Webinar Recording
Our next kōrero shines a light on the systemic barriers that continue to exclude disabled people from equitable access to justice in Aotearoa. Despite some legal advances, disabled individuals still face profound challenges within a justice system that is not designed to be universally inclusive. Barriers include:
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Increased risk of crime and victimisation, disabled people are 55% more likely to experience crime, yet are less empowered to report or navigate the system.
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Court systems unprepared for disability-inclusive responses, especially for intellectual or psychosocial disabilities that require procedural accommodations.
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Lack of accessible legal aid—eligibility limits and Court reliance on loans leave many disabled people without proper representation.
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Inadequate communication support—people with learning disabilities often struggle to understand their rights and courtroom procedures.
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Exclusion from policy and legislative design, disabled people are rarely consulted, and government responses remain siloed.
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Persistent institutionalisation and historical injustices, from past systemic abuse to ongoing inaccessibility in care environments.
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Intersectional impacts on tāngata whaikaha Māori, Pacific disabled communities, and those with psychosocial disabilities.
Whether you’re a legal professional, policymaker, advocate, or disabled person interacting with the justice system, this session offers deep insights and tangible pathways for transformation. Join us to explore how we can co-design a justice system that uproots exclusion, embeds procedural accommodations, and builds genuine participation, all grounded in the social and human‑rights model of disability.
Download the Webinar Transcript
Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025
Time: 9am to 12pm
Where: via Zoom
Master of Ceremonies: Franceska Tangaere, Changemaker, Advocate, and Influencer
Speakers: Dr Huhana Hickey MNZM, Academic, Disability Rights Lawyer; Warren Forster, Barrister and Researcher, ACC Advocacy Service; Dr Juanita Ryan, Deputy Chief Executive, Pae Ora, Ara Poutama Aotearoa, Department of Corrections; Superintendent Andrew Mortimore, Director, Prevention PNHQ, New Zealand Police Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa; Brigit Mirfin-Veitch, Associate Professor, Director, Donald Beasley Institute; Dr Michael Roguski, Social Scientist and Director, Kataiki Research and Evaluation; Dr Lida Ayoubi, Senior Lecturer, Director of Postgraduate Programmes, School of Law, Auckland University of Technology; Susan Martell, Legal Supervisor Associate, Aotearoa Disability Law; Prudence Walker, Kaihautū Tika Hauātanga Disability Rights Commissioner, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata, New Zealand Human Rights Commission; Kate Mackay, Member of TLANZ's, Mental Health and Disability Law Committee; Darryn Aitchison, General Manager, Youth Law; Paul Gibson QSO, Chair, NZ Disability Strategy Justice Working Group, Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People; Tania Thomas, Director of Advocacy, IHC New Zealand; Nan Jenson, Director, Better Lives Legal
Moderators: Tarewa Cowan, Governance and Operations Liaison Officer, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa NZ (Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Pourou); Caleb Simpkins, Lawyer Intern, Simpkins Legal; Kera Sherwood-O'Regan, National President, Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand; Dr Huhana Hickey MNZM, Academic, Disability Rights Lawyer
Attending: Anyone who wants to gain insights, share experiences, and be part of the movement toward a more equitable and inclusive justice system.
Programme: Word Doc, Large Print, PDF, Braille, Audio EASY READ, NZSL Intro, NZSL Full Programme
Contact: Kimberly Graham via [email protected]