DPA New Zealand

Annual Report

1st July 2003 to 30th June 2004

Vision


A society which provides both equity and maximum opportunity to participate for all people.

Mission statement


To enhance and dignify the lives of people with disabilities.

Philosophy


People with disabilities must have the equal right and opportunity to:
· Influence and shape policy at all levels
· Enjoy equality and full participation
· Make informed choices on issues
· Enjoy dignity and respect as a person
· Live as they choose with the appropriate supports.

DPA provides:


· Strong advocacy at a national and local level as the voice of people with disabilities and their families and whanau networks to government and other agencies
· Comprehensive information on matters affecting people with disabilities
· Service monitoring for people with disabilities through its network of regional assemblies and membership.

DPA Goals 2003/2004:


Goal 1: Have a growing and politically aware grass-roots organisation of disabled people.
Goal 2: Provide a coordinated, informed disability perspective at all levels of government policy and decision-making.
Goal 3: Provide a vehicle for the promotion of the rights, social value and citizenship of all disabled people.
Goal 4: Eliminate the discrimination and devaluation experienced by disabled people in New Zealand.

Contents


Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Goals
Acknowledgements
President's report
Chief Executive Officer's report
DPA National Executive Committee and Secretariat
Goal 1: Have a growing and politically aware grass-roots organisation of disabled people.
Goal 2: Provide a coordinated, informed disability perspective at all levels of government policy and decision-making.
Goal 3: Provide a vehicle for the promotion of the rights, social value and citizenship of all disabled people.
Goal 4: Eliminate the discrimination and devaluation experienced by disabled people in New Zealand. Auditors report and financial statements

Acknowledgements

DPA (New Zealand) acknowledges the generous support received from the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board for general operating costs, the production costs of DPA Bites (our bi-monthly newsletter) and help with the 2003 AGM and Maori development initiative.

We also thank the J R McKenzie Trust for helping with the 2003 National Assembly and general administration costs and the Ministry of Health. DPA acknowledges the financial support of Workbridge Inc to enable DPA to have a presence at events that we otherwise couldn't have attended. Telecom New Zealand Ltd have also lent support by providing four telephone lines at residential rates.

DPA also acknowledges the financial support of the following Bay of Plenty companies who helped make our 2003 National Assembly so successful: Asset Finance, Whakatane District Council, Ohope Beach Lions, Sunshine Coast Lions, Eastern Bay Achievement Trust, Norske Skog, Waiotahi Valley School, Apanui School, Trident High School, Wormz Chocolates, Otakiri Springs, Benchmark, Whakatane Glass, and DRC Trust.

Our youth leadership initiative continued thanks to the donations given by: Pub Charities, the New Zealand Community Trust, the Lion Foundation, the Community Grants Foundation and the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board.

Our thanks to you all.

DPA (New Zealand) Inc would also like to thank the many people who have given their energy, time, goodwill and expertise in order to help further the goals of DPA.

Beyond Consumerism


Mike Gourley, DPA President
It's been a challenging year for us - both nationally and internationally.

On the national scene we have continued to lobby strongly for the implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy. With its all-encompassing, whole-of-society approach, it lays out a set of key goals that touch every aspect of our lives: from education to work, from living well in the community to transport and technology. Underpinning the Strategy is the call for a non-disabling society in which the leading voices on issues that affect us are ours.

While we still have some way to go in achieving the latter aim, I do believe we are starting to get traction with important sectors both within the disability community and with government. On that score our regular six-weekly meetings with the Minister have been opportunities for us to advocate on key issues. Of most concern recently was the chaos in the Disability Services Directorate of the Ministry of Health around funding equipment and other support services. Whether it was simply a matter of bad planning or lack of commitment to the Disability Strategy - or a combination of both - the net effect was the cutting back of support services to which we are entitled. As well as meeting with the Minister, we were part of a deputation that fronted up to DSD to make our common disapproval known. Resolution of this situation is awaited with extreme interest.

On the wider front, while there have been murmurs of support for a well-resourced public campaign, similar to 'Like Minds', against the stigma and discrimination associated with disability, there is little evidence that this will happen of its own accord. That we need it, if we are to achieve the non-disabling society envisaged in the Strategy, is clear. But we will have to push for it.

