Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Disabled New Zealanders on International Day

The strategy aims to tackle the root causes of disadvantage, reduce inequality, and create a more inclusive society where disabled New Zealanders can lead self-directed, fulfilling lives.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Minister Louise Upston has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to removing barriers and improving the lives of disabled people across Aotearoa. The global 2025 theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” has been formally endorsed by the New Zealand Government as it launches new initiatives to support inclusion and independence.

Upston said the message from the disability community has been clear: disabled people want to participate fully in their communities, exercise choice and control over their own lives, and have equal opportunities to thrive. “While there is still plenty of work to do, progress has been made this year. Today, it’s particularly important to recognise the commitment of the disability community in achieving these goals.”

Launch of the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030

Just one day prior, the Government released the refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026–2030, an action-focused plan shaped through extensive engagement with disabled people, families, service providers, and advocacy organisations. The strategy outlines specific actions across five priority areas:

• Education – ensuring that disabled learners have access to inclusive learning environments and improved learning support.

• Employment – reducing barriers to work and enhancing pathways into meaningful, sustainable jobs.

• Health – improving access to equitable healthcare and reducing wait times for essential supports.

• Housing – increasing the availability of accessible, safe homes that meet the needs of disabled people.

• Justice – addressing systemic barriers and ensuring fair treatment within the justice system.

The strategy aims to tackle the root causes of disadvantage, reduce inequality, and create a more inclusive society where disabled New Zealanders can lead self-directed, fulfilling lives.

Significant Investments Made Across 2024

Upston highlighted several major steps taken this year to strengthen disability supports:

• Education investment: the largest upgrade to learning support in a generation, including expanded Early Intervention Services to support young children with high needs.

• Carers' Strategy Action Plan consultation: now underway, focusing on recognition, financial security, wellbeing, and improved supports for carers who play vital roles in family and community life.

• Disability Support Services transformation: changes coming into effect in February 2026 will give disabled people more flexibility in how they use funding, ensure national consistency in needs assessments, and incorporate carers' needs into planning.

• Residential care improvement funding:

  • $240 million allocated for upgrades to residential care facilities across the country.

  • An additional $60 million per year for the next four years for Disability Support Services—bringing new annual investment to over $1 billion.

These investments aim to ensure disabled people have access to high-quality support systems that are fair, transparent, and sustainable long term.

Recognising the People Behind the Support

Upston also acknowledged families, whānau, carers, disability organisations, and frontline workers for their dedication. “Today I also want to recognise and say thank you to families, whānau, and everyone in the sector for the vital roles they play in supporting disabled New Zealanders.”

With the refreshed strategy, major funding commitments, and ongoing reforms, the Government says it is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, equitable disability system that better meets the needs of all New Zealanders.