People First New Zealand is responding to the new IHC Data to Dignity Report, which brings together national data...

People First New Zealand is responding to the new IHC Data to Dignity Report, which brings together national data about the health and wellbeing of people with learning (intellectual) disability.


The report uses government data to show how people with learning (intellectual) disability are doing across key areas of life. The data reflects People First members issues and worries about healthcare, support, safety, and having the same opportunities as everyone else.



People First NZ is a Disabled People’s Organisation run by and for people with learning (intellectual) disability. The members speak up about what life is really like. We hear regularly about barriers to seeing a doctor, poor communication, not being listened to, and missing out on the assistance needed to live a good life.



This data is important because it shows what is happening at a national level. But data alone will not create change. What matters is what happens next.



People First believes the findings should lead to real action from government agencies and services. This includes better access to healthcare, regular health checks, easier information, and assistance that respects people’s rights and choices. These are not new issues they have been raised many times before.

New Zealand has commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), including article 25, the right to the highest attainable standard of health. The results in this report show there is still work to do.


Desrae Turvey the National Chairperson says,

“Reports like this confirm what the members already know. People with learning disability are still being left behind. We want action. We want services that listen to us, include us, and assist us to live good lives like everyone else.”

People First NZ will continue working with government, health services, and communities to make sure the voices of people with learning disability are heard and positive change happens.

https://www.ihc.org.nz/get-involved/advocacy/from-data-to-dignity-2026

People First NZ responds to new IHC “From Data to Dignity 2026" - Press Release

Acknowledging, remembering and looking to the future

On 12 November 2024 the Prime Minister apologised for the abuse and neglect that happened around New Zealand, he announced that a National Day of Reflection would be held one year later.

Ministers agreed that the National Day of Reflection would be led by survivors and communities, with support from the Government.

People First NZ held 6 events across the country for the National Day of Reflection. These events were for members of People First to come together to reflect on and raise awareness of the history and impact of abuse in care.

Royal Commission of inquiry into abuse in care

All events were successful and hundreds of members from across the country attended these events. At the Central event we visited Sir Robert’s grave to remember and honour him.

We were glad that the Government supported these events. This allowed People First NZ members across the country come together, remember the past, and continue working towards a safer future for everyone.

NDOR-Press-Release-PFNZ

People First NZ National Day of Reflection

National Day of Reflection - Press Release

The apology is in response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry (1950-1999) and was held in Wellington.

On 23 October 2025, IHC Chief Executive Andrew Crisp apologised on behalf of the organisation for abuse and neglect survivors experienced in support services meant to protect them.



The apology is in response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry (1950-1999) and was held in Wellington.



People First NZ is pleased IHC has taken responsibility for the violence, abuse and neglect that occurred in their services. This is an important step forward.



However, more still needs to happen to make sure people with learning disability are free from abuse, have real choice and control, and receive quality disability support services that respect their rights and voices.



People First NZ National Chairperson Desrae Turvey says “People First will continue to make sure the voices of people with learning disability are heard, our rights are upheld, and our experiences lead to lasting change.”



As part of our work, People First is pleased to offer a new service called People for Us, which visits disabled people in residential services to find out if they are safe, living their good life and experience high-quality support services.



The apology and information about IHC’s response can be found on their website.




Our response to IHC’s apology for abuse in support services - Press Release

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - May 2025









Click below to download the Easy Read Files:

DPOC-Key-Messages-May-25-EasyRead

Click below to download the original Key Messages:

DPOC-KeyMessages-May-2025

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - May 2025.

The Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition is a group of people who come from different disability organisations. 

A coalition is a group of organisations that work towards shared goals.
Find more about the DPO Coalition here: 



Below is an Easy Read document of the Key Messages from the May 2025.

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - May 2025

People First NZ’s Make it Easy translation service and IHC have worked together to update the Easy Read Individual Employment Agreement.

First created by People First NZ in 2011, the Easy Read has undergone a revamp and update to fit current employment legislation. You can now find an:

Easy Read guide to the Individual Employment Agreement

Easy Read Individual Employment Agreement (template).

The guide provides information about what needs to be in an employment agreement, explains important words and concepts and details on how to fill in the Easy Read Individual Employment Agreement template. 

The guide is also a tool that can be used so that everyone understands their responsibilities in a work environment and learn about their rights at work.

The Easy Read Individual Employment Agreement template has all the legal requirements of a standard full agreement and is designed to be filled in by both the employer and employee.

You can find these two Easy Reads on People First NZ’s Easy Read Library at:

https://www.peoplefirst.org.nz/easy-read-library/resource/Easy-Read-Guide-IEA

https://www.peoplefirst.org.nz/easy-read-library/resource/Easy-Read-IEA

People First NZ’s Make it Easy translation service and IHC have worked together to update the Easy Read Individual Employment Agreement. 