On the international scene we have been thoroughly involved with the development and debate around the proposed UN Convention on promoting and protecting the rights of disabled people. Along with Gary and Wendi I was privileged to be part of the New Zealand delegation at Ad hoc 3 - the committee charged with coming up with a text. That work continues and will not be completed until next year at the earliest. But right now it seems we have a unified approach between government officials and NGO representatives as to what kind of convention or treaty will best serve the world's estimated 600 million disabled citizens.

Talking about citizenship, it's clear DPA has to reposition itself as a national advocacy organisation. With the growth in the number of health-funded advocacy agencies and the proposed formation of a consumer consortium in the next year to advise the DSD, we have to be focused on what it is that we do as an organisation that cannot be accomplished by any other. To my mind we need to see ourselves as part of a struggle for citizenship, based on the notion of disabled people as a specific population group. That seems to me to be a rather different proposition from one that starts off from seeing us as a group defined by services.

If we take that premise, then we can:
· Work collaboratively with advocacy agencies that are tasked with representing consumers of services
· Build alliances with similar citizenship advocacy groups like People First and the Association of Blind Citizens

Right now we seem to be swimming with the current. We can celebrate the successes of the repeal of the Disabled Persons Employment Relations Act and the recognition of NZ Sign language. We can rejoice in the closing of the last 'psychopaedic' institution. We can welcome the continued implementation of the Strategy and the adoption of the Pathways to Inclusion. But we must not become complacent. Every positive initiative can be undone or undermined. Every success is subject to repeal.

It is our job to see that the subversion of our existing rights, along with the delays to our rightful ones, does not happen.

Mike Gourley


DPA must be focussed


Gary Williams, Chief Executive Officer

It is with pleasure that I present my Chief Executive Officer's report to the members of DPA (NZ) Inc.

This year has been another interesting year in the life of DPA. The highlights for me include the National Assembly and celebration of our twenty-first in Whakatane, the imminent start of the telephone relay service, the introduction of the NZ Sign Language (NZSL) Bill, the repeal of the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion (DPEP) Act and the progressing of a legally-binding international convention on the rights of disabled people. These initiatives will all have positive outcomes for disabled people in New Zealand.

I thank Bev Grammer and her team for taking on the challenge of organising our National Assembly. It was truly mission accomplished.

One of the significant outcomes of the Assembly was the adoption of the Youth Policy. All organisations, including DPA, must look to younger people to continue the momentum. I know that our policy, written by and for young people, is credible to them.

The work on the relay service, NZSL Bill, repeal of the DPEP Act and the convention are all positive. However, we must be ever vigilant and we can't be complacent or divided.

The chaos, uncertainty and anxiety caused by the funding issues for disability support services, the introduction of policies in the transport industry that discriminate on the basis of disability, and the introduction of regulations that discriminate against disabled immigrants, all serve as a timely reminder that we, disabled people, cannot take anything for granted. Your organisation needs you more than ever because if we do not work co-operatively with a focus and a clear sense of purpose then the world as we know it today might revert back to the world of yesterday.

Being 21 suggests that we have reached a notional level of maturity. I would hope that we keep extending our horizons and not be distracted by unhelpful navel gazing. If ever there was a time to be united, it is now. I am aware that there has been some public disquiet by some DPA members about "their" organisation. Debate is always good and healthy. But I wonder if we have the luxury of being inwards looking when so much can go wrong. DPA needs all its members to help it to keep moving forward.

Earlier in the year I was disappointed that Huhana Hickey resigned from her role as National Maori Advisor, a challenging role at the best of times. Huhana's departure has caused me to reflect on what has, or hasn't, happened in the last decade since DPA decided to have a National Maori Advisor. While the words are there, in terms of the Constitution and Policy Manual, it is time for DPA to start turning the good intentions into actions.

Part of my job is to manage DPA's affairs. I am therefore pleased to be able to report an improvement in the Assembly's finances. After many years, the Ministry of Health increased the price of the contract we have with them to provide policy advice. We were also fortunate that Workbridge provided us with a significant amount of funding to enable DPA to have a presence at events that, normally, we wouldn't have been able to afford to attend.

Finally, I acknowledge and thank the national secretariat team of Lorraine Dick, Wendi Wicks, Robert Cameron and Christine Newman for supporting me in effectively implementing DPA's strategic plan.

