DPA New Zealand

Annual Report 2001

Goal 1: DPA is the active and credible collective voice of people with disabilities

1. Achievement rolled our way

The cusp of the millennium turned out to be a wonderful year of achievement for DPA. As the National Assembly of people with disabilities, DPA is an umbrella organisation for the full range of people with disabilities in New Zealand. DPA has some 350 corporate members who represent or deliver services to people with disabilities, and some 1,200 individual members who either have disabilities themselves, or are the parent, guardian or family member of a person with a disability. DPA's advocacy for disability issues is rooted in human rights.

This year our efforts directed at advancing the rights of citizenship for disabled people in New Zealand — a goal we unrelentingly pursue — had tangible reward in the form of the New Zealand Disability Strategy announced in April 2001. We also had a wonderful biennial National Assembly in November 2000 that marked a great leap forward in our thinking.

Our participation in the process of developing the Disability Strategy was very real. Key DPA members, building on the past and present vision, and the passion of those people with disabilities who have gone before us, played a significant role in moving the government's thinking on disability issues forward. And our members brought to that process a level of intellectual consciousness about disability issues that had been previously lacking within government. There is more on the Strategy later in this document.

Meanwhile, a number of DPA members are participating in the District Health Board disability advisory committees after government structural changes devolved responsibility for the administration and funding of our health and disability services, from the dis-established Health Funding Authority to the Boards, via the Ministry of Health.

The task now is to continue the momentum and realise the goals of removing the barriers preventing people with disabilities participating in society.

This Annual Report outlines the activities we have been involved in during the past year directed at showing that 'we can' participate and that we are a voice to be heard.

2. Our 'new awakening' — Te Ao Hou

A highlight of our past year has to be the wonderful biennial National Assembly held in Hamilton and attended by more than 150 DPA members from throughout the country including Invercargill, West Coast, Auckland, Wellington, and Taranaki.

Held at the sparkling Tainui Novotel hotel during the weekend of 3-5 November 2000, this significant event attracted huge interest and enthusiasm, generated huge energy and impetus, showed just how strong and confident people with disabilities are becoming in their thinking, and how powerful everyone could be collectively in opposing social oppression — the main issue impacting upon the lives of disabled people in New Zealand society.

Te Ao Hou was remarkable because DPA members showed they had the confidence to rely on their own knowledge and power for gathering together and presenting the conference programme; and that rather than being talked at by people from the non-disabled community, we could present our own people and role models as speakers, and not rely on outsiders to make presentations.

Clearly, Te Ao Hou generated potential for enormous momentum, but it was also clear that leadership, vision, and clarity of purpose is essential if disabled people are to maximise the unique opportunities. At the conference DPA's national executive committee promised it would ensure that leadership, vision and clarity was provided.

3. Te Ao Hou - showed we had courage to rely on ourselves

Former DPA Vice-President, Lorna Sullivan, summed up Te Ao Hou this way:

'For the first time we had the courage not to rely upon politicians to set the agenda for our forum. Rather we relied upon ourselves to address ourselves. And we had the confidence to articulate and legitimise our own knowledge. We spoke of power and of the ongoing struggle of citizenship. There was a declaration made of the potential for DPA to come of age, to:

'To be in a position to fulfil this potential we need to ensure that we have absolute clarity of a vision of our own future; absolute clarity of the issues that impede that future; and a clear plan for the management of our own future.

'The energy that has been evident will now need to be harnessed, maintained and purposefully directed. We can not afford that it be lost. The openings and opportunities for the channelling of this energy are present in our society right now in a way that has not been evident for many, many years. This present mood in society provides us with a platform to effect real and sustainable change … and also implies taking of responsibility.'

4. New committee and president

Invercargill DPA member, Carolyn Weston was elected president of DPA for the year 2000 to 2001 following a postal vote held before the Annual General Meeting in November at Hamilton. DPA chief executive, Gary Williams, announced the results of the national DPA elections on the Friday night of Te Ao Hou conference.

Carolyn Weston won 62 votes, just one more than Russell Vickery of Auckland who won 61 votes. NEC member, Sara Georgeson of Palmerston North, won 45 votes for president but also won a place on the National Executive Committee (NEC). She later was co-opted by the NEC to fill the vacant Vice-President position.