This popular Easy Read provides an easy-to-use individual employment agreement that records information in a way that both the employee and employers can understand.

Easy Read Individual Employment Agreement

Media Release from Disabled Peoples Organisations Coalition & Donald Beasley Institute

The Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Coalition has released Report 2 - Consultation and Engagement of the Disabled Person-Led Monitoring research project. This project monitors how well the New Zealand Government is implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings are based on interviews with disability sector leaders, disabled people, family, whānau, aiga and close supporters. It highlights their feelings and perspectives about the Government’s engagement and consultation with the disability community about Whaikaha l Ministry of Disabled People, and the March 2024 changes to disability funding criteria. The findings also articulate participants’ hopes and dreams for the Government’s consultation and engagement processes with the disability community in the future.

My hope is that [Whaikaha l Ministry of Disabled People] get to a place where they realise the most impactful thing they can do is invest in communities to have conversations for themselves. (Disability Sector Leader 09-01)

 Disability Sector Leaders highlighted the importance of the ‘Tripartite Partnership’ between disabled people, tākata whaikaha Māori and the Crown. They recognised that this partnership started strong, but had since been reduced in function and influence. They also shared that system transformation should be designed and led by disabled people, rather than just consulting with disabled people about it. When consultation processes did take place, many disabled participants and their whānau and families felt that most decisions had already been made.

Changes to Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Service: 

Participants highlighted a lack of consultation regarding the 18 March 2024 changes to Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services (EMS), which negatively impacted many in the disability community. Participants also felt the changes did not consider the needs of people with intersectional identities such as Māori and Pasefika disabled people.

Participants made recommendations for effective engagement and consultation with the disability community, including:

Building the capacity of tākata whaikaha, whānau hauā, turi Māori, and disabled people so they can participate in engagement and consultation fully and effectively.

Early and regular engagement and consultation.

Ensuring engagement and consultation is genuine and not tokenistic.

Consulting and engaging with a wide and diverse range of disabled people and disability organisations.

Providing government officials with disabled person-led training and education on their obligations under the UNCRPD, including how to effectively engage and consult with the disability community.


The report is available in official languages and accessible formats (Te Reo Māori, NZSL, Easy Read, Braille, Large Print, and audio) from the Donald Beasley Institute’s website: 

https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring-of-the-uncrpd/


You can find the Easy Read download here:

DBI-Report2-Summary-EasyRead

Alexia Black (Chair Balance | DPO Coalition Member): 022 395 9761 (us-dpo@groups.io)

Umi Asaka (Researcher, Donald Beasley Institute): uasaka@donaldbeasley.org.nz

Media Release: Invest in Communities - Findings from Disabled People’s Organisation Coalition Monitoring of Disability Rights



People First New Zealand, along with six other disabled people's organisations, is a member of the Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Coalition.

Invest in Communities - Findings from DPOC Monitoring of Disability Rights

People First New Zealand is proud to announce a new resource to celebrate te ao Māori.  This new Easy Read is part of our commitment to making sure everyone can take part in important times like Matariki.

Greetings of Matariki, the Māori New Year.

The Make it Easy service is excited to share a brand new 

Mānawatia a Matariki - What is Matariki and why it is important in Aotearoa New Zealand

•   what the Matariki and Puanga stars are

•   when and how people celebrate Matariki

•   the 9 stars of Matariki and what they mean

•   ways to remember the past and look to the future

•   how to say Mānawatia a Matariki to wish someone well.

.

We hope this Easy Read helps more people understand the meaning of Matariki.

Mānawatia a Matariki!

People First New Zealand is proud to announce a new resource to celebrate te ao Māori.

This new Easy Read is part of our commitment to making sure everyone can take part in important times like Matariki.

New Easy Read: Mānawatia a Matariki

Press Release for People First NZ Submission to the Plain Language Repeal Bill

People First NZ Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi made a submission opposing the Plain Language Act Repeal Bill. We believe that removing the legislation would harm accessibility for disabled people and rights to clear and understandable information.


As a Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) run by and for people with learning disability, People First NZ highlighted the critical role of accessible communication tools like Easy Read, which are supported by plain language principles.


Repealing the Plain Language Act could mean government information becomes too complicated and inaccessible.


People First NZ members from around the country called the move to repeal the Act “a step backwards.” One member asked, “Why do you (government) want to go back to the system where we don’t understand what’s going on?”


People First New Zealand believes that plain language is very important. It helps people with learning disability:

Taking away the Plain Language Act would make things harder for people who need information to be clear and easy to read.


People First NZ wants the Plain Language Act to stay and to keep using plain language guidelines developed by the Public Service Commission.


