DSS Update: Improvements to Assessment, Allocation & Flexible Funding
Information provided by Disability Support Services. Click here to see original post. In September 2025, the Government announced external improvements to disability support services. The changes are informed by what the disability community said. These changes are about: making the system fairer and more consistent giving disabled people more choice and control over their flexible […]
Have Your Say on the Carers’ Strategy Action Plan – Updated Information
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is seeking feedback on the draft Carers’ Strategy Action Plan, which sets out government actions to support family, whānau, aiga, or individual carers. In Census 2023, 500,000 people identified as providing informal or unpaid care – but the real number is likely much higher. Many people do not recognise […]
Return of flexible use of disability funding
(12 September 2025) Multiple Sclerosis NZ welcomes the recent announcement from the Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston’s that disabled people and family whānau will once again have choices about how to use disability support funding. This is a momentous moment, following what has been a challenging 18 months for many in our community, struggling within […]
Carer Support Claim Form Changes
Carer Support Claim Form Changes Health NZ / Disability Support Services have made some changes to the way Carers Support Claim Forms are provided. This is an important read for anyone receiving Carers Support. You should receive notice directly. Carer Support customers who currently submit paper claims will receive this information by post. See PDF […]
MS Voice Newsletter – February 2025
Welcome to the February edition of MS Voice—your trusted source for the latest news, updates, and real-life stories from Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand and the MS community. This year promises to be a dynamic one as we continue our commitment to educating, campaigning, and advocating for all those impacted by Multiple Sclerosis. Our focus is clear: […]
Help Shape the Future of Disability Funding
Consultation is underway across the country to help shape future disability funding and service models. This is your opportunity to have your say and we encourage you to do so, now more than ever. Note: This consultation is for people who receive essential disability support after an assessment from a NASC or EGL site. This […]
Be at the forefront of refreshing the New Zealand Disability Strategy: Expressions of interest open to join the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha – Working Groups
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is calling for expressions of interest to join the Working Groups they are planning to set up to help with the refresh of the New Zealand Disability Strategy. The current strategy is nearly 10 years old, so it is time to do a refresh. Whaikaha are seeking interest […]
Why remote working is perfect for people with disabilities
Since the Covid-19 pandemic shifted the goalposts in the world of work, more people are realising the benefits of remote and hybrid setups. On top of the added flexibility that naturally comes with home working, many professionals have noted higher rates of productivity due to the autonomy and potential time savings. For people with disabilities, […]
MS Voice Newsletter – November 2023
Welcome to our November 2023 edition of MS Voice. This month we introduce you to our new banger, invite you to our bladder and bowel health webinar and provide you with up-to-date research and development, amongst other exciting updates. View MS Voice – November 2023 PDF here. View online copy here. If you would like […]
MS Voice Newsletter – October 2023
Welcome to our October 2023 edition of MS Voice. Spring has sprung…….although it seems we are flip flopping between seasons at the moment with this changeable weather! For today, however, you can spring into the October edition of MS Voice, where we update you of our recent AGM and conference, introduce you to some wonderful […]