Paul Gibson went on to the NEC as immediate past president; Tamehana Tai-Rakena (Hamilton) continued as the National Maori Advisor, with other NEC members comprising: Linda Beck, Richard Buchanan and Matthew Whiting (Christchurch); David Corner (Dunedin); Philip Patston (Auckland); Agnes Sneddon (Hibiscus Coast); Lorna Sullivan (Tauranga); Ken Talbot (Timaru); and Bill Wrightson (Wellington). Two members, Marion Wellington (Waitara) and Victoria Manning (Wellington), were later co-opted on to the NEC to fill two vacancies until the 2001 AGM.

Though there were more than enough candidates for the President's position, the NEC had been surprised at the lack of interest show in Vice-President's position, positions as NEC members and the very low voter response from the membership.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of DPA (NZ) Inc held its first meeting after the AGM and Conference on 2-3 December in Wellington for a 'Training and Orientation' session and outline of DPA issues programme.

5. Constitution and Policy Manual

DPA is now working under the new Constitution adopted at the Hamilton Te Ao Hou conference. Vice-President, Sara Georgeson, has been working through the resolutions made at the last AGM and looking at these in relation to the existing constitution and about aspects of it relating to Maori. Some more work needs to be carried out on it still relating to:

Meanwhile, the printed version of DPA's Policy Manual is well out-of-date and requires urgent attention. A process was agreed which would address this issue.

6. Equal Value of life Policy

Any violation of the fundamental principle of equality or any discrimination or other negative differential treatment of persons with disabilities inconsistent with the United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities is an infringement of the human rights of persons with disabilities.

UN Standard Rule, UN Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1998/31.

During the year some NEC members believed that it was important to extend DPA's 'Equal Value of life' Policy so members knew exactly what DPA's stance was. The NEC also felt was important that DPA developed a policy on euthanasiam which valued the lives of people with disabilities. Some further work has been done on this policy during the year.

7. Human rights

Disability discrimination continues to be unacceptably high, and New Zealanders with disabilities are still woefully over-represented in the Human Rights Commission's complaints statistics.

Naturally, this meant that work on the human rights agenda again figured large on DPA's programme this year. As a non-government organisation (NGO) which closely monitors the human rights environment, your organisation is increasingly developing a credible voice on human rights issues among government circles, and strengthening a mutually beneficial partnership with the Human Rights Commission.

The year covered by this report began with an invitation from the Ministry of Justice to attend a two-day stakeholder workshop during 1-2 July 2000 on the theme, The Human Rights Environment in New Zealand: our shared view of what it should become. This exercise was part of the move by Associate Justice Minister, Hon Margaret Wilson, to review the Human Rights Act (1993).

DPA was among participants from the judiciary, universities, human rights agencies, NGOs and government departments at the workshop. A team of three independent advisers the following week held another day meeting with participants, with the aim of compiling a report on New Zealand's human rights environment for the Associate Justice Minister.

At the time, and though DPA was invited to participate, we felt that the parameters of the report to the Minister were defined from a very narrow group; and that consultation was not comprehensive. It was also not clear how the change would advantage disabled people.

We outlined our concerns fully in a 10-page submission to the Justice Ministry in February 2001. Subsequently, there has been a restructuring of the Human Rights Commission (in May 2001), when Associate Minister of Justice, Hon Margaret Wilson, announced the merging of the Human Rights Commission and the Race Relations Office into one new organisation.

The government expects the proposed changes to strengthen capacity in the area of race relations and right across the human rights spectrum, enhancing the impact that we can have on human rights issues in New Zealand.

The new Human Rights Commission kept the same name and included a new post of Race Relations Commissioner responsible for tasks previously performed by the Race Relations Conciliator.

The Bill of Rights Act is to be used as the anti-discrimination standard for the government - except in employment law and related areas. The Human Rights Act continues to apply in the private and community sectors.

DPA understands that future changes may incorporate the Office of the Commissioner for Children and possibly the office of the Health and Disability Commissioner in the Human Rights Commission.

8. Health and Disability complaints

The Health and Disability Commissioner received a record 1397 complaints about health and disability providers in the year ended 30 June 2001. Though the number of complaints had increased, Commissioner Ron Paterson said there was no evidence that the quality of health care in New Zealand had deteriorated. Rather, he believed people were simply more willing to complain. About 5 percent of all complaints concern disability services. Most complaints relate to medical services. This year the Commissioner's office has been able to reduce the time taken for an investigation and they are now being completed at a faster rate, taking an average of 34 weeks instead of 44 weeks. Five years on from the introduction of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights Ron Paterson said he believed the independent complaints investigation system has been working efficiently and effectively.

