Participation was part of the brief
The launch brought the Office for Disability Issues into the new ministry. Whaikaha was given names in English, te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. Williams described governance and partnership arrangements that were intended to give disabled people an enduring voice in government decisions. [1]
Support and wider public policy
The ministry’s 2024 annual report described its original dual mandate: improve disability support and advance wider changes benefiting disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and families. It linked this work to the Enabling Good Lives approach, which emphasises people’s choice and control over support. [2]
Community leaders formalise cooperation
On 9 February 2024, Whaikaha signed an agreement with the National Enabling Good Lives Leadership Group. Its chair, Jade Farrar, welcomed clearer shared objectives and greater influence for disabled people and families. The agreement covered regional leadership networks and helping providers understand the approach.