The recently updated New Zealand Disability Strategy, will guide the work of government agencies from 2026 to 2030, on issues disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau say are important.
This is the third New Zealand Disability Strategy. It builds on the first 2 strategies and the work of everyone who contributed to them. This strategy sets out the Government’s commitment to disabled people and their whānau. However, it is a strategy that everyone can contribute to. All New Zealanders have a part in making New Zealand more accessible and equitable, including local government, businesses, community, and iwi and hapū Māori.
This strategy is different from the previous New Zealand Disability Strategy, because it covers a 5-year period instead of a 10-year period originally used. This 5-year period is to focus government agencies on meaningful and practical actions that drive change for disabled people.
Cabinet has agreed on these 5 priority outcome areas for the strategy: education, employment, health, housing and justice.
The strategy’s vision describes the future New Zealand that disabled people want, sets the course for the strategy, and guides work across government for disabled people. The vision is that: New Zealand is an equitable and accessible place for all disabled people and their whānau – where disabled people thrive, contribute, and choose the lives they want to lead.
Read the New Zealand Disability Strategy here.
