Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services in the NZ Election 2026
Disability Support Services play a vital role in helping disabled people live independently, participate in their communities and achieve their goals. The decisions made by New Zealand's next government will directly affect disabled people, carers, families and support providers throughout the country.
Disability support is about much more than funding. It is about dignity, independence, inclusion, choice and ensuring disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. Election policies should strengthen these principles while providing certainty for the people who rely on disability support every day.
What Issues Matter Most?
For many disabled people, access to appropriate support determines whether they can live independently, remain in employment, study, volunteer, care for their families or participate in their local community. Families and carers also rely on disability support services to provide practical assistance, respite and confidence that their loved ones will receive quality support.
As political parties release their disability policies during the 2026 General Election campaign, voters will want clear answers about the future of Disability Support Services and how governments intend to improve the lives of disabled New Zealanders.
Will Disability Support Services receive sustainable funding that keeps pace with demand and population growth?
Will disabled people have fair and consistent access to support regardless of where they live or the nature of their disability?
How much choice will disabled people have over the supports they receive, who provides them and how funding can be used?
How will governments recognise and support the vital role played by family carers and whānau?
Will disabled people continue to receive the assistance they need to remain safely in their own homes and communities?
Will funding remain available for wheelchairs, communication devices, home modifications and other essential equipment?
How will political parties address workforce shortages, training, recruitment and retention of skilled support workers?
How will future governments ensure disability support services continue to reflect the rights, dignity and aspirations of disabled people?
How will the disability support workforce be strengthened?
Disabled people, carers and families deserve clear information before casting their vote. Every political party should explain how its disability policies will improve Disability Support Services.
- How will Disability Support Services be funded over the coming years?
- Will eligibility criteria remain fair, transparent and nationally consistent?
- How will disabled people retain choice and control over their own support?
- What improvements are planned for home support and community living?
- How will respite services and family carers be better supported?
- What investment is planned for disability equipment and home modifications?
- How will the disability support workforce be strengthened?
- How will disabled people be involved in decisions that affect Disability Support Services?
- How will disability rights be protected and promoted?
- How will government measure whether Disability Support Services are achieving positive outcomes?
Keeping New Zealanders informed.
This page will be updated throughout the Election 2026 campaign as political parties announce new disability policies. We will provide links to official policy documents together with independent information to help disabled people, carers and families understand what each proposal may mean in practice.
Our aim is to make disability policy easier to understand so voters can make informed decisions based on accurate and accessible information.
Related Resources
You may also be interested in learning more about the proposed Disability Support Services Bill and reading the views of disability organisations and members of the community.
