Brain Injury New Zealand Advocates for Consultation and Transparency in Whaikaha Changes and EGL Pause

Update: 27/09/2024 Response From Minister Hon Louise Upston: Letter to Lync Aronson

 

Brain Injury New Zealand, representing 14 regional associations and serving as a national voice for those affected by brain injury, has raised significant concerns over recent announcements regarding Whaikaha and the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) framework.
In a letter addressed to the Ministers for Disabilities, Health, and ACC, our organisation highlighted the lack of consultation with the disability community during the transition of Disability Support Services from Whaikaha to the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). We believe that this lack of consultation raises questions about how well the transition will align with the needs and priorities of those directly impacted by these changes.
Our stance is clear: any relocation of Disability Support Services should be back to the Ministry of Health, which is better equipped to address the holistic health and well-being needs of people living with disability. We have requested the government to provide a rationale for why these services are not being returned to the Ministry of Health.
Furthermore, we are seeking clarification on the current status of the EGL framework. Developed in consultation with disabled communities over several years, EGL represents a significant effort to integrate its principles into service provision. The pause in the rollout of EGL without consultation is concerning and contradicts the very principles and practices it stands for.
As our President, Lync Aronson, stated, “Rolling out EGL more comprehensively across the country would mean service delivery is based on need, not location. Partial rollout means location plays a determining role in the services and care one receives.”
We acknowledge the costs associated with expanding EGL models throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. However, we are calling for transparency regarding the expected duration of the pause and the steps being taken to ensure it is temporary.
Moving forward, consultation with stakeholders is not just important; it is essential. We urge the government to engage in timely and transparent dialogue with the disability community to ensure that any changes made are in line with the needs and priorities of those most affected.

View Letter: Whaikaha changes BINZ 4Sep24 060739