The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is inviting disabled people and their whānau and support persons to have their say on digital cash in New Zealand.

You can find Easy Read information and survey, as well as other alternate formats at this website link:

www.rbnz.govt.nz/money-and-cash/digital-cash/information-in-alternate-Formats

To Download Easy Read versions of this document click below:

Info-about-Digital-Cash-EasyRead





















To Download Easy Read versions of this document click below:

Digital-Cash-NZ-Survey-EasyRead

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is inviting disabled people and their whānau and support persons to have their say on digital cash in New Zealand. 

Digital cash would be a new type of money in addition to banknotes and coins, and the electronic money in your bank account, but it will not replace physical banknotes and coins.



Reserve Bank NZ - Digital Cash

The Ministry for Disabled People - Whaikaha now has Easy Read information on their website about the recent changes announced to disability support services.

https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/assets/Independent-Review/Whaikaha_factsheet-DSS-anouncement_Easy-Read-draft_30-8-24.pdf

https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/assets/Independent-Review/Whaikaha_factsheet-DSS-anouncement_Easy-Read-draft_30-8-24.docx

You can find the Easy Read factsheet and other alternate formats at this website link:

www.whaikaha.govt.nz/news/independent-review/fact-sheet-for-people-receiving-dss

We know these changes may be causing concern, so please reach out for support if you need it. 

You can also talk to your local NASC (Need Assessment Service Coordination) and your support services if you have questions about how the changes may impact you.

Fact sheet for people getting Disability Support Services

The minister recently announced changes towards restructuring Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People. 

Press Release - People First NZ responds to the announcement for changes to Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People. 16 August 2024




Yesterday the Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Louise Upston made an announcement about the outcome of an Independent Review of Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People and Disability Support Services.


As a result of that review, Minister Upston announced that:

Disability Support Services (DSS) will move to being managed by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD)


Whaikaha will become a standalone Ministry 


the Enabling Good Lives rollout will be put on hold.



In response to yesterday’s announcement, Ronnie Sione, National Chairperson, People First NZ said “I don’t want anyone to be worse off because of the changes. I want all disabled people to have the right support for them”.


People First NZ member and Enabling Good Lives National Leadership Group Member, Shane McInroe said “I am annoyed about the lack of consultation with the disability community about this major decision”.



People First NZ has long been committed to Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach that gives disabled people choice and control on their own lives. “It is disappointing to see that the Governments approach to EGL has been put on hold” says Cindy Johns, National Manager, People First NZ.




Johns also added that “We are hearing from People First NZ members and the disability community that they are feeling worried and concerned because of these changes".




People First NZ will continue to make sure people with learning disability have human rights and are included across Aotearoa New Zealand.





For more information about the Independent Review:

Whaikaha - Independent Review - Announcement

Whaikaha Independent Review - Questions and Answers.

Press-Release-PFNZ-Response-Whaikaha-Independent-Review

People First NZ responds to the announcement for changes to Whaikaha

Physical copies available to buy  -  Pick up and Delivery available.

We have a small amount of physical copies of Sir Robert Martin's book "Becoming a Person". 

The book is written by John McRae and was published in 2014.

The prices range from: $35 - $50 incl GST depending on shipping.

If you would like to buy a copy of the book please email us the details below.

• Name
• Email
• Phone number
• Shipping Address (or pickup at National Office in Wellington)
• Quantity (amount of books)


Send these details to: ask@peoplefirst.org.nz
or use our 



When you send us your details we will send you an invoice, once it is paid you can pick up the book from People First NZ National Office in Wellington or we can ship it to you.

 is the uplifting and challenging story of how an intellectually disabled New Zealander helped change the world.



Brain-damaged at birth, Robert Martin was locked away as a child in places for the ‘mentally deficient’ where he suffered neglect, abuse and violence. 



He travelled the world, saw horror in giant institutions and pleaded with politicians and bureaucrats for a better life for his friends. In 2003 he stood alone in a crowded hall to address the United Nations: ‘My name is Robert Martin, and I have an intellectual disability.’



 is an often painful, but ultimately uplifting account of a journey from nothingness to celebrity. It challenges us to re-examine our notions of what it is to be human.

Becoming a Person  -  The Biography of Robert Martin

Introduction to Enabling Good Lives Sessions in Gisborne.

