Fair access for all

With over a million New Zealanders living with some form of disability ongoing funding issues in the cause a huge level of untold hurt. Successive governments have severely underfunded services, equipment, and programs that remove barriers for disabled people to participate in their communities and live their lives fully.

Recent cuts that came with no consultation have seen Whaikaha change polices that prioritise support and impose restrictions on spending parameters that will impact families, careers, and those living with disabilities. The consequences of this will leave disabled kiwis cuts off from financial and social support needed to enable them to live with dignity and autonomy.

The kaupapa of Whaikaha is needed, and it is the right organisation to deliver much-needed support to people living with disabilities. But significant changes are needed to ensure that Whaikaha is resourced to properly support community.

Minster Upston has a responsibility to  ensure that the funding gap is bridged, and that the disabled community gets the funding it deserves in this upcoming budget.