Gary Williams
Chief Executive Officer



DPA National Executive Committee as at 30 June 2004

DPA National Secretariat as at 30 June 2004

DPA - We Can and We Do

Goal 1: Have a growing and politically aware grass-roots organisation of disabled people

This section provides a report on DPA's 2003 Conference and 21st Birthday Celebration as well as reports on the wide variety of activities over the last year from many of the regional assemblies around the country.

DPA 2003 National Assembly and 21st Birthday Celebration

Late in 2002, DPA East Bays accepted the responsibility of hosting the 2003 DPA National Assembly. Their President, Beverley Grammer, reports:

"Hosting DPA's National Assembly and 21st birthday celebration was not only a highlight of our year but helped to raise DPA's profile within our local community. The overwhelming support we received from businesses, the Whakatane District Council, the many community service groups (Rotary Clubs, Quota Club and Lions Clubs) meant we were able to put on a first class event.

Highlights of the weekend began with the strong and powerful Ngati Awa welcome and powhiri, an address by the Honourable Ruth Dyson, and the DPA 21st Birthday Party dinner and dance. Everyone was definitely in the party mood with all delegates participating in the dancing. This followed a delicious meal and was accompanied by a warm friendly atmosphere which resulted in a wonderful evening of fun and fellowship.

An engraved wooden 21st key, designed by a local artist who incorporated the DPA logo, was presented to DPA's CEO Gary Williams. The 21st birthday cake was cut by our Patron Karla Hammond and myself.

This was truly a fantastic opportunity bringing disabled people, sector leaders and other interested persons together to discuss, debate and celebrate success for disabled people."

Scenes from a successful AGM

DPA is staunch

During her speech at the National Assembly the Honourable Ruth Dyson remarked that DPA is "staunch". We include this and other summaries of her speech.

"In the last four years we have made huge strides". We now have
· A Minister for Disability Issues
· A New Disability Strategy giving us a vision and framework for action
· The Office for Disability Issues

Key announcements

During the last three years a number of key policy announcements have made a difference to the lives of people with disabilities:

Other work

Other Major issues

Education


Education is a key priority. $2.8 million was included in the 2003 Budget for tertiary students with disabilities, including special grants, new arrangements for provision of accessible format materials and the development of a Code of Practice to support people with disabilities.

Accessible transport


This is a key issue for independence and participation of people with disabilities. In early 2003 Transfund increased its financial assistance for replacement taxi wheelchair hoists from 40% to 60% and regional councils are being encouraged to take up the offer and cover the difference in cost.

Transfund is reviewing its policy for Passenger Transport Services, which includes Total Mobility, so that there can be provision of long-term sustainable funding for taxi wheelchair hoists.

Transport Inquiry


The Human Rights Commission has set up a national inquiry into the accessibility of public land transport for people with disabilities, as lack of accessible public transport is still one of the main barriers preventing people from participating fully in communities.

International


The government has agreed New Zealand will contribute actively in the development of a United Nations convention to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities. The Office for Disability Issues will coordinate NZ's input into this.

Partnership


Two further issues that have my full support are · Partnership arrangements for developing contracts, as in the process established for developing home care contracts in the lower North Island · Consumer/client input into auditing of services.

DPA - 21st year


"Four years ago when I became the Minister for Disability Issues, I offered to work in partnership with DPA. There is only one word to describe your organisation, and that is "staunch".

I appreciate our regular meetings - the professional and considered discussions we have. I want to express my personal appreciation to Gary, Wendi and Bill. I also want to pay a special tribute to Bill as your outgoing president, and welcome Mike Gourley as the incoming president. I also want to acknowledge Verona Moynihan, a life member of DPA, who last year earned a New Zealand Honour. This was well-deserved.

I can assure you that I will continue to maintain an open and direct dialogue on disability issues. I appreciate the support and the challenges that the movement offers. I have enjoyed meeting those challenges and sharing many victories. We have many more to come. In future, we have some incremental changes to make, some structural changes and some big policy moves. A combination of all of the above is needed to achieve our vision of an inclusive society, and to ensure that we do make a world of difference.

Thank you, and happy birthday!"

Regional Assembly reports

DPA believes that the Assembly's strength lies in the effectiveness of its Regional Assemblies, which monitor issues relevant to people with disabilities and ensure that they are addressed at regional and, when appropriate, national level.

