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









Click below to download the Easy Read Files:

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


MSME-Poster-Whangarei-2024

People First NZ is putting on our Money Smarts Made Easy 2 day course in Whangārei. 


This is a free course for people with learning (intellectual disability).

Money Smarts Made Easy - Whangārei - November 2024

This document is a statement from the DPO Coalition about the recent changes to Whaikaha.








Download the statement in Easy Read:



DPOC-Statement-EasyRead-07-10-24











Download the original statement:

DPO-Coalition-Statement-Changes-To-Whaikaha-Sept-2024

Below is the download to the statement from the DPO Coalition about the recent changes at Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha in Easy Read.

People First NZ Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi is a member of the DPO Coalition.

DPO Coalition Statement - Changes to Whaikaha

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

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

News and events

People First NZ - Response to abuse in care public apology13 November 2024

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - September 202410 November 2024

Disabled People's Organisations Coalition: Key Messages - July 202410 November 2024

Notice of AGM - 202429 October 2024

People First NZ celebrates 21 years - Press Release15 October 2024