Disabled Persons Assembly NZ
@dpanz.bsky.social
DPA is a pan-disability Disabled Person’s Organisation (DPO) that works towards effecting systemic change. This account is monitored during office hours.
Warm wishes from everyone at DPA for a peaceful holiday season. We extend our gratitude to our members, staff, partners, funders, and the disability community for all your support. We'll keep championing disability rights together. Closed 22 Dec 2025, reopening 19 Jan 2026.
December 18, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Warm wishes from everyone at DPA for a peaceful holiday season. We extend our gratitude to our members, staff, partners, funders, and the disability community for all your support. We'll keep championing disability rights together. Closed 22 Dec 2025, reopening 19 Jan 2026.
Disabled people will face impossible choices when it comes to travel, when we know that over half don’t have enough to meet their everyday needs.
This cut to Total Mobility on top of a cost-of-living crisis will only aggravate hardship in an already struggling population.
- Mojo Mathers
This cut to Total Mobility on top of a cost-of-living crisis will only aggravate hardship in an already struggling population.
- Mojo Mathers
Higher taxi costs for disabled, elderly as Total Mobility subsidy cut
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said subsidies would drop from 75% to 65% from July 1, 2026, blaming unsustainable rising costs.
www.1news.co.nz
December 16, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Disabled people will face impossible choices when it comes to travel, when we know that over half don’t have enough to meet their everyday needs.
This cut to Total Mobility on top of a cost-of-living crisis will only aggravate hardship in an already struggling population.
- Mojo Mathers
This cut to Total Mobility on top of a cost-of-living crisis will only aggravate hardship in an already struggling population.
- Mojo Mathers
The Donald Beasley Institute seeks feedback from disabled individuals, tangata whaikaha Māori, D/deaf, chronically ill, neurodivergent people, and their supporters about cost of living and disability in Aotearoa.
Info: buff.ly/GG5QMAH
Questionnaire: buff.ly/PCQ1K1C
Info: buff.ly/GG5QMAH
Questionnaire: buff.ly/PCQ1K1C
December 12, 2025 at 3:50 AM
The Donald Beasley Institute seeks feedback from disabled individuals, tangata whaikaha Māori, D/deaf, chronically ill, neurodivergent people, and their supporters about cost of living and disability in Aotearoa.
Info: buff.ly/GG5QMAH
Questionnaire: buff.ly/PCQ1K1C
Info: buff.ly/GG5QMAH
Questionnaire: buff.ly/PCQ1K1C
It's the last call for DPA National Executive Committee (NEC) nominations.
Nominations close: 5pm Sunday 14 December 2025
We’re looking for:
- our next President Elect, and
- two NEC members.
Are you interested?
Check out the nomination information on our website: www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-inf...
Nominations close: 5pm Sunday 14 December 2025
We’re looking for:
- our next President Elect, and
- two NEC members.
Are you interested?
Check out the nomination information on our website: www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-inf...
December 11, 2025 at 9:01 AM
It's the last call for DPA National Executive Committee (NEC) nominations.
Nominations close: 5pm Sunday 14 December 2025
We’re looking for:
- our next President Elect, and
- two NEC members.
Are you interested?
Check out the nomination information on our website: www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-inf...
Nominations close: 5pm Sunday 14 December 2025
We’re looking for:
- our next President Elect, and
- two NEC members.
Are you interested?
Check out the nomination information on our website: www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-inf...
Last week, for the International Day of Disabled People, Crip the Lit held an event with an eclectic line-up of new poems and prose celebrating disability ancestors.
Wellington Access Radio recorded the event, and it will be broadcast today (9 December) at 2 p.m. Listen here: accessradio.org.nz
Wellington Access Radio recorded the event, and it will be broadcast today (9 December) at 2 p.m. Listen here: accessradio.org.nz
Home - Wellington Access Radio
This is an example page. It’s different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site...
accessradio.org.nz
December 8, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Last week, for the International Day of Disabled People, Crip the Lit held an event with an eclectic line-up of new poems and prose celebrating disability ancestors.
Wellington Access Radio recorded the event, and it will be broadcast today (9 December) at 2 p.m. Listen here: accessradio.org.nz
Wellington Access Radio recorded the event, and it will be broadcast today (9 December) at 2 p.m. Listen here: accessradio.org.nz
Proposed changes to waste collection in the south have concerned an advocacy group for blind citizens. Carolyn Weston, chair of Blind Citizens Southland branch, emphasizes the need for trucks to place bins neatly on the kerb to ensure safety for blind and deafblind people.