There are 3 sessions available in Gisborne:



HB Williams Memorial Library
34 Bright Street, Gisborne 4010

7 Fitzherbert Street, Whataupoko, Gisborne 4010












oranatepairi@peoplefirst.org.nz

saemmahhafeez@peoplefirst.org.nz


EGL-Session-Gisborne-July24

EGL-Session-Gisborne-August24

EGL-Session-Wairoa-Sept24

Do you live in Gisborne, have a learning disability and want to learn more about Enabling Good Lives (EGL)?



Whānau / family and support people welcome.


There will be morning tea. Please let us know if you have a special diet

EGL Sessions - Gisborne

Come along to visit and learn more about support services and funding opportunities for disabled people and whanau

Rachael Wiltshire, Auckland Disability Law Centre

Erika Butters, Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust (PASAT)



Come along! we cant wait to see you there.


Learn about support services and funding available to disabled people and carers/whanau in the Wairarapa.



There will be stalls from over 20 organisations with information about support services, funding opportunities for disabled people and carers/whanau in the Wairarapa. 



There will also be guest speakers holding different workshops.


Wairarapa Disability Expo

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









Click below to download the Easy Read Files:

DPOC-Key-Messages-May-24-EasyRead

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

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

Introduction to Enabling Good Lives Sessions in Hawkes Bay.

There are 3 sessions available in Hawke's Bay:



300 Karamu Road South, Hastings 4201













Te Huinga Wai - The Knowledge & Learning Hub

Email us or TEXT if you would like to come: 



EGL-Session-Napier-July24

EGL-Session-Hastings-Aug24

EGL-Session-Waipukurau-Aug24

Do you live in Hawke's Bay, have a learning disability and want to learn more about Enabling Good Lives (EGL)?



EGL Sessions - Hawke's Bay

This Easy Read Document is on how to vote in the elections for the Tauranga City Council.







Below is the Easy Read Document to download:


tauranga-citycouncil-voting

Voting at the Tauranga City Council Local Elections

This document has information about what happened at the Disabled People's Organisations (DPO) Coalition meetings in March 2024.

Click below to download the Easy Read Files:



DPOC Key messages March 2024 – Easy Read

DPOC Key messages March 2024 – Easy Read.

This document has information about what happened at the Disabled People's Organisations (DPO) Coalition meetings in March 2024.

The Disabled People's Organisation Coalition (DPOC) is a group of people who come from different disability organisations.

During these meetings the DPO Coalition met with lots of Government agencies and other community organisations.

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

This is the Easy Read document of the Review of the Health and Disability Commissioner Act and the Code of Rights.






You can find more information about the review: 

You can find alternate format information, including Easy Read, about the review and how you can have your say at: 

https://review.hdc.org.nz/consultation-document/

The Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) is reviewing the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 (the Act) and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer’s Rights (the Code). 

HDC want feedback on how the Act and the Code could be made better. 

Submissions close 5pm Wed 31 July 2024.

Review of the Health and Disability Commissioner Act and the Code of Rights

Easy Read information about Sir Robert Martin's Memorial Service.


Sir Robert's Memorial took place on the 7th of June. The link to the livestream is 

Memorial-Service-For-Sir-Robert-Martin

This is an Easy Read document about the Sir Robert Martin KNZM Memorial Service in Wellington, New Zealand.

Memorial Service for Sir Robert Martin KNZM

Easy Read Document for Modernising our approach to the 2028 Census - Stats NZ

Please visit the following links to read more information. You will find the Easy Read documents uploaded on the alternate formats page.

Alternate Formats Page (Easy Read Downloads)

The public consultation for the future of census has begun. Public consultation will run until 18 June 2024.


The 2028 Census will be a key milestone in the journey to reimagine and modernise the way Stats NZ produce data and statistics. 

Stats NZ would love for as many people living in Aotearoa New Zealand as possible to let them know what they think a future census should look like and what is important to them.

Modernising the 2028 Census - Easy Read

Easy Read document for Conversion practices in Aotearoa New Zealand: Developing a holistic response to spiritual abuse



You can find the Easy Read Document here:



Easy-Read-Conversion-practice-research-summary




You can find the full report and other alternate formats at this link: 

https://tikatangata.org.nz/resources-and-support/conversion-practices

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has published a report called Conversion practices in Aotearoa New Zealand: Developing a holistic response to spiritual abuse. 

