Latest Disability News

More support is on the way for people experiencing homelessness, with the Government strengthening local services in Lower Hutt, Hamilton, Upper Hutt and Whangārei, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka.  The more than $1 million investment will boost existing short-term homelessness services in Lower Hutt and establish new services in Hamilton, Upper Hutt and Whangārei. “Homelessness has been a problem in New Zealand for decades. We have a broken housing system that is more severe in challenging economic times.  “Earlier this year, we announced an additional $14.5 million for short-term actions to support people sleeping rough. “That funding expanded outreach and support services across New Zealand, while continuing proven initiatives already helping people in our main centres. “This latest investment builds on that work. It will mean more people sleeping rough can be reached, supported and connected with a pathway into stable housing. “These communities have unmet need and local providers ready to get help to people quickly.” “We have already seen the difference these services can make when people are connected quickly with accommodation and the support they need. “We know homelessness goes beyond just a house. It can involve challenges with health, employment, addiction, family relationships or access to services. “Local organisations understand their communities and know how to reach people who may otherwise fall through the gaps. “This funding backs those frontline providers to deliver practical support and improve outcomes for individuals and whānau. “Our Government is delivering more homes and backing the local services that help people move off the streets and into stable housing,” Mr Potaka says.

Patients needing urgent stroke treatment and other lifesaving procedures will benefit from faster, more reliable care, with a $38.2 million investment to complete the upgrade of interventional radiology services at Auckland City Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. "When someone suffers a stroke, fast access to treatment can be the difference between a full recovery and lifelong disability. This investment will ensure Auckland City Hospital has the modern equipment and capacity to deliver that care," Mr Brown says. Interventional radiology uses live imaging, such as X-ray, CT, and ultrasound, to guide minimally invasive procedures through a pinhole access in the skin. These include removing blood clots from the brain during a stroke, and from the lung following pulmonary embolism, repairing ruptured blood vessels, stopping internal bleeding, and clearing blocked arteries, all without the need for open surgery. For patients, this can mean less pain, lower risk, and a faster recovery. "Auckland City Hospital has one of the largest and busiest interventional radiology services in Australasia. It is the only hospital in Auckland and Northland providing interventional neuroradiology, which treats conditions of the brain and spine such as acute stroke and ruptured brain aneurysms, and the only hospital in New Zealand performing these procedures on children. "The hospital's stroke clot-retrieval service covers 2.8 million people across the upper North Island and treats around 400 patients a year. Around 80 per cent of the service's work is acute or emergency care, so patients and their families need to be able to rely on it. "Demand is also growing, with the service performing more than 4,100 procedures last year, up 14 per cent since 2021. “This investment will help reduce disruption, shorten wait times, and ensure more patients receive timely treatment.” Stage 1, a $41.2 million investment announced last year, is delivering a new interventional neuroradiology operating room, a replacement fluoroscopy room, an interventional ultrasound room, and additional short-stay recovery beds. Stage 2 completes this work and will deliver:Replacement of three ageing imaging systems with state-of-the-art technology Refurbishment of three existing operating rooms A new interventional CT operating room, to meet growing demand for CT-guided procedures Additional staffing to bring the operating room delivered through Stage 1 into serviceThe entire project is expected to be completed over the next three years, with operating rooms coming online in phases so patients can continue to receive care throughout construction. "We are investing in modern health infrastructure and reliable equipment because it is essential to delivering the care patients need. Once complete, this upgrade will mean faster diagnoses, less invasive treatment, and a better chance of recovery for patients across New Zealand," Mr Brown says.

Dentists and oral health therapists have reached a new national agreement that will support the delivery of oral health services for children and young people, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This is great news for our children and young people; good oral health is an important part of keeping children healthy and well. We want children and young people to get the dental care they need, when they need it,” Mr Doocey says. $78 million is being invested in child and adolescent oral health services in 2026/27, including a 5 per cent increase in funding to support free dental care for 0- to 17-year-olds. This funding is for private dental providers, including a 3.16 per cent increase for the dental procedures providers carry out most frequently, a temporary administration payment for high-caries treatment plan applications, and additional funding for population growth because there are more young people eligible for oral health services. A wider Oral Health Services Review is also being progressed, looking at how services are funded and delivered, opportunities to reduce unnecessary administration, and options to better reflect clinical need and improve access to care for children and young people. “We know there are broader issues to work through. The review will help us make sure oral health services continue to meet the needs of children, young people, and their families for years to come.”