Southland disability group raises issues with council bins
Proposed changes to waste collection in the south have raised potential red flags with an advocacy group for blind citizens.
www.1news.co.nz
December 5, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Proposed changes to waste collection in the south have concerned an advocacy group for blind citizens. Carolyn Weston, chair of Blind Citizens Southland branch, emphasizes the need for trucks to place bins neatly on the kerb to ensure safety for blind and deafblind people.
In this podcast interview, long-time disability activist Robyn Hunt chats to The D*List about what went into forming the CRPD and how we can all play a part today.
Aotearoa's role in forming the UNCRDP
In this podcast interview, long-time disability activist Robyn Hunt chats to The D*List about what went into forming the CRPD and how we can all play a part today.
thedlist.co.nz
December 3, 2025 at 7:32 PM
In this podcast interview, long-time disability activist Robyn Hunt chats to The D*List about what went into forming the CRPD and how we can all play a part today.
Today, 3 December, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We wanted to share some important kupu (words) from one of our members, Robyn Hunt.
“We are strongest when we stand together, learn from each other, and build inclusive communities that reflect all our voices.” - Robyn Hunt
“We are strongest when we stand together, learn from each other, and build inclusive communities that reflect all our voices.” - Robyn Hunt
December 2, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Today, 3 December, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We wanted to share some important kupu (words) from one of our members, Robyn Hunt.
“We are strongest when we stand together, learn from each other, and build inclusive communities that reflect all our voices.” - Robyn Hunt
“We are strongest when we stand together, learn from each other, and build inclusive communities that reflect all our voices.” - Robyn Hunt
Reposted by Disabled Persons Assembly NZ
Verb's final event of the year will mark International Day of Disabled People. Crip the Lit writers will share an eclectic line-up of snappy new poems and prose celebrating the rich world of disability ancestors.
NZSL interpreted!
NZSL interpreted!
Crip the Lit: Are you my Ancestor?
Join us for Verb's final event of the year, where we mark International Day of Disabled People with literary flair with Crip the Lit.
events.humanitix.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Verb's final event of the year will mark International Day of Disabled People. Crip the Lit writers will share an eclectic line-up of snappy new poems and prose celebrating the rich world of disability ancestors.
NZSL interpreted!
NZSL interpreted!
A New Zealand company is breaking down barriers for the Deaf community by creating AI avatars with the ability to sign and translate to NZ Sign Language.
The inclusion of Māori signs and concepts have Turi Māori, those in the Māori Deaf community, throwing their hands up in celebration. 🙌
The inclusion of Māori signs and concepts have Turi Māori, those in the Māori Deaf community, throwing their hands up in celebration. 🙌
Sign language AI avatars to include Māori concepts, signs
The inclusion of Māori signs and concepts have Turi Māori, those in the Māori Deaf community, celebrating.
www.1news.co.nz
December 1, 2025 at 12:39 AM
A New Zealand company is breaking down barriers for the Deaf community by creating AI avatars with the ability to sign and translate to NZ Sign Language.
The inclusion of Māori signs and concepts have Turi Māori, those in the Māori Deaf community, throwing their hands up in celebration. 🙌
The inclusion of Māori signs and concepts have Turi Māori, those in the Māori Deaf community, throwing their hands up in celebration. 🙌
Author Chanelle Moriah shines a light on dyslexia with the release of their third book I Am Dyslexic. It’s the follow-up to their previous books I Am Autistic and This Is ADHD.
Review: A new book expands our understanding of dyslexia
Chanelle Moriah’s I Am Dyslexic is an interactive and informative guide which is a refreshing break from the never-ending Google search spiral.
thedlist.co.nz
November 26, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Author Chanelle Moriah shines a light on dyslexia with the release of their third book I Am Dyslexic. It’s the follow-up to their previous books I Am Autistic and This Is ADHD.
Arts Access Aotearoa have been working alongside Deaf and disabled artists, consultants and communities to develop Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative - a new network focused on connection, support and practical resources for and by the community.
You can take a look here: tahahotu.org.nz
You can take a look here: tahahotu.org.nz
Home
Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artist Initiative is a disability-led initiative by Arts Access Aotearoa, supporting Deaf and disabled artists across Aotearoa to create, connect, and advocate within the a...
tahahotu.org.nz
November 26, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Arts Access Aotearoa have been working alongside Deaf and disabled artists, consultants and communities to develop Taha Hotu Deaf and Disabled Artists Initiative - a new network focused on connection, support and practical resources for and by the community.
