Vaka Tautua applauds disability system transformation
The Minister for Disability Issues, Carmel Sepuloni, and Minister of Health, Andrew Little, today announced significant changes to the disability system in Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes the establishment of a Ministry for Disabled People and accessibility laws.
Hon. Carmel Sepuloni announcing disability system transformation.
Minister Sepuloni began the announcement by saying that in 2012 she was privileged to have been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Vaka Tautua, our very own national Pacific health, disability and social services organisation. Her role included piloting a new approach to disability support called “Enabling Good Lives”, which is now the Government’s guiding strategy for disability.
Minister Sepuloni said, “The pilot was being touted as a game changer – finally a model that would provide disabled people with choice and control… I acknowledge each and every one of you that continue the fight and those that have passed, for the contribution that you have made and the role that you have played.”
Minister Sepuloni also spoke of a recent compelling case put forward by the Pacific disability community, via the Tōfa Mamao Collective, another Vaka Tautua partnership, and said she has been listening.
Former and current CEOs of Vaka Tautua, Hon. Carmel Sepuloni (L) and Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop (R).
Vaka Tautua’s incumbent Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, says, “Today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work of our disabled peoples, families, and communities, to have their voices and lived experiences valued. It has been a privilege, being part of the journey in championing issues for our Pacific disabled peoples, together with PIASS Trust, the Tōfa Mamao Disability Collective and Tangaroa Disability Collective.”
Ministers Sepuloni and Little outlined further details for the transformation of the disability system to make Aotearoa New Zealand more accessible, with a commitment to ensuring disabled people are part of an inclusive society.
This will include a new independent agency, temporarily called the Ministry for Disabled People. Supported by the Ministry for Social Development, the new Ministry will be responsible for driving better outcomes for all disabled people, in partnership with disabled people and their whānau.
“Our Pacific and Māori and disabled peoples are over-represented (in the sector) but not engaging fully because of the tension and disconnect that exists between policy and services and our peoples’ cultural worldviews and ways of doing,” says Dr Dunlop.
“Ensuring the system, policies and services are indeed enabling, culturally relevant and appropriate for our Pacific disabled peoples and their families is crucial. Vaka Tautua looks forward to being part of this journey, supporting our Pacific families to ensure their voices are listened to and heard, and that they thrive and prosper.”
As Minister Sepuloni said, “He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.”
Watch the video on demand on the Attitude website, or visit the Ministry of Social Development website for more information on the announcement.