Members

All of the work that we do is for the People First NZ members. The members are in local groups that meet once a month.

The meetings are run by members and a local group assistant to decide what they want to do at the meetings.

How to become a member?


To be a People First NZ member you need to be a person with a learning (intellectual) disability and be over 18 years old. It is also free to be a member.

We will get in contact with you to become a member once you fill the form below.

Interested?

We will get you in contact with a Regional Coordinator that will give you information about the next local group meeting.

What to expect at a meeting?

three members smiling at the camera at a meeting.


At the local group meetings, members learn about their rights and how to speak up for themselves.

The local groups are a fun way to meet people and to make new friends. Members attend local events in the community to promote People First NZ and their local group.

If you are going to a meeting for the first time you can fill out a membership form and a privacy information form to become a member.

Below are the forms for you to read. You can also print the forms out, sign them and bring them to a meeting.

You can print the membership form and fill it out and bring it to your first meeting. Please also read the privacy information about how we will look after information about you.


Members outside of a Marae smiling on a sunny day.


Find your local group

We have 41 groups in 6 regions throughout New Zealand with hundreds of members – you can find a local group near you in the list below.

Map of New Zealand in green with labels showing the regions

The Northern local groups are:

  • Whangarei
  • West Auckland
  • South Auckland
  • Central Auckland
  • East Auckland
  • Franklin
  • North Shore

The Midland local groups are:

  • Hamilton
  • Te Awamutu
  • Tauranga
  • Rotorua
  • Whakatāne
  • Te Puke
  • Gisborne

Group of 6 people standing in a corridor.

Southern Taranaki group with Sir Robert Martin

The Central local groups are:

  • Wellington
  • Kāpiti
  • Hutt Valley
  • Whanganui
  • Manawatū
  • North Taranaki
  • Rangitīkei
  • Wairarapa
  • South Taranaki
  • Horowhenua
  • Mana


6 people sitting on chairs in a row in a meeting room.

Blenheim group meeting.

The Top of the South local groups are:

  • Blenheim
  • Nelson
  • Richmond
  • Kaikōura
  • Motueka


The Midsouth local groups are:

  • Ashburton
  • Christchurch
  • North Canterbury
  • Selwyn
  • Timaru
  • West Coast


The Southern local groups are:

  • Ōamaru
  • Dunedin
  • Balclutha
  • Gore
  • Invercargill


Find the contact details for your regional coordinator.