This will make sure everyone in New Zealand gets information they can understand and has a fair chance to speak up and be included.




Link to download the full People First NZ Submission:

Plain Language Act Repeal Bill - People First NZ submission 13-5-25

The link to read the full submission is at the bottom of the page.


Submission to the Plain Language Act Repeal Bill - Press Release

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - March 2025

DPOC-Key-Messages-March-25-EasyRead

DPOC-KeyMessages-March-2025

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - March 2025.

The Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition is a group of people who come from different disability organisations. 

A coalition is a group of organisations that work towards shared goals.

Below is an Easy Read document of the Key Messages from the March 2025.

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - March 2025

Easy Read resources are designed to make information accessible to those with a learning or literacy disability, the Deaf community and other groups who might find this information useful.

Pink Shirt Day - Easy Read Resource 2025

This card game is a fun way to learn about what is safe and not safe information share online. Available to buy now.



This card game has been created by working closely with 4 People First members.


Thank you to InternetNZ for funding this card game.


If you would like to buy the card game please provide us with the details below:

• Do you want extra “Information about Scams” booklets? ($2 each)

This card game is a fun way to learn about what is safe and not safe information share online.

The reason these cards have been created is because online scams are happening more often.

It is important that we know:

•  what information is okay to share online

•  what to do if you think something is a scam.

Learn with Us - Safety Net Cyber card game

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - February 2024

DPOC-Key-Messages-Feb-25-EasyRead

DPOC-KeyMessages-Feb-2025

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - February 2025.

The Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition is a group of people who come from different disability organisations. 

A coalition is a group of organisations that work towards shared goals.

Below is an Easy Read document of the Key Messages from the February 2025.

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - February 2025

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - November - December 2024

DPOC-Key-Messages-NovDec-24-EasyRead

DPOC-KeyMessages-NovDec-2024

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - November-December 2024

The Disabled People’s  Organisations Coalition is a group of people who come from different disability organisations. 

A coalition is a group of organisations that work towards shared goals.

Below is an Easy Read document of the Key Messages from the November and December meeting.



Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - Nov-Dec 2024

The Make it Easy translation service has created a suite of eight booklets for and about the Rainbow (LGBTQIA+) community, covering topics including...

The Make it Easy translation service has created a suite of eight booklets for and about the Rainbow (LGBTQIA+) community, covering topics including:

supporting your rainbow friends and whānau.

Easy Read uses simplified language supported by images. It is designed for people with learning (intellectual) disability but many other communities find Easy Read a useful source of information that is easy to understand.

These booklets were co-designed with four people with learning disability, all members of People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi.

These members were advisors who shared a range of experiences, including discrimination from support providers, difficulty with families, and wanting to support a trans flat mate.


"We found a real gap in accessible information about Rainbow communities," says project lead Andi Buchanan. “We hope this is the starting point in making this vital information available.”



The project was generously funded by the Rule Foundation’s Rainbow Wellbeing fund.



The Rainbow Easy Read documents are available for free download below:

https://www.peoplefirst.org.nz/easy-read-library

https://www.rulefoundation.nz/the-rainbow-wellbeing-legacy-fund

Make it Easy Kia Māmā Mai launches Rainbow Easy Read booklets - Press Release

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - October 2024

DPOC-Key-Messages-October-24-EasyRead

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - October 2024

The Disabled People’s  Organisations Coalition is a group of people who come from different disability organisations. 

A coalition is a group of organisations that work towards shared goals.

Below is an Easy Read document of the Key Messages from the October meeting.



Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - October 2024

Public apologies from Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and 7 public sector leaders.

On the 12 November 2024 the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon made a formal apology to survivors of abuse in care. 

This was followed by a statement from the Leader of the Opposition, Rt Hon Christopher Hipkins. 

Apologies were also made by 7 public sector leaders including Oranga Tamariki, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health.

People First NZ National Chairperson Michael Aldridge said, “I thought the public apology said the right things, but it was very long overdue. I hope steps are taken for survivors get the right support and make changes to stop abuse in the future.”





You can find all the apology statements on the Crown Response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry website, including links to Easy Read and other alternate formats:

www.abuseinquiryresponse.govt.nz/for-survivors/public-apology-to-survivors-of/

You can find People First NZ’s response to the apology on our website: 

www.peoplefirst.org.nz/news-and-resources/news-and-events/PF-response-abuse-in-care-apology-response

Abuse in care public apologies: Easy Read

On 3 December 2024, People First NZ had the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Click here to watch the Annual General Meeting 2024

In 2024, it was held on a Zoom meeting.


The AGM is a way to show what:

we do with our money and where we get it from.

Annual General Meeting 2024 Zoom Recording

On the 12th of November, a formal public apology was made to survivors of abuse in care.