Police can soon issue move-on orders to people being disorderly in public places with legislation passing its final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Move-on orders are going to reclaim our streets and town squares for the enjoyment of those who visit, work and live there. “Businesses, residents and visitors are paying the price for unprecedented levels of disruption. Many are just trying to make a living, but have to face people camped outside their store, day in day out.  “We have many tools to help those who are in need, including access to one of the most generous welfare systems in the world. What we don’t have are effective tools to deal with disorderly behaviour.  “Move-on orders do not criminalise homelessness. They simply provide Police with an additional tool to deal with people displaying disorderly behaviour in public places. Only people who refuse those orders will face prosecution. A move-on order is not a criminal charge. “New Zealanders are fair-minded people, and our culture is one where we seek to help those who are in need. But that doesn’t mean we should accept our city centres, particularly our showcase tourist spots, as places of intimidation and dysfunction.  “Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and building a future where everyone feels safe to visit, work and live in our central cities.”  Under this legislation Police will have the power to issue move-on orders to people who are: Begging that unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of a public place. Rough sleeping. Displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour. Obstructing or impeding someone entering a business. Breaching the peace. Behaviour indicating an intent to inhabit a public place.These orders will: Apply to people aged 18 or older. Require a person to leave a specified area for a specified amount of time, up to 24 hours.  However, a person issued a move-on order for begging or rough sleeping can return to the area so long as they do not do any of the behaviours prohibited by the Bill. Require a person to move on a reasonable distance from the area, as specified by the constable. Be issued in writing or electronically, as is operationally appropriate.

Regulation Minister David Seymour and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have today announced the next steps in the implementation of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review. “Red tape isn’t neutral, it’s a tax on growth. If we are going to unlock New Zealand’s potential, we need to cut red tape and let businesses get on with business,” Mr Seymour says.  “The Review found businesses are struggling with red tape and the associated compliance costs, because most food safety regulations are treated as one-size-fits-all. One business told the review that it was becoming a full-time job to complete the paperwork associated with food safety compliance, and for all that paperwork.  “That’s why we’re fixing it. The Government has accepted seven recommendations to make food safety rules within the hospitality sector proportionate to the actual risk of an issue arising. We need to stop treating small hospitality businesses as though they are fine dining restaurants with large scale commercial kitchens. “The hospitality sector is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy. It’s high time the Government showed it; by being a good host and getting out of the way.” The Review recommended: moving some lower-risk hospitality businesses into lower-risk food safety categories creating a simpler, hospitality-specific Food Control Plan, including reducing record-keeping requirements review and update the full suite of operational policies and guidance to regulators to be simpler and more user-friendly removing recurring registration renewals extending verification (compliance monitoring) periods for high-performing businesses allowing food truck compliance checks to be recognised across different council boundaries improving fee-setting arrangements through setting more specific and comprehensive principles for setting fees“Businesses say that record‑keeping and other requirements aren’t aligned to actual harm, and that registration and renewals are slow and confusing. They also say compliance monitoring and enforcement are heavy‑handed for the risk involved, and that fees are often too high, inconsistently tied to risk, and still don’t cover regulators’ costs,” Mr Hoggard says. “Today is a good day for the hospitality sector. The Government has accepted all but one of the Review’s recommendations to reform food safety requirements in the hospitality sector. I expect these changes to be in force as soon as practicable. “We will put hospitality businesses into food safety categories which are proportionate to the level of risk they operate with. Low risk small cafes might fall into the low-risk category, whereas a large scale catering company might fall into the higher-risk category. “We will also create a simple, hospitality-specific Food Control Plan and reduce record-keeping requirements where they don’t contribute to food safety. “We will remove recurring registration renewals, extend verification periods for high‑performing businesses, recognise food truck compliance checks across council boundaries, review and update the full suite of operational policies and guidance to regulators to be simpler and more user-friendly, and tighten fee‑setting by requiring clear, specific principles that link fees to risk, efficiency, and transparency.  “We are going to make it simpler and more efficient for businesses to demonstrate they are meeting the right standards for their size and risk.”