You can take a look here: tahahotu.org.nz
You can take a look here: tahahotu.org.nz
Verb's final event of the year will mark International Day of Disabled People. Crip the Lit writers will share an eclectic line-up of snappy new poems and prose celebrating the rich world of disability ancestors.
NZSL interpreted!
NZSL interpreted!
Crip the Lit: Are you my Ancestor?
Join us for Verb's final event of the year, where we mark International Day of Disabled People with literary flair with Crip the Lit.
events.humanitix.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Verb's final event of the year will mark International Day of Disabled People. Crip the Lit writers will share an eclectic line-up of snappy new poems and prose celebrating the rich world of disability ancestors.
NZSL interpreted!
NZSL interpreted!
Nick Ruane has started a petition calling for increased funding for the Total Mobility scheme. The petition closes in four days, on 28 November.
Nick is also inviting anyone based in Wellington to come to Parliament grounds on 9 December at 12:30pm for the handover.
Nick is also inviting anyone based in Wellington to come to Parliament grounds on 9 December at 12:30pm for the handover.
Petitions are addressed to the House of Representatives and ask that the House do something about a policy or law, or put right a local or private concern.
petitions.parliament.nz
November 23, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Nick Ruane has started a petition calling for increased funding for the Total Mobility scheme. The petition closes in four days, on 28 November.
Nick is also inviting anyone based in Wellington to come to Parliament grounds on 9 December at 12:30pm for the handover.
Nick is also inviting anyone based in Wellington to come to Parliament grounds on 9 December at 12:30pm for the handover.
We are running a survey about the Job Support and Training Fund!
Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3WQB73
Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3WQB73
November 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM
We are running a survey about the Job Support and Training Fund!
Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3WQB73
Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3WQB73
The CCS Disability Action’s consultation series continues this month, with Pasifika whānau and disabled people sharing experiences and defining the values that will guide future support. 🙌
Pacific families to gather and shape national disability strategy in Hamliton
The CCS Disability Action’s consultation series continues this month, with Pasifika whānau and disabled people sharing experiences and defining the values that will guide future support.
pmn.co.nz
November 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
The CCS Disability Action’s consultation series continues this month, with Pasifika whānau and disabled people sharing experiences and defining the values that will guide future support. 🙌
RNZ speaks with Grace Stratton and Richard Templer about Let’s Level Up, the new platform guiding employers to hire and support disabled workers.
Listen with the transcript: tinyurl.com/ymtppey3
More info here: allisforall.com/hanga-aro-rau
Listen with the transcript: tinyurl.com/ymtppey3
More info here: allisforall.com/hanga-aro-rau
Push to help employers be more inclusive, solve shortages
The government is aiming to get more disabled and neurodiverse people employed in manufacturing, engineering and logistics.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 18, 2025 at 11:19 PM
RNZ speaks with Grace Stratton and Richard Templer about Let’s Level Up, the new platform guiding employers to hire and support disabled workers.
Listen with the transcript: tinyurl.com/ymtppey3
More info here: allisforall.com/hanga-aro-rau
Listen with the transcript: tinyurl.com/ymtppey3
More info here: allisforall.com/hanga-aro-rau
Auckland's City Rail Link has almost arrived, with its opening due in 2026.
For some of us, travelling via public transport hasn’t always been accessible, but City Rail Link says the new transport system will “enable independent journeys for people, regardless of their ability or disability.”
For some of us, travelling via public transport hasn’t always been accessible, but City Rail Link says the new transport system will “enable independent journeys for people, regardless of their ability or disability.”
Is the City Rail Link's accessibility on the right track?
Aucklanders will be heading underground next year on the City Rail Link. Here's what we know about all the access features.
thedlist.co.nz
November 18, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Auckland's City Rail Link has almost arrived, with its opening due in 2026.
For some of us, travelling via public transport hasn’t always been accessible, but City Rail Link says the new transport system will “enable independent journeys for people, regardless of their ability or disability.”
For some of us, travelling via public transport hasn’t always been accessible, but City Rail Link says the new transport system will “enable independent journeys for people, regardless of their ability or disability.”
The Accessible Sound Collective is running free accessible music tech workshops in Whakatū (Nelson), late 2025 / early 2026.
Explore synths, tactile instruments, iPad eye-tracking and screen-reader-friendly tools.
Register: shorturl.at/IZKYp
Contact: theaccessiblesoundcollective@gmail.com
Explore synths, tactile instruments, iPad eye-tracking and screen-reader-friendly tools.