Human Rights Commission - Summary: Conversion practices research

Easy Read document for the summary of the research project "Let's Get Accessible"





You can get the Easy Read document here:


Easy Read Fact Sheet on Study Complaints





You can find the full report and an Easy Read summary of the research project report, along with other alternate formats at this link: 



“Let’s Get Accessible” is a research project jointly completed by the National Disabled Students’ Association, the Ministry of Education, the Tertiary Education Commission and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. 

The report highlights the lived experiences of disabled students and includes stories about the difficulties faced by disabled tertiary students in accessing tertiary education and services.

Let's Get Accessible: How disabled students feel about tertiary education

This tells you how to watch the livestream funeral of Sir Robert Martin.

The livestream started at 1:20pm New Zealand Time on Monday the 6th of May. 


Here is the link to the recorded Livestream (This link will be available for one month):








For more info, download the Easy Read below:



Easy Read - How to watch the livestream funeral of Sir Robert Martin

Below is a link to the Easy Read for How to watch the livestream funeral of Sir Robert Martin KNZM.

How to watch Sir Robert's Funeral Livestream - May 2024

People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi is deeply saddened by the passing of Life Member Sir Robert Martin KNZM.

Robert spent more than 40 years advocating for disability rights in New Zealand and internationally. He was an amazing leader and representative for people with learning disability and has been recognised around the world for his work towards disability rights in particular deinstitutionalisation, living in the community and supported decision making.

Ronnie Sione, People First NZ National Committee Chairperson says, “People First members and people with learning disability in New Zealand and around the world have sadly lost their leader.”



People First NZ became an independent organisation in 2003 with Sir Robert being one of the original People First members. He was highly respected by the members and staff of People First and led by example by encouraging members to speak up about their rights, demand action and take up leadership roles.

In 2008 Sir Robert was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to people with disabilities.

In 2016 Sir Robert Martin was elected as an independent expert to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). His election was historical with him being the first person with a learning disability elected to the United Nations Treaty Body.

In 2020 Sir Robert was re-elected for another 4-year term. At the time of his passing Robert was still active in his role on the Committee. In 2020 he was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Sir Robert travelled internationally with his work creating change in policies and practices which have made a positive difference for disabled people.




We send our sincere condolences to Sir Robert’s wife Lady Lynda, his family and friends.

He mihi aroha / with love and sympathy.



People-First-NZ-Sir-Robert-Press-Release-01-05-24

Press Release - the passing of Sir Robert Martin KNZM

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

The Law Commission has published its Second Issues Paper in their review of the law relating to adult decision-making capacity. The Law Commission is seeking feedback how should the law respond when an adult’s decision making is affected — for example, as a result of a learning disability, dementia, traumatic brain injury or mental distress?


We have translated the Second Issues paper as 5 separate documents – and its still quite complex, it’s a complex topic!

1) Key topics - Information sheet
2) Key Topic 1 - Court appointed representatives 
3) Key Topic 2 - Decision making support

4) Key Topic 3 - Enduring Power of Attorney
5) Key Topic 4 - Practical improvements 

Here is the link to all the Key Topics in alternate formats including Easy Read.

https://huarahi-whakatau.lawcom.govt.nz/the-key-topics/

You can find the Submission Form at the above link; submissions are due by 5pm 

Here is the Easy Read documents for:
Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission – Review of Adult Decision-Making Capacity Law

Law Commission – Review of Adult Decision-Making Capacity Law

This is our response to the latest sudden changes by Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People.

On Monday, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, announced changes to the Purchasing Guidelines and Equipment and Modification Services (EMS). 

You can find more information about these changes on the Whaikaha website: 




Purchasing Guidelines say what disability support funding can be used to buy, through Individualised Funding, Enhanced Individualised Funding, Choice in Community Living, Personal Budgets or Carer Support.


We know that these changes and the way they were communicated has created a lot of anxiety and confusion for many disabled people, tangata whaikaha Māori, whānau / families and carers. 


These changes are not in line with Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles and having choice and control. There was a lack of meaningful consultation about these changes. People First NZ is seeking further clarification and our Make it Easy service is working closely with Whaikaha to create Easy Read information about the changes, so the guidelines are clear. We will share the links to the Easy Read information as soon as they are ready.


People First New Zealand will continue to speak up about choice and control with our members, in the community and to government.


