Submission of Access Matters Aotearoa on the Draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030

Kōrero Tahi Outcomes: Share Your Voice on the Draft Disability Strategy 

Access Matters Aotearoa (AMA), the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA), and Enabling Good Lives (EGL), with support from Whaikaha, held a national kōrero on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy for 2026–2030.   

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Together, we explored the Strategy’s vision, principles, and priority areas as we shared disability community perspectives on the future of disability policy in Aotearoa. 

You can now access: 

• Post Event Insight Summary (word) or (PDF)

• Event Transcript (word) or (PDF)

• Breakout Room Notes (word) or (PDF)

Why Your Feedback Matters 

This draft Strategy will guide government policy and investment in disability for the next five years. It is vital that disabled people, whānau, carers, and allies make their voices heard so the final Strategy reflects lived experience and real priorities. Without robust feedback, there is a risk of missed opportunities and continued gaps in support across education, employment, housing, health, justice, and beyond. 

Every submission counts. The more feedback Whaikaha receives, the better the Strategy will reflect the disability community’s needs. 

How to Share Feedback with Whaikaha 

You can have your say in several ways: 

• Online survey: Complete the consultation survey here 

• Email: Send feedback to [email protected]

• By post (free):

  Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People 
  Reply Paid 262204 
  PO Box 1556 
  Wellington 6140 

• Phone / text: Call 0800 566 601 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–5 pm) or text 4206 

Easy Read and alternate formats of the draft Strategy are available on the Whaikaha website. 

Let’s make sure this Strategy reflects what the disability community really needs and wants.