Hello friends,
How are you on this chilly day? We wanted to give you an update on how things are going and share some information and news that might be of interest to the community.
First of all, we came together as a community last month in Te Whanganui a Tara to write to Louise Upston the Minister for Disability Issues. We had been trying unsuccessfully to share your stories with Louise about the impact of the disability cuts on your families.
After trying quite a few different avenues we decided to post them to her. We wrote her address at Parliament on more than 250 envelopes and sent them off.
We haven’t had any acknowledgement from Louise but we can say your stories were sent and we will be holding another one of these events to send out these stories again on your behalf.
Whanaketia – Through pain and trauma, from darkness to light
One week ago, the Abuse in Care - Royal Commission of Inquiry report was published. Awhi Ngā Mātua honours the more than 2300 survivors who shared their harrowing stories to bring justice for the more than 200,000 New Zealanders abused and harmed by the state, churches, police and the organisations that should have protected them.
For decades survivors and families have fought at great personal cost for justice. We believe the true number of those neglected and abused may never be known. We honour and remember them all and hold space for them and their families. We see their courage and pain. We stand beside them.
We commit as a community of both disabled parents and parents of disabled tamariki to end ableism. And to always stand with our community.
Thank you to survivors and their whānau. This is part of our history. May justice come now. We send peace and aroha to all in our precious community - past, present, and future.
Thank you and goodbye to Tākai
We also have sad news that you probably already have heard - After more than 20 years, Tākai will be closing on 9 August 2024.
Awhi Ngā Mātua is so very saddened and disappointed to hear that Tākai is being forced to close due to funding cuts after 20 years in operation. It is a huge loss to the parenting community. We are very grateful for all of the amazing resources they created. We know this will be a very difficult time for the many people who have been part of the SKIP /Tākai community. We send our solidarity and support. We encourage families to go to the Tākai website now and download resources before their forced removal.
Congratulations Rare Disorders NZ on New Zealand's first Rare Disorders Strategy
On 25 July 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Rare Disorders Strategy was released.
Developed by Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health, the Rare Disorders Strategy is the first high level, documented intention to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with a rare disorder and their whānau.
The Strategy also marks the first time Aotearoa New Zealand has a definition of what is considered a rare disorder. Read more here.
Community surveys and opportunities
Have you taken Carers NZ’ State of Caring survey? Please note that State of Caring is only for people who provide care and support for someone in your family, friends, whānau or āiga who is frail, unwell, or has a disability or health condition. It’s not for those who work in the care sector.
Carers NZ is participating in a research project that addresses social isolation and loneliness among people with physical disabilities and their family/whānau carers. Take the survey here.
Auckland Arts Festival is looking for an Access & Inclusion Programme Coordinator. The role includes planning the planning, delivery and reporting of the Access & Inclusion programme, and improvinglbest practices and engagement with d/Deaf and disabled artists and audiences. You can check out the job description here, or email hr@aaf.co.nz for more information. Applications close 12 August.
Headlines from the last few months…
Worker Shortage A Key Cause Of Disability Support Complaints
New disability issues minister Louise Upston insists Whaikaha will re-brand
Govt scraps pay top-up; 900-plus disabled workers miss out on minimum wage
Housing changes will make it ‘harder for disabled people to live’, advocate says
Analysis: After 75 years, disabled people are still battling for support
Voices from our community
"Parents like us" - A story of allyship after isolation, and payment after consultation by
We are not stakeholders - Our children are not numbers on a spreadsheet by
Reflecting on the Abuse in Care Inquiry report by
Ordinary, everyday lives - and the ways in which professionals brush past people who matter by
We hope you have a peaceful weekend. As always we would love to hear from you. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Really sad how this government just doesn't care.
Has anyone read the rare disorders strategy and want to summarise for me? It feels important but I don't have the energy right now. Maybe later.