Disability Connect

There's one week left to have your say on the Disability Support Services Bill before it goes to the next stage of the parlimentary process.

We've developed a draft response and want to know if there's anything else you think we should consider.

In summary, we're advocating for a full redesign of the Bill.

We're highlighting that it does not provide clarity, certainty, or rights protections for disabled people or their families.

Instead, it relies on unpaid labour, expands subjective decision making, and leaves too much power to future Ministers to make changes aligned with a charity framework of disability that other developed nations have moved on from.

We're sharing specific concerns around “natural supports”, the Needs Assessment Tool, NASC decision making, secondary legislation and future policy.

The absence of meaningful consultation with disabled people and families has resulted in a Bill in which disabled people who are carers themselves are not recognised.

Our recommendation is to redevelop the Bill alongside disabled people, their families, and wider support systems, so our rights are restored and upheld.

The process must honour the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, embrace a social disability framework, be consistent with the NZ Disability Strategy, and reflect the lived realities of the people most affected.

Read our full draft submission on our website: https://disabilityconnect.org.nz/disability-support-services-bill-submissions-due-by-12-june-2026/

You can also make an individual submission. More information is available on the Parliament website: https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/committees-press-releases/have-your-say-on-the-disability-support-services-bill/

We welcome your thoughts and feedback in the comments or by emailing [email protected] by 5pm, Wednesday 10 June.

Image description: Graphic with a question mark on top and text below: "Disability Support Services Bill. Is there anything else we should consider in our submission?"

When you spend most of your week looking after someone else, it’s easy to forget your own wellbeing needs.

If you’re a parent, whānau member or caregiver of a disabled loved one, join us for an online Parent Support Group event with Lee Tempest from VisAble on 10 June.

During this free daytime webinar, we’ll talk about the unseen challenges of caregiving and how these stressors can impact our bodies. Lee will also share simple ways to promote relaxation and support your nervous system.

We often hear how much parents and families value the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. If you’re interested in meeting others in the community, we warmly welcome you to join us.

For more information, including how to register, check out our event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HprSfLUq3/

Image description: A promotional poster for the event. The text reads: “Nourishing Our Nervous System. Parent Support Group. Free online event for families. Join us for a webinar on caregiving and self-care with Lee Tempest from VisAble. Wednesday 10 June 2026, 11:00am to 1:00pm. Online via Zoom. Register for the link." There is a photo of Lee beside the text.

To celebrate Mother's Day earlier this month, our Parent Support Group enjoyed a cosy evening together, connecting over hot chai tea and chats about wellbeing.

Thank you to Holistic Wellness Coach Anju Desai for teaching us how to make our own chai and sharing the benefits of different spices, such as turmeric, cumin, fennel seeds and cardamom.

Abdul Eraki from Northwest 7 Day Pharmacy also shared information about prescription-based support services, including for vulnerable families and disabled people.

If you didn’t already know, NorthWest 7 Day Pharmacy offers free delivery service to the wider Northwest area for their prescription. They can also provide support at cost for some non-funded prescriptions and vaccines to help whānau, especially those experiencing financial difficulties, as part of their dedication to supporting the community’s healthcare needs.

Image descriptions:
1: Anju gesturing with her hands while presenting to the group. There are jars of spices on the table next to her.
2: Abdul, dressed in a white pharmacy uniform, presents to the group of parents seated opposite him. There is a table with craft items next to the audience, and two people sit here drawing.
3: Disability Connect team member Jess and Anju stand together smiling in front of a Holistic Wellness banner.

Some of our team forgot it was Mother’s Day this Sunday. If you did too, you’re in good company.

To the mums and mother‑figures walking alongside disabled children and adults - the driving, the advocacy, the sleepless nights, the endless forms, the celebrations big and small - you carry so much.

We see you, and we honour you.

May you feel appreciated, supported, and surrounded by aroha. We thank you for all that you do!

Image description: a simple illustration of two bears viewed from behind with their arms around each other. Text above reads, "Happy Mother’s Day!"