Disability Service Changing Lives

Wellingtonian, Soe Avei, in her newly-modified van.

Over 540 Pacific disabled peoples and their families across Aotearoa have received support from Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Service (DIAS) in the past six months.  

A rapid review of the national service shows there have been over 4,860 enquiries for information and advice made to the DIAS teams in the past six months. Of these, 540 of the enquires were referred to other disability and social service providers for additional support. 

Modifications to a client’s home in Christchurch.

“Each day is different… Knowing what’s available in the disability sector, providing this information and advice to our Pacific disabled peoples and their families, and connecting them to key services is our main role,” says Auckland DIAS Team Leader, Kramer Hoeflich. 

“However, because our people need cultural support, someone who knows and understands them, to help them navigate the system and get what they need, we’re always doing more (than providing information and advice)… like helping them get funding to modify their cars, their homes and mobility cards… it’s great to be able to help our people.” 

Vaka Tautua Wellington DIAS client, Soe Avei, is a testament to the work the team does. Formerly an active member of her church and community, Mrs Avei’s severe arthritis and limited movement has made it difficult for her participate in these groups and activities over the past few years. Mrs Avei came to Vaka Tautua Wellington for help. DIAS Team Leader, Faauuga Faye Seumanutafa, worked with her, writing and submitting an application to the Lotteries Commission for an adapted mobility van. Recently, the funding application was granted. Mrs Avei is now the proud owner of a modified van, and is back engaging and socialising with her family, friends and the wider community.

Vaka Tautua is the only national Pacific disability provider in Aotearoa and has been delivering DIAS since 2007. The service provides independent information and advice on disability and disability services to peoples with disabilities, their families, caregivers, other providers, and the general public, so they can make informed decisions on their pathway forward.  

Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and social services provider with a strong regional presence in the greater Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, social services, and financial capability services.