views and concerns, and report these to the Minister and wider government.

Co-ordinate international obligations:

• liaise with MFAT on meeting formal international obligations;
• co-ordinate information/reporting requirements; and
• provide advice on international issues.

3. Ministerial Servicing

Speech notes:

• prepare speech notes for the Minister of Disability Issues.

Ministerial correspondence:

• prepare draft replies to Ministerial correspondence, answers to

For further information contact the Office for Disability Issues.