Independent Review
The Minister for Disability Issues Hon Louise Upston external URL commissioned an independent review of the Disability Support System (DSS).
The Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha was facing cost pressures and the Minister wanted a full picture before considering any changes to the system.
The Review included 7 recommendations, which have been accepted by the Government.
The recommendations are unlikely to immediately impact the support disabled people or their carers currently receive, but there may be changes to people’s supports over time.
Work began in August 2024 and is expected to take 12 months.
The Ministry is part of a cross-agency group (the Disability Support System Review Programme), which includes experts in disability policy, finance, contract management, service delivery, risk management, auditing and evaluation.
Details of each recommendation are available on this webpage. This information will be updated, as needed.
Minister's NZSL video announcement (August 2024)
Video transcript
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View supporting documents
- View the Minister’s Press Release [link to Beehive website]
- View the Independent Review Disability Support Services Phase One Report – 28 June 2024, including executive summary and feedback on the Review by Whaikaha CE Paula Tesoriero – 16 July 2024
- View Whaikaha CE Paula Tesoriero’s statement responding to the Independent Review
- View Fact sheets:
- For people using Disability Support Services
- Recommendation 1: Reinstate NASC and EGL budgets
- Recommendation 2: Maintain funding for residential care
- Recommendation 3: Maintain provider pricing for 2024/25
- Recommendation 4: Monitoring NASC and EGL sites
- Recommendation 5: Update assessment and collation settings
- Recommendation 6: Establish flexible funding criteria and review guidelines
- Recommendation 7: Strengthen how the Ministry works with other agencies
- View Questions & Answers
- View Cabinet paper: An independent review into the sustainability of Disability Support Services administered by Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, 29 April 2024, including DPMC Stocktake report [date]
- View the Report Rapid Assurance Review: Commercial Management Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People, May 2024, including executive summary
- View Cabinet paper: Report back on phase one of the into the sustainability of Disability Support Services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, [date and number]
- View Cabinet Minute - An independent review into the sustainability of Disability Support Services administered by Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People CAB-24-MIN-014, 29 April 2024