New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030
The New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 gives direction to government agencies on issues disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau say are important.
The new strategy includes:
- a vision and principles to set the direction for the strategy, and guide work across government for disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori
- 5 priority outcome areas of education, employment, health, housing and justice. Each has a goal and a set of actions to support the goal
- a monitoring approach to measure the government’s progress towards delivering the strategy.
New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 (DOCX 183KB)
New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 (PDF 747KB)
For alternate formats and the Te Reo full strategy and summaries, please visit www.whaikaha.govt.nz.
Disability Support Services Operational Policies
Hosted flexible funding arrangements
This policy explains how hosted flexible funding works from 1 April 2026. Hosted flexible funding allows people more choice and control over how they use their funding, with support from a host to help them plan, manage, and keep track of spending in line with their funding plan.
It sets out who can use hosted flexible funding, what support hosts provide, and the responsibilities everyone needs to meet. It also introduces a tiered support framework, which means people receive different levels of guidance depending on their situation and experience.
The aim is to support a consistent and sustainable approach to managing flexible funding, so people can use their funding flexibly while still meeting the requirements that keep the system fair and working well for everyone.
- April 2026 Hosted funding arrangements Operational Policy (Word 150KB)
- April 2026 Hosted funding arrangements Operational Policy (PDF 278KB)
NASC and EGL Site Budgets Operational Policy
This operational policy sets out how DSS expects Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisations and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites to manage funding within their annual budgets.
- Download the Operational Policy as a Word doc (106 KB)
- Download the Operational Policy as a PDF (165 KB)
Review Panel Terms of Reference
From 3 July 2026, the thresholds for referring support packages to the Review Panel has increased from over $112,000 to:
- Band 3 or above in the Community Group Home Pricing Model for residential support services; and
- over $150,000 for other packages.
The Review Panel can now consider applications where a person’s allocation increases due to the application of DSS’s recently released allocation and pricing models for the first time, irrespective of a change in support needs.
Pae ora (healthy futures) Strategy – Health of Disabled People
The Health of Disabled People Strategy is the first dedicated health system-led strategy for disabled people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Health of Disabled People Strategy sets the long-term priorities for the health system, towards achieving equity in disabled people’s health, and wellbeing outcomes between 2023 and 2033.
The Strategy provides a framework to guide health entities in improving health outcomes for disabled people, and was developed with significant community engagement and input. Work is now focused on implementing this Strategy.
Five key priorities
- Embed self-determination of disabled people and their whānau as the foundation of a person and whānau-centred health system.
- Ensure the health system is designed by and accessible for disabled people and their whānau, and provides models of care that suit their needs.
- Ensure the health system is part of a coherent cross-government system that addresses broader drivers of poor health and wellbeing.
- Build health workforce capacity and capability to meet the needs of disabled people and their whānau.
- Increase the visibility of disabled people in health data, research and evidence.
To read the full strategy please visit www.health.govt.nz.
Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan – 2026
This strategy outlines the Government’s action plan to better recognise and support the 500,000 to 1 million New Zealanders who provide informal or unpaid care to a loved one. There are three priority areas:
- Recognition and appreciation
- Health and Wellbeing
- Financial Security
View Mahi Aroha Carers’ Strategy Action Plan
New Zealand Sign Language Strategy 2026-2036
The New Zealand Sign Language Strategy 2026-2036 guides the work of the NZSL Board to maintain and promote the use of NZSL by Deaf People and other NZSL users. This strategy is also intended to guide the work of Government agencies.
Full strategy
NZSL Strategy 2026-2036 (Word)
NZSL Strategy 2026-2036 (PDF)
Summary of strategy
Rare Disorders Strategy
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 in New Zealand.
http://rare.digitaladvisor.nz/media/pages/file/95/aotearoa-new-zealand-rare-disorders-strategy.pdf