DPA has been contracted to facilitate workshops by disabled people for disabled people to inform them about the role of the Commission and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. This initiative is an attempt to address the imbalance in complaints to the Commission which are mostly about health services. The Commission believes that disabled people would complain about disability support services if they had the necessary knowledge to make complaints.

9. Leadership

A forum, Exploration of Disability Leadership in New Zealand, was jointly hosted by DPA, NZCCS and Access Ability (inc) and held in Auckland during August. The forum was to discuss the disability leadership challenges facing New Zealand, pursue the need for an active renewal of disability leadership, and explore the means by which disability leadership could be advanced in New Zealand.

The forum was designed so people could consider what the disability community needed for disability leadership over the long term and participate in developing that leadership. Australians, Anne Cross and Eddie Bartnik, in New Zealand for the NZCCS national conference, were invited to attend and presented a session, Leadership — Personal and Collective

Anne is the former director of the immensely innovative Community Resource Unit in Brisbane which has been extensively involved in innovation, leadership development and advocacy in Queensland. Eddie is a senior official with the Western Australian Disability Services Commission, which has been a clear leader in developing innovative services, progressive service change and innovation.

DPA chief executive, Gary Williams, and NEC member, Philip Patston, presented a workshop on People with Disabilities Taking the Lead. Strategic workshops focused on each of the four key issues identified:

10. Treaty Partnership Issues

During the year the NEC considered the idea of having a Treaty Committee which would continue to develop DPA's Treaty partnership and a Maori Committee, which would concentrate on issues relating to Maori people with disabilities. The concept of having two committees was rejected and the status quo of the National Maori Adviser's Support Group continued with Agnes Sneddon as its Convener.

11. Women's Caucus

The Women's Caucus, comprising Carolyn Weston, Linda Beck, Marion Wellington, Victoria Manning, Agnes Sneddon, Lorna Sullivan and Sara Georgeson this year was concerned that some women with disabilities were having difficulty in accessing Women's Refuge Centres. This was related to their need for carers and privacy issues. There was also a lack of transport in some areas for young women to go out and socialise. Other concerns related to the cervical cancer inquiry in Gisborne, and mistakes in laboratory testing for other groups, including the ongoing issue of access to screening for disabled women.

12. Regional Assemblies

Our Regional Assemblies around the country are the lifeblood of our organisation and the heart of our being a successful organisation. Here are reports from some of our members who are involved in our Regional Assemblies:

12.1 Waikato

The major effort for the Waikato branch in the last year was the organising and running of the DPA National Conference and AGM, Te Ao Hou (The Awakening), held at the Novotel Tainui Hotel in Hamilton. This took considerable time and effort by a large team working with the aim of having a smoothly run conference that was enjoyed by all and which provided inspiration to achieve for those attending. Organising the conference was a great team effort that drew on the resources of many members of the local branch. The Waikato branch of DPA was delighted with the number of congratulatory messages received. Thanks to all who participated from throughout New Zealand. The branch is now working on updating a Conference Guideline Pack for organisers of future DPA conferences.

The branch has been active in other ways in the past year continuing its liaison and advocacy roles with local authorities and service providers on behalf of people with disabilities in the Waikato region, including the Waikato Whole of Government Employment Strategy for people with disabilities. The purpose is to — 'Develop a cross Government Department employment strategy for the Waikato region in line with Objective 4 of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.'

Recently our branch chairperson was appointed to the Disability Support Advisory Committee for the Waikato District Health Board. The branch has also made numerous submissions to various local Government strategies and working parties on behalf of our members.

John McIntosh, President.

12.2 North Shore

Our Executive Committee this year has had only four members who continued in office from the year 2000. Our achievements have not been great, but it has been a 'getting to know you' and learning experience for us all. Unfortunately, some members have had varying health and this has meant that meetings have not always been well attended. We have a representative attending the local councils District Advisory Group committee and the Partnership meetings with Auckland DPA/Ministry of Health. A few of us have also attended the Ministry of Health monthly Forums and this has kept us up to date with what is happening this area in regards to care and funding. We are fortunate to have Mike Cohen attending our meetings he is the Chairperson of the Disability Support Committee, Waitemata Health Board. We have valued his input. At the end of last year we handed over the re-editing of the North Shore Access Guide to the DINS (Disability Information North Shore) with funding. This lightened our load, as we did not have numbers to activate this fully. Open Meetings were re-instated this year and the four we have held had an attendance of between 25-30 people. We were sorry to say farewell to two hard workers from the Executive Committee, but pleased to welcome three new members at the AGM.