The Government is strengthening protections for retirement village residents through faster repayments, earlier access to money, fairer contracts and stronger minimum standards, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “We have listened carefully to older Kiwis and their whānau, and we are acting. “The maximum repayment period will be shortened from the 12 months we had initially indicated to nine months, and operators will have to pay a resident who is moving 10 per cent of their net termination proceeds within four weeks rather than interest after six months. “We’re strengthening it because older Kiwis told us the balance needed to shift further towards residents. “They told us 12 months was still too long and that interest after six months would not provide meaningful help when money was needed most. We listened and strengthened the package.” The automatic 10 per cent payment will replace the previously announced interest requirement. “This is a simpler and stronger package that gets meaningful money into residents’ hands sooner,” Mr Potaka says. A resident buying an average-priced retirement village villa in 2028/2029 could expect the initial 10 percent payment to be around $60,000 when they move out. “That is real money when someone is moving into aged care or another home and is facing immediate costs,” Mr Potaka says. “It will give older Kiwis and their whānau money sooner, and certainty about when the rest will arrive.” The Government considered calls for a three-month repayment deadline but modelling found this could require the sector to hold or have access to between $3.2 billion and $4.1 billion and, crucially, could add up to about $118,000 to the cost of entering a village if all costs were passed on to residents. “I looked closely at the three-month option, but the evidence is clear. It could get one person paid faster by making the next pay considerably more,” Mr Potaka says. “I will not make a promise that sounds good but risks unnecessary higher costs, reduced services or fewer choices for older Kiwis. “Nine months strikes a fair and responsible balance. It gets residents their money sooner while protecting the affordability and viability of retirement village living.” The Government will also retain the hardship pathway and other agreed exit protections for residents, including stopping weekly fees and fixed deductions after an occupation right agreement ends. “Operators will still have to take all reasonable steps to enter into a new occupation right agreement for a former resident’s unit in a timely manner and at the best price reasonably obtainable. They will also be required to provide regular updates and obtain a valuation if the unit has not been relicensed after six months. A more efficient and effective dispute resolution system will be introduced for cases where operators are not meeting their obligations.” The 10 per cent upfront payment requirement will not apply to villages with fewer than 50 units – which is about 10 per cent of all units. Exemptions will also apply where the resident controls the sale and price, the outgoing resident or their estate receives at least half of the capital gain, or the village is in receivership. The Retirement Villages Amendment Bill will be introduced in the next Parliamentary term, and the new repayment requirements will apply to occupation right agreements signed one year after the legislation comes into force.

The Government’s new anti-stalking law is proving to be highly successful with police taking over 1,000 actions in just over three months, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. Police have laid 140 charges before the Courts and issued 918 notices under the new stalking and harassment legislation since it came into effect on 26 May. “These results demonstrate the tough new reality stalkers are facing – one where there are real consequences for their actions,” Mr Goldsmith says. “Our government has sent a very clear message - this behaviour has to stop. If it continues, stalkers will face the full force of the law, including up to five years in prison. “For too long this insidious behaviour went unpunished, yet victims were left with often long-term side effects. Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and this is a prime example of a gap in the law which made no sense,” Mr Goldsmith says. “Stalking and harassment is a sinister act that can have immense psychological and emotional harm on victims. Passing this new law has sent a short and sharp message to stalkers – expect consequences,” Mr Mitchell says. “I want to acknowledge our Police officers for the work they have done since the law came into force. With these new powers at their disposal, Police have swung into gear immediately to intervene, hold offenders to account, and help protect people who are subjected to this atrocious behaviour. “Those who engage in stalking and harassment can expect Police action. This behaviour is unacceptable and can have serious consequences for victims and their families,” Mr Mitchell says. For more information on stalking and harassment and information to support victims, go to: https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/info-factsheet-people-being-stalked.pdf Police will continue to monitor implementation of the legislation and work closely with staff and partners to ensure it is well embedded and achieving its intent of improving safety and protection for victims.

