People First New Zealand

10/08/2026

The Richmond group recently had a visit from Marty Price from Community Patrol.

Marty shared stories from his 19 years with Community Patrol, including how he got started in Civil Defence helping during natural disasters and how he helped form the Community Patrol group in Richmond.

He talked about the role Community Patrol plays in the community, including being the “eyes and ears” of the local area and working alongside Police to help reduce crime.

Members had lots of questions for Marty, including some great questions about how Police work with disabled people.

It was a great chance for members to learn more about Community Patrol, ask questions and have a chat with someone who is well known in the local community.

And of course, everyone enjoyed getting a look inside the Community Patrol vehicle!

05/08/2026

Six People First members from Tauranga and Whakatāne went to a human rights hui.

The hui was called "Belonging Is a Human Right." It was led by Dr Huhana Hickey, a disability and human rights lawyer.

The hui was about everyone's right to live independently and be part of their community.

Our members took part in group discussions and activities. They talked about the barriers that can stop people from feeling like they belong, and what can assist people to be included. Members shared their own experiences and ideas, which made an important contribution to the discussion.

Thank you to Cindy and Robert from the Tauranga group, and Meredith, Mac, Bernadette, and Charlotte from the Whakatāne group for representing Midland People First.

04/08/2026

Come and see us at the What's Outside the Box? Transition Expo!

We'll be there to talk about the work we do, including membership, advocacy, learning opportunities, and our resources for people with learning disabilities.

The expo is a great chance for disabled young people, whānau, and supporters to explore what life after school can look like and connect with organisations from across the Wellington region.

📅 Thursday 13 August 2026
🕙 10.00am – 2.00pm
📍 Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, Wellington

Come and say hello to our team. We'd love to meet you!

For more information about the expo, visit: https://www.well-able.org.nz/page/whats-outside-the-box-transition-expo

04/08/2026

Disabled people are a significant part of every community, and councils’ decisions about the accessibility of their facilities and services can determine whether people are able to participate in community life.

In a new article the Audit Office looks at how councils consider accessibility when planning new facilities or upgrading existing ones.

Its work draws on a survey of councils, a review of three council projects, and discussions with disabled people and organisations that support the disability community.

You can find an Easy Read summary and other alternate formats at https://ao.parliament.nz/2026/councils-and-accessibility

03/08/2026

We had a trial of the Hi-5 Wellbeing Workshop, it went very well.

The workshop talks about stress, anxiety, and depression, what happens when we feel overwhelmed, and ways we can look after our wellbeing.

Everyone finished the day by creating their own Hi-5 Wellbeing Plan to share with family, whānau or support people.

The workshop was held at the Tides Hotel in Nelson with nine participants.

One activity used a Jenga tower to represent Te Whare Tapa Whā. As blocks were removed, the tower became weaker, showing how stress and challenges can affect our wellbeing, and why it's important to look after every part of ourselves.

Thank you to everyone who took part. We look forward to running more Hi-5 Wellbeing Workshops!

03/08/2026

Two years on from the release of Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in Care’s final report, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission is asking people across Aotearoa New Zealand to call for action on the recommendations in Whanaketia - Through pain and trauma, from darkness to light. https://www.abuseincare.org.nz/reports/whanaketia

Human Rights Commission has published a guide that talks about why acting on the recommendations is important; this guide is available on the Human Rights Commission's website along with an Easy Read summary called “A guide to talking about the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care with other people”.

You can find the guide and all alternate formats including Easy Read at https://tikatangata.org.nz/our-work/action-on-abuse-in-care

31/07/2026

The Midsouth region have voted in their new team!

Congratulations to:
National Committee Midsouth Regional President – Desrae Turvey (North Canterbury)
Midsouth Vice-Presidents – Kayla Le Gros (Christchurch) and Matt Kalman (North Canterbury)
Midsouth Secretary – Rosie Gray (Christchurch)
Midsouth Treasurer – Peter Rees (Christchurch)

Congratulations to everyone who was elected. Thank you for stepping up to lead your region and to be voices for people with learning disability. We look forward to seeing all the great work you will do together.

31/07/2026

Words matter.

This week, we heard the R word used in front of a lot of people.
The R word is hurtful. It has been used for many years to make disabled people feel small, left out, or laughed at.

People First New Zealand believes everyone deserves respect. The words we choose can make people feel included in the community.

There are many other words we can use when we disagree or feel frustrated. We do not need to use words that hurt disabled people.

We ask everyone to think before they speak and choose respectful language. Small changes in the words we use can make a big difference.

We want to have an Aotearoa New Zealand where everyone feels respected, included, and valued.

30/07/2026

On Tuesday, our Make it Easy team was proud to take part in the Access Activator Showcase hosted by Creative HQ.

Our team presented the Easy Read Hub app, a new way to help more people find and use Easy Read information. People First mana group president Kim, Make it Easy Manager Kath and Make it Easy Team Leader Andi shared the journey of the project and how it will make information more accessible for disabled people.

It was exciting to see the many innovative projects developed through the Access Activator programme, all working towards a more accessible Aotearoa.

To celebrate the completion of the programme, all six teams were presented with a certificate by Minister Louise Upston.

A big thank you to Creative HQ, Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People, and everyone involved for bringing together so many people passionate about accessibility and innovation.

Over the last few months, we have been working alongside Springload Te Pipītanga to develop the Easy Read Hub app. People First members and tāngata whaikaha Māori from Te Ahi Kaa Indigenous Solutions have been involved in user testing, sharing their experiences and feedback to help make sure the app is accessible and easy to use.

The app brings Easy Read resources together in one accessible, user-friendly place for phones and tablets, making it easier for people to find and understand important information.

We plan to have the app available on Android and IOS later in the year.

30/07/2026

Reminder that this Friday is the last day to have your say on further improvements to Disability Support Services. www.tinyurl.com/5bm2937s

Disability Support Services (DSS) want to hear from you.

They are asking people who receive DSS funding, and support or advocate for those who do, to take part in their consultation period.

They are asking about things like:
• What difference should DSS supports make in your daily life?
• What would more flexible support and services look like?
• What would make it easier for carers to take a break?

For information about how you can have your say (survey, make a submission, attend an in-person or online workshop) go to: www.tinyurl.com/5bm2937s

Please note: This consultation is different from the Disability Support Services Bill that called for submissions, which closed on June 12.

The Bill is a Parliamentary process to set the legal framework for DSS, while this survey is about improving DSS services and supports.