It was held at Parliament on 12 November 2024 by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon.



The apology acknowledges the pain and suffering survivors went through in state and faith-based care.



This apology is long overdue. Sadly, many People First members who lived in institutions have passed away before this public apology.



Survivors want support and fair compensation, and their voices to be guiding change to prevent further abuse.



People First NZ member Josie Khoury is a survivor. Josie went to Shed 6, Wellington to watch the livestream of the public apology. She said, “The apology was good, but I want to see actions to assist the survivors and to stop the abuse in the future.”


People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi is aware that abuse still happens, and more work is urgently needed.



Kia kaha / Stay strong.

PF-Response-AbuseinCare-Apology-13-11-24

People First NZ response to the public apology to survivors of abuse in care.

People First NZ - Response to abuse in care public apology

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - September 2024

DPOC-Key-Messages-September-24-EasyRead

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - September 2024

The Disabled People’s  Organisations Coalition is a group of people who come from different disability organisations. 

A coalition is a group of organisations that work towards shared goals.

Below is an Easy Read document of the Key Messages from the September meeting.

Please note that this meeting was held before the recent Whaikaha changes.

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - September 2024

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - July 2024

DPOC-Key-Messages-July-24-EasyRead

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - July 2024

The Disabled People’s  Organisations Coalition is a group of people who come from different disability organisations. 

A coalition is a group of organisations that work towards shared goals.

Below is an Easy Read document of the Key Messages from the July meeting.

Please note that this meeting was held before the recent Whaikaha changes.

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - July 2024

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Zoom this year. Please let us know if you would like to come.

Notice-Of-AGM-2024

The Annual General Meeting is when a lot of people from People First get together to talk about everything People First has done this year.


The Annual General Meeting is also called the AGM.

Notice of AGM - 2024

People First NZ celebrates 21 years of being an Independent Organisation.

Today People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi turns 21 years old. People First is a disabled person organisation run by and for people with learning (intellectual) disability.

People First started in the State of Oregon, United States of America in 1974 and today there are People First groups and organisations worldwide in countries such as England, Scotland, Japan, South Korea and many more.

People First New Zealand started in 1987, and it was part of IHC for its first 20 years.

National Chairperson, Michael Aldridge says: “It was really important to members to have our own independent organisation and in 2003 this became a reality”.

On the 16th of October 2003, the then-Minister for Disability Issues, Ruth Dyson, hosted the launch of People First NZ becoming an independent organisation at Parliament. People First members came from all over the country to join the celebration.

Today People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi is stronger than ever. We have 41 local groups across six regions with hundreds of members. Members meet regularly to learn about their rights and how to speak up for themselves.

As well as our self-advocacy groups we have a range of services that encourage a more inclusive society for people with learning disability, based on the rights of disabled people.

People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi is also part of the DPO Coalition.

The DPO Coalition’s collective vision is to achieve Disability Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

There are still many issues for people with learning disability in all parts of life including having enough money to live on, having the right support to make decisions, choosing who you live with and how you live, having a safe and affordable house to live in, getting good health outcomes, life-long learning, and having a job.

National Chairperson, Michael Aldridge says: “We will keep working together so we can make sure that people with learning disability have human rights and are included across Aotearoa New Zealand. Turning 21 is important to us and today I want to thank all the members, volunteers and the team of employees and contractors past and present, our funders and allies.”

Disability Information and Advice Service (DIAS)

Make It Easy Kiā Māmā Mai translation service.

Learn with Us Ako i Tō Mātou Taha education service.

PeopleFirstNZ-21Years-PressRelease

People First NZ celebrates 21 years - Press Release

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - June 2024

DPOC-Key-Messages-June-24-EasyRead

This is the Easy Read Document of Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - June 2024

The Disabled People’s  Organisations Coalition is a group of people who come from different disability organisations. 

A coalition is a group of organisations that work towards shared goals.

Below is an Easy Read document of the Key Messages from the June meeting.

Please note that this meeting was held before the recent Whaikaha changes.

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - June 2024

This is a 2 day course in Whangārei for people with learning disability.


Mahitahi Hauora, 28 Rust Ave, Whangārei


• What do you know about your money?
• Where does your money come from and where does it go?





• Saving for a Money Smart goal.
• Keeping your money safe.



If you or someone you know who is over 18 years old with a learning (intellectual) disability, and wants to learn how to manage their money please contact:



027 428 9747
sarahsharp@peoplefirst.org.nz


News and events

People First NZ responds to new IHC “From Data to Dignity 2026" - Press Release16 February 2026

National Day of Reflection - Press Release16 November 2025

Our response to IHC’s apology for abuse in support services - Press Release23 October 2025

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - May 202514 October 2025

Easy Read Individual Employment Agreement8 August 2025