Proposals to unlock significantly more housing, jobs and economic activity in Auckland’s city centre are being put out for public consultation, building on the opening of the City Rail Link and the opportunity it creates for more growth in the heart of Auckland, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simon Watts and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown have announced. “City Rail Link has transformed the way Aucklanders can get into and around the central city. The next step is making sure our planning rules support Auckland to take full advantage of that investment, by allowing more people and businesses to locate close to world-class transport infrastructure,” Mr Bishop says. “Auckland’s city centre is already an economic powerhouse. It accounts for around eight per cent of New Zealand’s GDP and nearly six per cent of the country’s jobs. If the city centre were a region in its own right, it would be the fifth-largest economy in New Zealand. “There is enormous potential for it to grow further. Earlier this year, we launched an investigation into whether Auckland’s city centre planning rules were holding that growth back, and that work is now complete. “The report recommends removing several planning restrictions that constrain how the city centre can develop, including height limits, tower dimension and setback rules, and floor area ratios.” Economic modelling indicates the recommend changes could support:20.3 million m² additional theoretical floor space, with 2.75 million m² being commercially feasible About 17,000 additional dwellings About 37,200 jobs and 31,600 residents located in the city centre An annual national GDP increase of about $1.87 billion, with a net present value of about $42.6 billion over 40 years.“These changes could be made under the new regulation-making power in the Resource Management Act, passed into law last year through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill. “This power was first used last year after an investigation found planning rules were unnecessarily limiting Eden Park’s ability to host major events and deliver jobs and economic growth for Auckland and the rest of the country. This resulted in plan changes enabling more events at New Zealand’s national stadium.” “This is exactly where we should be enabling more growth – in the centre of our biggest city, close to jobs, services and billions of dollars of existing and newly opened infrastructure,” Mr Watts says. “The report also recommends removing non-contributing sites from the Karangāhape Road Historic Heritage Area. These are sites within the heritage area that do not themselves make a significant contribution to its recognised heritage values, often because they have already been substantially altered or redeveloped. “This would create greater opportunities for redevelopment on sites with limited heritage value, while continuing to protect the buildings and places that give Karangāhape Road its distinctive character.” Mayor Wayne Brown says the proposals are a practical way to make the most of what Aucklanders have already paid for, and put growth where infrastructure is. “I’ve consistently said Auckland needs to intensify in the right places. That means enabling more homes and businesses close to rapid transit, jobs and existing infrastructure. “I welcome the government's moves to unlock more housing capacity in Auckland's city centre, get rid of heritage protections from non-heritage buildings on Karangāhape Road and remove seismic constraints. Now I look forward to the government tackling other planning controls in the future, such as fire rules. “We have invested billions of dollars in the City Rail Link and in the roads, pipes and other infrastructure that supports the central city. Our planning rules should help us get the best possible return from that investment. “Our job now is not just to enable capacity, but to actually ensure things get built so we can make the most of CRL and grow the city centre into a place more Aucklanders choose to visit, live and work in.” Public consultation on the proposed changes will run from 18 September until 11.59pm on Friday 16 October 2026. “We want Aucklanders, particularly people who live and do business in the city centre, to have their say,” Mr Bishop says. “Following consultation, we will consider the feedback alongside the investigation findings and Auckland Council’s views before deciding whether changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan should proceed.”Notes to editor:Consultation runs for 20 working days, from 18 September until 11.59pm on Friday 16 October 2026. Feedback can be provided through the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport website. The investigation was undertaken using regulation-making and investigation powers in the Resource Management Act 1991. The investigation itself does not change Auckland’s planning rules. Any final decision on whether provisions should be modified or removed will be made following consultation. No changes are proposed to remove viewshaft restrictions in Auckland. Using an approach comparable to Auckland Council’s methodology for PC120, the investigation report estimates that the recommended changes would enable theoretical capacity for approximately 84,489 additional dwellings in the city centre. This added housing capacity could contribute towards Auckland’s requirement under Plan Change 120 to provide for at least 1.4 million dwellings. City Rail Link was formally opened on 11 September 2026, with passenger services beginning on 13 September. Attached: Public Consultation Factsheet.

