New Zealand Disability Community Directory
Finding the right support can be one of the biggest challenges facing disabled people, families, whānau and carers. There are hundreds of organisations, services, advocacy groups and support providers operating throughout New Zealand, but many people simply do not know where to begin.
The Disability Advisory Group NZ Community Directory has been created to help connect people with organisations, services and resources that may be able to assist. Whether you are seeking disability support, advocacy, funding information, employment assistance, education support, housing advice or community connections, this directory aims to make the search easier.
National Disability Organisations
New Zealand has a strong network of national disability organisations that provide information, advocacy, support services and community connections. These organisations support people with a wide range of disabilities and often provide specialist knowledge, practical guidance and referral pathways.
National organisations play an important role in helping disabled people understand their rights, access services and participate fully in community life. Firstport NZ maintains information about many of the national organisations providing disability support throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Government Disability Services
Government agencies provide a range of disability-related services, information and funding programmes. These services may include needs assessments, disability support funding, equipment and modification services, housing assistance, employment support, transport assistance and community participation programmes.
Disability Support Services (DSS) coordinates and funds support services for approximately 55,000 disabled people and their whānau each year and also funds environmental support services, equipment and modifications for many thousands of New Zealanders. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Advocacy and Information Services
Advocacy organisations help disabled people and their families navigate complex systems, understand their rights and access support. Independent advocacy can be particularly valuable when dealing with funding decisions, education issues, accessibility concerns, complaints processes or service disputes.
Many organisations also provide information services, peer support networks and practical guidance based on lived experience. These services help ensure disabled people have access to information that supports informed decision-making and greater independence.
Community Support and Everyday Living
Support is not always about funding or formal services. Community organisations, support groups, local programmes and disability networks can help people build connections, reduce isolation and participate more fully in everyday life.
Services may include respite support, family assistance, social programmes, community participation opportunities, mobility support, peer mentoring and practical help with day-to-day living. The right community connection can often make a significant difference to quality of life.
Employment, Education and Training
Many organisations throughout New Zealand support disabled people to access education, training and employment opportunities. These services can assist with career planning, workplace accessibility, job placement, vocational support and ongoing employment assistance.
Employment support organisations help connect job seekers with employers who recognise the skills, talents and contributions disabled people bring to the workforce. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Building a Growing Directory
This community directory will continue to grow as new organisations, services and resources are added. Our goal is to create a practical, easy-to-use reference point that helps disabled people, families, whānau, carers and professionals find the support they need.
By bringing together trusted organisations and useful information in one location, we hope to make it easier for people to discover services, explore opportunities and connect with the wider disability community throughout New Zealand.