DPA Aoraki

In reflecting on the last 12 months there have been quite a number of positive developments: a better relationship with Health South Canterbury, a more positive profile of DPA and its role in the Aoraki area, a better relationship with local authorities, and more intensive networking with health and disability groups in the district.

DPA have developed a more positive dialogue between ourselves and the local health board. During the year we have had meetings and presentations between us on matters which affect people with disabilities. The focus has been on enhancing a more positive interaction between the hospital (and its related services) and people who have an impairment. This may entail further presentations to staff who operate health services in the Aoraki region.

DPA requires a positive profile within the community of South Canterbury if it is to be an effective voice for people who have impairments and their families. The publicity around issues about mobility parks and the misuse of them is a good example of not only creating awareness by the general public of disability issues, but also showing that the general community supports the idea that mobility parks are for access for people with disabilities.

One of the best aspects of the past year has been the positive relationships developed with local authorities, especially the Timaru District Council (TDC). We know that this relationship will continue to develop and that DPA will be consulted in regards to the development of amenities which the council is developing at present and has planned for the future.

The development of networking in the health and disability sector has been very positive in the last twelve months, thanks to Merle Maddren of the Disability Information Service and her efforts to have regular monthly networking meetings at the Cancer Society Rooms.

In the coming year as an organisation we have a number of challenges to face - we need to get our local brochures out to a wider number of people; we need to develop partnerships with other Aoraki local authorities, especially Mackenzie and Waimate District Councils; and we need also to encourage more disability groups to be actively involved with DPA, not only in the South Canterbury district, but also in all areas of New Zealand.

As President of DPA Aoraki I wish to thank everyone who has supported the organisation over the last year, especially the hard working local executive and in particular our secretary Robyn Baldwin.

Lionel Wilson (President, DPA Aoraki)

DPA Ashburton

Our mayor, Marie Anderson, found out just how quick mobility scooters can go one day as she took a spin around Ashburton for an hour. The footpath of Ashburton should now be safer for people on Mobility Scooters!

Road safety co-ordinator Sharon McDonald held a forum with the help of Arthritis New Zealand and DPA. About 35 people and their scooters were there. There had been a number of complaints about scooter users, such as speeding on footpaths, not watching lights, and driving in the middle of the road. She dealt with these and many more problems and it was a great afternoon.

DPA will have a place at the Ashburton show, the first time for many years. I spoke about Total Mobility at the CCS Annual General Meeting. We also have been involved with Primary Health Organisations, have met many children at Riding for the Disabled, had lunch at CCS and put in a submission on Accessible Public Transport.

The laugh of the day - the mayor couldn't get into the lift to go up to his office in the council building on his scooter! The engineers were soon called!

Marion Trudgeon (President, DPA Ashburton)

DPA Auckland

DPA Auckland is the voice of disability in the Auckland region. We see our role as helping our community and the broader disability sector say what needs to be heard. We have been working this year on ways to continually keep in touch with our community's concerns and channel them effectively, both regionally and nationally, to change awareness and get results. All on the smell of an oily rag, of course.

DPA Auckland has been concentrating on building a sustainable base for action in this local election year. We're looking for longer-term payoffs because we recognise the scarce resources of our community - in time as well as material things. We can't respond to everything that comes up and we have not organised any high-profile campaigns or events this year. Our political landscape is more complex than most, with a huge number of organisations that affect our members' lives. For example, we have five Councils and three District Health Boards in our region. The Ministry of Health also has different consultative arrangements in Auckland, which complicates matters and removes a significant potential funding source but also simplifies our focus. Because we can achieve more if we all work together, we have been quietly building relationships with allies and encouraging more unity of purpose in the consultative groups we contribute to, particularly with our local Councils.

We're particularly keen on changing people's expectations. For example, Councils have been used to thinking of us as passive 'consumers' of their services. Instead, we have offered our community's exceptional expertise in areas like access to physical environments and information, so Councils can efficiently meet the needs of all their citizens. At the same time, we are arranging community development initiatives so more of us have the tools to contribute to and meet our civic responsibilities. We are looking forward to the joint DPA-CCS national local election participation campaign so we can foster informed citizenship. Keep your eyes open on December 3rd for a well-publicised celebration of our community partnership with Auckland City Council.

We have contributed this year to an ambitious project to create long-term economic opportunities for disabled people. Storytelling is also a focus, so we can share our experiences and lift our expectations about what is possible.