Andrew Ormerod, President.

12.3 Taranaki

This current year has certainly seen more of the presence of DPA in Taranaki. This year we included Manaia and Bell Block in our bi-monthly meetings, as well as Stratford, Kaponga, Hawera, and Waitara, as it is important for disability organisations to know we liaise well in all areas. Ten of us journeyed to Hamilton to the Conference in November 2000, which proved of immense interest to all of us, the highlights being the innovative speakers, the atmosphere, the fellowship amongst the participants, the Deaf Theatre, and the hospitality. Being liaison people for the Secretariat and going to Hamilton was quite a trial at times, but the consensus was that every Conference and AGM would be unique — especially to their areas. Barbara Purdie and I learnt a tremendous lot about people during the preparation time, and an enormous amount of 'what not to do' in the future, as did the Hamilton Conference team. Barbara Purdie and I have travelled thousands of kilometres during the past year, confident in the knowledge we have that support, and that DPA benefits. Along with some of the Committee members we have represented DPA on the interview panel recruiting Access Ability staff; on the Disabilities Issues Sub-Committee of New Plymouth District Council; at three New Plymouth District Council Development Disability Forums; on the New Plymouth District Council annual Health Forum; on the Total Mobility Annual Forum hosted by Mayor Claire Stewart; with the Disability Advisory Committee for the District Health Board; and on the Taranaki APEPSI Trust.

I have also put together a training module for disability awareness, which has been given to DPA's national office, Venture Taranaki, and Hospitality Service in Hamilton. Issues regarding Total Mobility still occur and at the present there is an explosion of use mainly due to the older population becoming more aware of the service. During 2000 — 2001 I had 668 clients, with the predominant use in the New Plymouth area. Total Mobility is used by about 1200 people in the Taranaki region and is in good health. We particularly have a very good relationship with the Taranaki Regional Committee, especially with Gray Sevrinson and Dex Knowles. At present along with some members of NEC, I am undertaking a national review of the Total Mobility service throughout New Zealand. Taranaki Regional Council subsidises a local bus company to provide reduced fares for elderly and people with disabilities, $1-00 fares within New Plymouth and the bus company is also trialing their first accessible bus to disability organisations with very favourable reports.

An organisation named 'Ignite' under the management of Amanda Pitceathly, is working very well with people who have intellectual disabilities. This includes work placements, supporting independent living, parent forums, and sibling camps, and working well with IHC. We have excellent liaison with this organisation. There is really good liaison between DPA's CEO's office and the Taranaki Region. DPA committee members from Taranaki have attended meetings of the Ageing Strategy, Children and Families Forum, Assisted Employment Forum, regular networking luncheons with key

people from Access Ability, Taranaki APEPSI Trust, Tui Ora, Disability Advisory Committees, etc. WINZ volunteer, Sue Watt, has compiled a useful booklet of transport in Taranaki for people with disabilities which includes Total Mobility, vans within rest homes, taxis, etc. Other committee members who travel extensively include Shirley and Tony Hazlewood of Kaponga, and Jaci Harris of Taranaki Disability Resource Centre, who travel as far afield as Patea, confirming a DPA presence in those areas while promoting self-advocacy. I am extremely humbled by receiving two awards during the past year, the first being the Queen's Service Medal for Public Services, which included working for disability; and secondly from Soroptimists International New Plymouth, for Adult Education and working for disability, The 'Women of Spirit' Award. This particular one is awarded every ten years to Women of Spirit in the North Taranaki Region, and I was fortunate to be one of about 18 or 19 recipients. My thanks must go to all the committee — each and every one of you has been part of the DPA presence in Taranaki — a credit to you all.

Marion Wellington, President.

12.4 Wellington

Wellington: DPA Wellington is in good heart with increasing numbers at meetings and some good opportunities to celebrate over the past year. With the support of COGS funding, two of our members are able to attend more of our monthly meetings. The year 2000 saw DPA Wellington very involved in the Disability Strategy with several of our number on the reference group and people participating in the consultation process. I attended about four consultation meetings. Once again we had several people attend the National Conference in Hamilton — Bronwyn Hayward was one of the keynote speakers. I enjoyed the conference and found it renewed my spirit. Once again Wellington is well represented in the national organisation with two of our members being on the NEC.

