Kaikaranga

02/08/2026

We're grateful to Andy for sharing his story with the NZ Herald Lifestyle. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in his 40s, Andy has worked incredibly hard to rebuild his life through sport, volunteering and the support around him. Today, one of his goals is finding someone special to share it with.

As someone who worked alongside Andy for nearly two years, Cara says it's absolutely okay for people to tell their support team that goals like dating and relationships matter. When those goals are part of a person's support plan, providers can help create opportunities to pursue them, whether that's joining a sports club, volunteering, attending community events, or getting out and about to connect with others through shared interests.

Thank you, Andy, for sharing your story and reminding us that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue the life they want.

Read the full story in the NZ Herald. Kaikaranga https://www.facebook.com/nzheraldLife/posts/pfbid02gB47HedRzGWgQterLazjBR9QdhrSsBDXuk11QMw7RzLBohS9Y6a4GUeMVSCdd4Sdl

Andy Gutierrez was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease in 2011.

21/07/2026

Our Community Engagement team is at the Waitākere Hospital Community Event today!

If you're here, come and say hello. We're happy to answer any questions about how Kaikaranga supports people with physical, sensory, intellectual disability, Autism, and their whānau to access the right support and services.

We can also chat about how we work alongside hospitals, doctors and other health professionals to help disabled people transition safely from hospital back into the community, ensuring they have the well-rounded support they need to live their best life.

We'd love to meet you!

23/06/2026

From now until 31 July, disabled people, families, whānau and carers can have their say and help shape the next improvements to disability support services. The focus is on improving key areas the community has said matter most, such as flexibility in services, planning ahead for life changes, better information and advice, and respite for carers.

People can take part in a way that works for them:
• complete the online survey
• register for a workshop (online or in person – many date and time options available)
• provide written or recorded feedback

You can register through the DSS portal for these sessions, so that DSS can ensure you have the right level of support on the day. You can do this through the DSS website www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/have-your-say-on-further-improvements-to-services

In-person workshop dates:
Location Date Time
Auckland South 30 June 2026 10:00 – 12:00
Auckland Central 1 July 2026 10:00 – 12:00

Find out more and take part at www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/haveyoursay

DSS invites disabled people, families, whānau and carers to help shape further improvements to disability support services.

25/05/2026

“In this role, people aren’t looking for someone to rush in with assumptions or ready-made answers. Often, they need someone who can genuinely hear what life feels like for them, what’s working, what’s not, and what matters most to them and their whānau.”

That’s how Angelo describes their role as a Support Facilitator at Kaikaranga.

Every day, our people work alongside disabled people and whānau to help them access support, navigate challenges, and live their best lives. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is slow down, listen, and help people feel understood.

If you’re someone who cares deeply about people, values connection, and wants to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit our Careers page to read stories from our people, like Angelo, and explore opportunities to join our team. https://kaikaranga.org.nz/careers-be-the-connection/

10/04/2026

11 April is 's Day.

Tonight, landmarks across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world will light up in blue, standing in solidarity with the 11.8 million people, Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and its impact is growing here at home too.

But beyond the statistics are real people, real journeys, and real resilience.

Andy has Parkinson's and his story is one example of how the right connection and support can make a difference. With support from Kaikaranga, Andy has moved from isolation to participation, showing what’s possible when people are connected to the services and community around them.

Read Andy’s story: https://kaikaranga.org.nz/news/andys-story-from-isolation-to-participation/

22/03/2026

Being a care giver can be both beautiful and challenging. Sunday Sanctuary with Petra Bagust and her guests share honest reflections on being a care giver, the highs, lows, and everything in between, from running on fumes to finding small moments of joy.

A simple reminder: it’s okay to find it hard today, and try again tomorrow.

🎧 Listen here

Podcast Episode · Sunday Sanctuary with Petra Bagust · 21 March · 1h 3m

09/03/2026

From 1 April, flexible funding budgets for disabled people will stay the same and purchasing rules will be removed. Further guidance will be provided to help people plan and manage their funding. More information is available on the Disability Support Services website.

From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS) will have more flexibility in how they use their funding for disability-related supports.

The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed, while people’s allocated budgets stay the same as they are now. This means there will be no disruption to current supports.

These changes apply to people who use flexible funding. If you don’t receive flexible funding, nothing changes for you.

We know the last period of change has been hard for many disabled people, families, whānau and carers, and that it created uncertainty for many. Since then, work has been underway to improve the disability support system so it is fairer, more consistent, and easier to understand.

In February, DSS introduced a nationally consistent way of assessing needs and allocating funding. These April changes build on that work and reflect what the disability community told us through consultation.

From 1 April:
👉 Purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
👉 People keep the same allocated budgets for flexible funding they have now.
👉 This gives more choice and control over disability-related supports, including respite options for carers
👉 You still need to keep your spending within your allocated budgets
👉 Flexible funding must still be used in line with people’s plans
👉 A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval
👉 There will be more support to help people to plan and manage their flexible funding.

These changes mean people can feel confident their supports will continue to reflect their assessed needs. You don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes. Your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.

If you have questions about your own situation, your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site is the best place to talk through what this means for you.

Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements.

You can find more information below 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/more-choice-control-and-certainty-for-disabled-people-with-flexible-funding

17/02/2026

We’re honoured to be featured by One in Six — New Zealand’s disability employment resource hub created by New Zealand Disability Employers Network (NZDEN) and Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People.

As NZDEN members for more than seven years, and the first disability organisation accredited by NZDEN, inclusive employment is part of how we work.

Research shows that an important factor for successful disability employment is about positive employer attitudes and inclusive workplace culture. Supportive workplaces make real opportunity possible.

In Aotearoa, where 1 in 6 people are disabled, we know that confident, inclusive employers change lives.

We’re proud to be part of a network working to strengthen inclusive workplaces across New Zealand.

If you’re looking for a workplace that values accessibility, fairness and learning as we go, we’d love you to take a look at our current opportunities.

We welcome applications from disabled people. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know. www.kaikaranga.org.nz/about-us/careers/

Learn more: https://oneinsix.nz/about/

Supporting New Zealand employers to build inclusive workplaces and confidently hire and support disabled people, through the collaborative partnership between the New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network (NZDEN) and Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People.

16/01/2026

The Ministy of Social Development is considering a new Carers’ Strategy Action Plan, and we're helping government understand what matters most to carers. Join our online workshop to share what’s working, where challenges remain, and what needs to change.

Your experiences will help inform a report to government on the proposed Action Plan and decisions that affect carers.

Monday 2 February 2026
10:00 am–11:30 am

Go to our website for more information and to register. https://kaikaranga.org.nz/news/have-your-say-draft-action-plan-for-carers/