Annual Report 2002
President's Report
History in the Making
A time of opportunity
Our past year has been one of solid progress to position ourselves to best capitalise on the opportunities we have developed to advance the interests of disabled people. Our strategic and financial positions have continued to improve to the extent that we are now well situated for future activity in the disability sector.
The main feature of the year has been the early general election and DPA responded by releasing an up-dated Our Vision document to all political parties just prior to the election. Our Vision 2002 translates its predecessor into more practical detailed requirements and will form the basis for DPA activity nationally and locally for the next two years. Also, as part of the general election build-up DPA's national executive committee met with the Minister for Disability Issues, Ruth Dyson for a useful discussion on priority issues that affect us including :
- a legislated focus for disability interest (e.g. a Disability Commission)
- incentives to employment and benefit inequalities
- Maori disabled and disabled women issues
- NZ Transport Strategy (including Total Mobility and Air New Zealand transport)
- review of the Building Act and the new Local Government Bill.
After the launch of the New Zealand Disability Strategy last year one of our major challenges this year has been to define DPA's role in monitoring implementation of the Strategy. Our response to this has been to pursue active involvement with the Ministry of Social Development in the establishment and function of the Office for Disability Issues. We have also established a regular meeting routine with the Minister to present and progress our concerns.
We have also seen MAXEQ Consulting, our limited liability company whose shares are held by DPA, begin operation as a means to co-ordinate monitoring activity resulting from implementation of the Strategy. MAXEQ endorses DPA's belief that if we as disabled people are going to be accorded our essential and rightful role in the way disability policy and programmes are understood and implemented (particularly the New Zealand Disability Strategy (NZDS) we must pro-actively organise ourselves.
Another highlight of the year was the Government agreement to institute a National telephone relay system for deaf people. After nearly eight years struggle this was a great achievement for DPA and reward for those whose perseverance eventually paid off.
Also during the year a basic package for regional assemblies was produced and introduced to regions. A good sign is the continuing increase in individual membership and DPA remains active in supporting regional development. Our youth leadership programme continues development and we have maintained our involvement at international level particularly in the Asia / Pacific region and in pursuit of a possible UN International Convention on Disability.
During the year, DPA played an important role in postponing the proposed restructuring of Ministry of Health Home Based Support Services and we need to continue participation in ongoing development of this and the Needs Assessment Coordination Service. DPA will also need to continue maintenance of our alliances with disability organisations, particularly those with user governance (eg, the People First initiative).
Sadly, during the year we witnessed the untimely death of Agnes Sneddon one of our active NEC members. Agnes played her part in promoting Maori disabled issues while she was involved with DPA and her contribution will be missed by all who knew her particularly in her Northland region.
As president I must acknowledge the support of the many government and other agencies who work with us. I want also to pay tribute to the commitment and endeavour of all our NEC members and all those who give their time to DPA activity throughout NZ. Finally, sincere thanks to the Chief Executive Officer and his National Secretariat Staff for their commitment and effort in ensuring DPA has achieved so successfully over the past year.
We look ahead to a year of exciting opportunity.
Bill Wrightson
DPA National President
More from the 2002 Annual Report
Index
Vision, Mission, Philosophy
Acknowledgements
President's Report
Chief Executive's Report
National Executive
Goal 1: Lead
2001 AGM Photos
Relay Service Rally Photos
Goal 2: Advise
Goal 3: Empower
Goal 4: Monitor
Goal 5: Community
Obituaries
Financial Statements
For previous reports contact gen@dpa.org.nz.