DSS Consultations: Have Your Say
There’s a lot of activity in the disability space at present, and that brings up a lot of emotions for our community. We’re hearing feelings of anger, frustration, and exhaustion. People are feeling over-consulted and asked to repeat the same messages again and again. We hear you. This can feel overwhelming, progress can feel slow, and many people are at the […]
Disability Support Services Bill – Why This Matters
Multiple Sclerosis NZ recently made a submission strongly opposing the Disability Support Services Bill as presented urging the Social Services and Community Select Committee recommend that it does not proceed to Second Reading. You can read our full submission here: Submission on the Disability Support Services Bill – Multiple Sclerosis NZ – 11 June 2026 We support the stated […]
Have Your Say: Disability Support Services Bill
The Government introduced the Disability Support Services Bill to Parliament on 18 May 2026 with the aim of creating a formal legislative framework for Disability Support Services (DSS) in New Zealand. The Minister for Disability Issues, Hon. Louise Upston, introduced the Bill to “provide clarity and stability to a system which supports thousands of disabled […]
Flexible Funding Changes Effective April 1st 2026
As of 1 April, the purchasing rules for flexible funding no longer apply – giving people more choice and control to use their flexible funding on supports that work for them. From 1 April: From 1 April, disabled people who get flexible funding will have more choice and control over how they use their funding. […]
Our Submission to Disability Support Services Consultation
Following our two open platform sessions on 12th March where we gathered your comments, insights and feedback into the review of Disability Support Services (DSS), we are pleased to share with you our submission and recommendations. During our sessions, we heard your comments: “It is extremely dis-empowering. Unless you know your rights and entitlements.” “It […]