Sacha Gildenlore (President, DPA Auckland)

DPA Christchurch and Districts

Christchurch and Districts is running well and although small in number, the executive still continue to work hard to promote the needs and awareness of people with disabilities. Graeme Crosbie has been working particularly hard with Civil Defence to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are well looked after in Christchurch and Canterbury in the event of an emergency.

A continuing effort has been made with the Christchurch City Council (CCC) in regards to improving services which are provided to make life easier for everyone. Linda Telfer, our Regional Co-ordinator, has represented us here very well on the CCC Disability Reference Group.

Lynette Neill has been co-opted onto the Regional Executive Committee during the year. Welcome to you and thank you for your willingness to give a hand. Eamon Daly is currently away at the London School of Economics on Leave of Absence. Thanks to Neill Barltrop, our Treasurer, for a job well done.

We have also been represented on Christchurch Polytechnic Council, Council of Social Services and National Council of Women. We have continued to work hard in the Access area and recently have had several successes

Since becoming President I have had the opportunity to represent DPA at several meetings, including CCS Special General Meeting, Human Rights Commission on Transport, LTSA forum on its updated RTS14 Guidelines for facilities for the blind and vision impaired pedestrians to name a few.

There is plenty more to do during the year to come. Thank you to all who have done anything to help make this one successful.

Philip Haythornthwaite (President, DPA Christchurch and Districts)

DPA Dunedin and Districts

Over the past year the Dunedin branch has been busy with a variety of activities. First, we had a celebration of DPA's 21st birthday with an indoor potluck picnic. After a large earthquake shook Dunedin last year we invited Civil Defence to talk to us about what we should do in an emergency and found we need to be prepared to look after ourselves for at least three days in the event of a civil disaster.

DPA Dunedin has continued to make submissions to Regional and City Council Plans. This year we just highlighted the need for them to develop disability policies. With one positive and one negative response we still have work to do.

Our submission to the Human Rights Commission Public Transport Inquiry has been sent and will be supported at public hearings in September.

Mid July 2004, our DPA National President Mike Gourley, came to Dunedin and attended our branch meeting and went to dinner afterwards. The following day Mike spoke at an open meeting about his trips to New York to work on the United Nations Charter and to the Rehabilitation International Congress in Norway.

DPA Dunedin continues to be consulted by Dunedin organisations and continues to lobby and advocate on disability issues.

Patsy Wakefield (President, DPA Dunedin & Districts)

DPA Napier

We have had a good year!

Firstly, our invitation to the Honourable Ruth Dyson, Minister for Disability Issues, which resulted in her coming to Napier to speak to people with disabilities in our region. Much to our delight 65 attended, including our Mayor, the Chairman of the Regional Hospital in Hastings and his CEO.

We had asked if people with disabilities only be allowed to speak so that the Minister could hear their concerns. The Executive had met with her earlier and briefed the Minister on what these might be - Total Mobility being our greatest problem, especially with the cost for Napier people going across to the Regional Hospital in Hastings for treatment. One of our Hastings members was charged $80.00 return to come to Ruth Dyson's visit in Napier - a 15 minute drive. He is severely disabled and has no other way to travel.

It was wonderful to see Marion and Keith Wellington and Barbara Purdie from Taranaki attending this meeting.

Total Mobility is also a big problem because of the Regional Council changing rules and not allowing people to use their vouchers, thus taking away their quality of life.

I am spending a lot of time on submissions and applications for funding. We are hoping to raise enough money to take some younger members to Conference.

I spent two days at an Access training seminar. Having been consulted on access unofficially for many years we are keeping our fingers crossed that I pass and get accreditation.

At our August meeting our guest speaker was our treasurer. This lady had just returned from a trip to Ireland, England and France. They travelled in a gypsy caravan pulled by a donkey. What a delightful speaker - we all went on the journey with her. She has the gift of taking people along with her. We are endeavouring to have a guest speaker at every second Regional meeting. Over the year we have had speakers from Work and Income NZ advising members of the benefits they may be entitled to.

November will see us going out to lunch to enjoy each other's company.

Verona Moynihan (Secretary, DPA Napier)

DPA Northland

This was another challenging year for the Northland organisation as the transitional committee fought a number of fires on a number of fronts.