The Government is investing $880,000 from the Major Events Fund into the World of WearableArt (WOW) Exhibition, a new visitor experience that will premiere in Wellington in 2027. The exhibition will showcase WOW's most iconic and award-winning garments in an interactive, immersive environment celebrating four decades of New Zealand creativity, innovation and storytelling.  Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the investment will help share New Zealand's creative excellence with the world while delivering benefits for tourism and the economy. "As WOW celebrates 40 years of showcasing extraordinary creativity, I'm delighted the Government is supporting an event that honours New Zealand talent while helping attract visitors and investment to our shores," Louise Upston says. The exhibition is expected to attract more than 1,200 international visitors and has been strategically timed alongside the annual WOW Show, a global wearable art summit and the Australian school holiday period to maximise tourism.  The 2026 WOW Show received a $400,000 investment from the Events Boost Fund to support international marketing campaigns and efforts to attract visitors and stimulate short-term economic activity. Following its Wellington season, the exhibition is planned to tour internationally, with details to be announced next year. "WOW is a globally recognised New Zealand success story. This investment supports a uniquely New Zealand event with global reach and helps position us as a world-leading creative nation.  I can’t wait to see the exhibition come to life," Louise Upston says. Notes to editor:The investment also supports an education programme and global wearable art summit, bringing international designers, educators and industry leaders to New Zealand and strengthening opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The Government is delivering on its commitment to cut red tape and make building more affordable, with over 60 plumbers and drainlayers approved to self-certify their work in the first week of the scheme, Building and Construction Minister Simon Watts says.  Since applications opened last Monday 7 September, more than 60 plumbers and drainlayers have been approved to self-certify on a wide range of work without waiting for a council inspection.  “Trusted tradespeople want to get on with the job, but too often lengthy inspection processes can hold up building work and add unnecessary costs," says Mr Watts. "Self certification is estimated to save up to four days and $1,600 per build. That means less time waiting, costs saved for households and businesses and projects getting finished sooner. "As around 40,000 new homes were consented last year, that means the scheme has the potential to deliver estimated savings of up to $64 million per year. “Plumbing and drain laying work is part of almost every residential build, this scheme has the potential to reduce delays right across the housing sector while helping New Zealanders build faster and more affordably. “Construction is an important part of New Zealand’s economy, and the latest quarterly GDP data shows it was the largest upward contributor to overall economic growth, increasing 2.7 per cent – its largest increase since June 2023. "The scheme also extends beyond housing, covering a range of commercial plumbing and drainlaying work and some onsite wastewater systems commonly used in rural areas.   “I'd like to thank Master Plumbers for working constructively with the Government to help shape the scheme. Their practical insights helped broaden the scope of eligible work, meaning more of the work plumbers and drainlayers carry out every day can be self-certified from day one. As a result, the benefits of self-certification will extend beyond residential building projects to businesses, developers and rural property owners as well.  “Only experienced practitioners who meet strict eligibility requirements will be approved to participate in the scheme. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will assess applications, oversee the scheme, and have powers to audit participants and act where standards are not met.  "This practical reform backs skilled professionals, cuts unnecessary delays while keeping strong protections in place, so homeowners can get essential work done faster and with confidence.” Notes to the editor:  Applications for the plumber and drainlayer self-certification scheme opened with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board on Monday 7 September 2026, more information can be found here.  The scheme is voluntary, and only plumbers and drainlayers who meet strict eligibility requirements will be able to self-certify specified work.  Eligibility requirements include demonstrated technical competence and experience, appropriate arrangements to manage liability, and robust business quality assurance processes.  The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board will administer and oversee the scheme, including monitoring performance, auditing practitioners and their work, and taking disciplinary action where standards are not met.  The scope of the scheme was expanded following sector feedback and covers self-certification of most residential plumbing and drainlaying work, alongside a range of commercial work and some onsite wastewater systems commonly used in rural areas.  Further detail, including what types of work can be self-certified and what must be included in certificates of compliance, is set out in regulations - Plumbers and drainlayers self-certification scheme | Building Performance. 

Today's GDP figures show the economy grew in the June quarter, defying expectations of a contraction, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ figures put GDP growth for the June 2026 quarter at 0.2 per cent, following upwardly revised growth of 0.9 per cent in the March quarter. "The first half of this year was tough as families and businesses dealt with a sharp spike in fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. "The Reserve Bank had pencilled in flat growth for the June quarter, and many economists had been picking the economy to shrink. Instead, it grew. "That’s a credit to New Zealand's construction sector, who saw their largest increase in activity since June 2023 with an uptick in residential building activity. “Our exporters also held up better than expected and kept the economy moving through a difficult few months. “A growing economy means more jobs and higher wages. It means more money coming into communities. It means more doctors, nurses and teachers, and better schools and hospitals. "Over the year to June, New Zealand’s economy grew 2.6 per cent. That’s higher than Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the European Union across the same period.  “National has a plan to build on this economic growth – because that is how we can get the books back in order with no new taxes and give Kiwis the confidence that if you work hard you can get ahead. “Our responsible economic management means growth is expected to average 2.7 per cent over the next four years, with 220,000 new jobs being created by 2030 and wages growing faster than household bills every single year. "Global uncertainty hasn't gone away. Fuel prices remain well above where they were at the start of the year, and that will keep testing households and businesses in the months ahead. “Despite the international situation, New Zealanders can be confident the recovery is well underway.”

Emergency alerts are being added to the Govt.nz app making them more accessible for New Zealanders, Digitising Government Minister Paul Goldsmith and Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell say. “This brings official emergency alerts and severe weather warnings together in one place. Crucially, it means people will no longer have to rely solely on mobile phone towers to receive emergency mobile alerts,” Mr Goldsmith says. “People can now tailor alerts to where they live or work, where they are travelling, or places where family and friends live. It gives New Zealanders more choice over how and where they want to receive critical information. However, people can be assured the government does not track your activity within the app or store your personal information,” Mr Goldsmith says. “These alerts will not be replacing existing MetService services or the Emergency Mobile Alert system, they’ll simply be complimenting them. The more channels or ways people can access emergency information, the better,” Mr Mitchell says. “As always, it’s important to remember if you experience the natural warning signs of a tsunami, flood or landslide, then don’t wait for an alert. Trust your danger sense and evacuate immediately. “Alerts remain available within the app after the initial notification has been dismissed. The app also provides emergency preparedness information and contact details for local Emergency Management Committees,” Mr Mitchell says. The Govt.nz app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.