A little bit of Friday awhi

Kia ora friends,

We know that there is distress and concern in the community around the changes to Whaikaha and concerns around how the new government sanctions will impact supports. We don’t yet know what all of these changes mean but we are trying to find out for you.

The goal that so many people have fought for, for so long, is for disabled people to have more control over the services and support they receive. This was why the community fought for Whaikaha to be established.

It was an agency set up for and by disabled people, in true recognition of ‘Nothing about us, without us’.
 
Moving DSS (Disability Support Services) into the Ministry of Social Development and removing funding and power from Whaikaha is a direct attack on the Government’s commitment to disabled people and their families.

Advocates and members of the community do not support the changes and do not believe they will work in the best interests of disabled people.

To make such a decision without any consultation with the community is heartbreaking and paternalistic. It is insulting to the disabled community, their families and carers.
 
Minister Louise Upston does not know better than disabled people and their families and the parents and carers of disabled children. We are best placed to know what our families need - not a politician who will come and go.
 
There must be no further changes that remove the fundamental rights of the disabled community.

Many staff at Whaikaha have reached out to Awhi Ngā Mātua and the community to share how this sudden and shocking announcement has affected them. These staff are disabled themselves and are heartbroken. We send our love, solidarity and support to them.

If you would like to give feedback on the changes - please answer the questions in the short DPA survey.

There is an email template to send your feedback about the changes to Prime Minister Luxon and Louise Upston - click here to use it.

You can also let us know your thoughts by email hello@awhingamatua.org.nz or simply reply to this email.

Further reading (the government has not put out accessible formats sadly for their announcements - we are working to try to see this happen):

• Minister Louise Upston's press release

• Read the report Independent Review of Disability Support Services, Phase One Report" (PDF)

• Whaikaha Chief Executive's response to the review (PDF). 

• Disabled Persons Assembly statement and information -- We encourage the community to sign up to this newsletter here.

• Rebekah Corlett MNZM
  has a new post about the changes Stupid Greedy Seagulls -No crumbs left for the disability community, yet again.

• Emily Writes
  has a post This government won't stop attacking disabled people.

Here is a karakia from Stacey and Scotty Morrison that might help you get through this weekend:

It translates to: The sky is tranquil, the earth is still, everything is calm, our whānau sleeps peacefully, immersed in deep love and contentment, sleep well.

Arohanui from the Awhi team.

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).