International Disabled Persons Day (3 December 2000) saw us joining with the NEC and enjoying an indoor picnic (such as the vagaries of the weather in Wellington). The NEC presented lianne Dalziel with the Rehabilitation International's Charter of the 3 rd Millennium. Afterwards we were treated to a shorter version of Bronwyn Hayward's speech to the Conference in Hamilton and Sandra-Leigh Montford's poetry. It was a good celebration to end the year on. We hope to build on the success later this year with a cultural event in Te Papa. The initiative to form a subcommittee on Employment at the NEC came from work that some of our members did earlier in the year. It is good to see that ideas worked on at a local level can make it to the NEC. Our June meeting was almost fastest on record as we had some serious celebrating to do afterwards. Along with celebrating academic success we celebrated with Robyn Hunt becoming a holder of the New Zealand Order of Merit and the launch of Sandra-Leigh Montford's book.

Over the past couple of years there has been a number of complaints about getting around Wellington so we are forming an Access subcommittee to work on them in a more systematic way.

Vicki Terrell, Chairperson.

12.5 Christchurch

After a relatively quiet time during 1999-2000, the year from 2000-2001 really started after our local regional election in October 2000. Two women took the top jobs in this area: Tracey Dorreen as the new President and Lesley Tyzack as the new Vice President. Apart from those changes at the top, some new faces were welcomed on to the committee, namely Peter Abrams, Linda Beck, Hamish Grant, Jo Rainbird and Gloria Weeks. We then set about interviewing people for a new paid part-time Administrator and the lucky candidate was Rachel Mullins who beat 60 or so other applicants for this position. She has done a superb job since she was first employed and is always friendly, cheerful and helpful. Christmas came along and after a short break, we got stuck into local issues that concerned our region such as the Bus Exchange, which, although excellent, for the general public, turned out to be a nightmare for people with disabilities. Talks are still going on about how to improve this public facility and it is hoped that all matters will be resolved within the next year.

We have also been having good dialogue with both the Christchurch City Council and various Government ministers that represent the Christchurch area on various disability issues. It is hoped that these networks will continue to be strengthened from now on. During this time, we also held our first forum for a while on the theme of Transport and other areas related to this matter. Although we had a low turnout of members, we had a high standard of ideas which our Total Mobility Committee is currently working on. We also applaud the launch of the New Zealand Disability Strategy which is an exciting new step for people with disabilities to be included in our society. Inclusion is the way forward for anyone with a disability in New Zealand and we must not be afraid to accept the challenge that this brings.

Tracey Dorreen, President.

12.6 Southland

DPA Southland has the attitude 'yes we can', and we have done it. Recently out of recess and already doubling our individual membership, we are working hard encouraging people with disabilities to join us. Our President Dot Wilson has appeared in the media, utilising everything that is in print, can be heard, and can be seen in the South. We are planning for the future and hope to have our first newsletter out soon. The highlight for us was the recently held Tu Tikanga-'Rights Now' Human Rights workshop. This drew participants from across four agencies, sheltered workshop and from the public through our advertising campaign. This workshop was co-facilitated by Bruce Coleman of the Human Rights Commission and Dot Wilson. Already, the question has been asked 'when will the next one be?'

Dot has attended the District Health Board Disability Advisory Committee meetings and was to speak about DPA at the next meeting. She recently spoke at the 'Combined Disabilities Group' meeting held at the Southern Institute of Technology where a class of students in attendance wanted to know about disability support in the south. The 'Mature Employment Service' have asked her to speak also. It has been satisfying that a wide range of groups have reached out and contacted us. Our publicity is working.

Ann Boyles, Secretary.

The other branches are:

More from the 2001 Annual Report

Index . Vision, Mission, Philosophy . Acknowledgements . President's Report . Chief Executive's Report . National Executive . Goal 1: Providing Leadership . International Relations . Charter for the Third Millennium . RI Social Commission . Vocational Commission . Leisure, Recreation and Sport Commission . Goal 2: Quality Advice . Goal 3: Advocating . Goal 4: Monitoring . Financial Statements

For previous reports contact gen@dpa.org.nz.