Helpful Links:
Sign the petition for re-evaluation: 


Whaikaha Q&A Section for these changes: 

Our response to Whaikaha changes

The People First Annual General Meeting will take place on November 6 2023.

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.

You can be part of the AGM in Wellington or by Zoom.

 by 23rd October if you want to go to the AGM.

There is more information about the AGM in the document below.

Notice Of AGM - Easy Read

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2023

Secretariat to Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Coalition

You can find an advert and the Position Description below.

Advert for Secretariat to Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Coalition

The DPO Coalition has an exciting new opportunity available for an exceptional person to support us. The secretariat will provide a full range of administrative and executive support to the DPO Coalition and DPO Managers. Minute-taking experience is essential. There will be significant variation in the hours worked from one week to the next. This role will be challenging and rewarding. If you live outside Wellington travel will be required.

Easy Read information - Tuesday 9 May 2023


Information about the local state of emergency in Auckland 

Easy Read information about what to do for this local state of emergency including finding an evacuation centre and who to contact if you need support.



Easy Read information about the state of local emergency in Auckland.pdf

Looking after how you are feeling during and after an emergency

Information about mental health wellbeing, who to talk with, and information about 1737: Need to Talk.



Looking after how you are feeling during and after an emergency.pdf

Person-centred care, United Kingdom | May 2020

A guide to managing anxiety for adults with learning disability and autism. There are four activities that can be used to help people feel calmer and more relaxed.



Here is some Easy Read information to assist people with learning disability about the local state of emergency in Auckland.

You may want to read this information with a whānau or family member, friend or support worker.

Local state of emergency in Auckland

Easy Read information if you still need to do the Census.

Here is the Easy Read information if you still need to do the Census:

Easy Read in Word

Easy Read in PDF

 but you can still complete the census after this date. When people complete their census forms, they just fill them out for where they were on 7 March.


Census collectors are visiting households to follow up with people who have not yet completed their census forms and to offer support. Collectors will be in communities offering support until 


People do not need to wait for a census collector to visit. They can complete the census online using any access code provided to their household, or by requesting a new access code through the website 

) for help or to request information in Audio, Braille, Large Print or Easy Read.


NZSL videos with captions in English can be viewed online here: 

https://www.census.govt.nz/new-zealand-sign-language/

There are community places and events across the country where people can get support to complete the census. There will be paper forms available.


Places like libraries do not have paper forms, but offer internet and devices for people to complete the census online.


Find out about places and events in your area by visiting the census website 

A reminder letter will be mailed to some households this week.


Some people may have already completed their census forms by the time the letter arrives. If they have already done the census, they do not need to do anything else and can ignore the letter.

For people in areas impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, there will be more time and support to do the census.


Census collectors will be in affected areas offering help until 


There will be community locations and events that people can go to for guidance on how to fill out their census forms if they have had to leave their homes.

Some people have said they are worried about being prosecuted or fined for not doing their census by 7 March. Fines are sometimes given to people who do not fill in their census, because it is a legal requirement. But this is the last thing we want to do. We want everyone to be counted in the 2023 Census and are working hard to provide the support and assurance that they need.


Stats NZ will be revising the prosecution process for people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle who have been unable to complete the census.


There has also been general feedback from disabled people about the confusing language used in the census. Concerns that neurodiversity is not represented have also been raised. These concerns have been shared with the relevant teams at Stats NZ.

If you still need to do the Census, it's not too late.

The Census team have put out some Easy Read information about the ways you can get assistance to complete your forms for the 2023 Census.


We've also added some of the key information below about the Census collectors, community places and events, and what to do if you're in a flood affected area. There's also contact details and links for more information if you have questions.

2023 Census – it's not too late!

Information in Easy Read to support people with learning disability recover from the floods.

Cyclone Gabrielle: Support from Work and Income – Civil Defence Payments

Information about ways Work and Income might be able to help you if you have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, including help with urgent costs:



General information and links to all alternate formats

Looking after how you are feeling

Here is some Easy Read information to assist people with learning disability to understand what support is available during the recovery from the floods and cyclone.

You may want to read this information with a whānau or family member, friend or support worker.

News and events

Reserve Bank NZ - Digital Cash

Fact sheet for people getting Disability Support Services

People First NZ responds to the announcement for changes to Whaikaha

Becoming a Person - The Biography of Robert Martin

EGL Sessions - Gisborne