Register: shorturl.at/IZKYp
Contact: theaccessiblesoundcollective@gmail.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The Accessible Sound Collective is running free accessible music tech workshops in Whakatū (Nelson), late 2025 / early 2026.
Explore synths, tactile instruments, iPad eye-tracking and screen-reader-friendly tools.
Register: shorturl.at/IZKYp
Contact: theaccessiblesoundcollective@gmail.com
Explore synths, tactile instruments, iPad eye-tracking and screen-reader-friendly tools.
Register: shorturl.at/IZKYp
Contact: theaccessiblesoundcollective@gmail.com
We are running a survey about the Job Support and Training Fund!
The Job Support and Training Fund is a service from Work and Income / MSD. It can help people who have a disability or health condition with extra costs for work or training.
Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3WQB73
The Job Support and Training Fund is a service from Work and Income / MSD. It can help people who have a disability or health condition with extra costs for work or training.
Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3WQB73
November 14, 2025 at 4:27 AM
We are running a survey about the Job Support and Training Fund!
The Job Support and Training Fund is a service from Work and Income / MSD. It can help people who have a disability or health condition with extra costs for work or training.
Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3WQB73
The Job Support and Training Fund is a service from Work and Income / MSD. It can help people who have a disability or health condition with extra costs for work or training.
Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z3WQB73
A new study co-authored by Joanne Dacombe, immediate past President of the Disabled Persons Assembly, finds young people with neurodevelopmental conditions are nearly 5 times more likely to die before 25.
Neurodivergent youth more likely to die before age of 25 than peers, study finds
While death among young people is rare, those with a neurodevelopmental condition are nearly five times more likely to die before the age of 25.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM
A new study co-authored by Joanne Dacombe, immediate past President of the Disabled Persons Assembly, finds young people with neurodevelopmental conditions are nearly 5 times more likely to die before 25.
Being clipped by an EV was the final straw for Josaiah Fue to take action and make roads safer for the blind and low-vision community.
Disabled people face higher risks on New Zealand roads. Safer speeds, more signage in high-risk areas, and sound emitters on EVs are the way forward!
Disabled people face higher risks on New Zealand roads. Safer speeds, more signage in high-risk areas, and sound emitters on EVs are the way forward!
Petition launched for mandatory sound emitters on electric cars
Being clipped by an EV was the final straw for Josaiah Fue to take action and make roads safer for the blind and low-vision community.
thedlist.co.nz
November 11, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Being clipped by an EV was the final straw for Josaiah Fue to take action and make roads safer for the blind and low-vision community.
Disabled people face higher risks on New Zealand roads. Safer speeds, more signage in high-risk areas, and sound emitters on EVs are the way forward!
Disabled people face higher risks on New Zealand roads. Safer speeds, more signage in high-risk areas, and sound emitters on EVs are the way forward!
DPA is proud to be a living wage employer.
Employers who pay the Living Wage want to make sure their workers get enough money to live with dignity.
The Living Wage considers basic expenses, and gives breathing room for rest, activities, or saving for a rainy day.
Employers who pay the Living Wage want to make sure their workers get enough money to live with dignity.
The Living Wage considers basic expenses, and gives breathing room for rest, activities, or saving for a rainy day.
November 10, 2025 at 12:36 AM
DPA is proud to be a living wage employer.
Employers who pay the Living Wage want to make sure their workers get enough money to live with dignity.
The Living Wage considers basic expenses, and gives breathing room for rest, activities, or saving for a rainy day.
Employers who pay the Living Wage want to make sure their workers get enough money to live with dignity.
The Living Wage considers basic expenses, and gives breathing room for rest, activities, or saving for a rainy day.
Whakatāne will have it's first Emergency Services Open Day set to spotlight accessibility and disability inclusion this Saturday!
SunLive - Emergency open day champions inclusivity - The Bay's News First
Emergency open day champions inclusivity
www.sunlive.co.nz
November 4, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Whakatāne will have it's first Emergency Services Open Day set to spotlight accessibility and disability inclusion this Saturday!
There are some cases of measles in New Zealand at the moment.
Easy Read information is now available to help you learn more about measles.
You can read it here: healthed.govt.nz/.../measles-....
Easy Read information is now available to help you learn more about measles.
You can read it here: healthed.govt.nz/.../measles-....
healthed.govt.nz
November 4, 2025 at 12:26 AM
There are some cases of measles in New Zealand at the moment.
Easy Read information is now available to help you learn more about measles.
You can read it here: healthed.govt.nz/.../measles-....
Easy Read information is now available to help you learn more about measles.
You can read it here: healthed.govt.nz/.../measles-....