The Committee faced the difficulty of a static membership, despite efforts to recruit new members. The actual number of committee members also fluctuated during the year with commitments from other areas often impinging on the time they could spend on DPA matters.

Issues facing the disabled community included the lack of transport options for disabled people, especially those living in rural areas. This transport problem in turn impinged on their ability to partake in any of the limited opportunities open to them in terms of employment and socialising with others.

A second area of concern was the under-funding for care workers and home support providers. The low hourly rate for caregivers means that it is extremely difficult to attract people to those positions, especially in Northland which has a high transient workforce. It also means that the calibre of people employed as caregivers can be lower than deemed adequate. Therefore, this places a huge amount of stress on the disabled person and their whanau.

On a positive note, the DPA Northland chapter have been supported by the Tai Tokerau DEAS (Disability Empowerment Advocacy Support) Trust who have allowed DPA to set up an office in their premises, and provided administration support as required. The Tai Tokerau DEAS Board have also indicated their willingness to work alongside DPA on disability issues in the region.

This initiative, along with an energised and enthusiastic committee, should ensure that DPA Northland will develop further and re-establish itself as an important voice of the disabled community.

Jonathon Wilkinson (President, DPA Northland)

DPA Palmerston North

While it has been a successful year for Palmerston North, it has also been poignant with the resignations of Warren de la Haye, President and his wife Annie, committee member, in October 2003. We wish Warren and Annie all the best with their endeavours in Christchurch. We welcome Jason Watson as subsequent President for Palmerston north.

Our partnership with the city council has lead to them taking more responsibility towards enabling disabled peoples' contributions and participation in council work. Development is ongoing and Warren has worked well with the team for the initial Square redevelopment.

It is great getting public and community organisational feedback. Looking at our high points these would be the design work for Memorial Park, pedestrian and recreation cycle and walkways, and developing a new framework along with the LTSA. We are continually working on accessibility in and around our city and looking also into accessible accommodation in hotels for more than one or two units. Stay tuned because Palmerston North will definitely look at a fully inclusive society and business areas for the likes of hosting wheelchair rugby and disability conferences.

Over the past year we have seen immense improvements in our walkways and recreational areas in Palmerston North. I am certainly looking forward to finding a solution for the 'yellow tape trial' which suits wheelchairs and people with lower vision, but is not as practical for those with visual impairments, as the tape is not able to be felt or detected by a cane and working dog users.

The Project Forums have involved people with all types of impairments - physical, sensory and other impairments, as well as public representation, so that we can trial and look at achieving a fully accessible and inclusive society. We have organised several forums in the past year which have covered roading issues, a transport forum which looked at introducing accessible buses into Palmerston North, the forum "Breaking Barriers" held in early August and a closed forum pertaining to Barrier Free and addressing issues with architects, DPAPN and PNCC. It concentrated on evaluating plans well before alterations and/or buildings are erected, with architects learning to clarify and address areas where mobility is an issue. We are following up with recreation and accessible routes around town for wheelchairs and people with a disability, with maps soon to be released.

Later in 2004 Palmerston North is proud to have been selected to host the 2004 Bi-Annual AGM Conference which we predict will be the best ever!

Delysse Kinnard (Secretary, DPA Palmerston North)

DPA Southland

DPA Southland, in partnership with Invercargill City Council (ICC), has brought to fruition the adoption of the ICC Policy on Equity and Access for People with Disabilities. This useful tool has already been used to lobby changes for the proposed new Learner's Pool soon to built alongside the Splash Palace complex. This partnership with the ICC has meant that we have been consulted re the refurbishment to the Civic Theatre upgrade and the introduction of recycling bins.


Invercargill Police Community Constable Tim Harwood and DPA Southland president Dot Wilson

DPA Southland is represented on the Total Mobility Policy and Finance Committee. The Invercargill City Council administers the Total Mobility Scheme and have developed a new ticket allocation system identified by users, issuing tickets directly to the people using it. The result has been the end of waiting lists as well as being cost effective. However it does not address the issue that the scheme is under-funded and not equitable with other public transport.

Lotteries enabled DPA Southland to send two members to Whakatane to the last National AGM and Conference, and this year we have secured COGS support for sending two people to Palmerston North in October.

DPA was represented at the launch of People First in the south. We also attended the launch of the Human Rights Land Passenger Transport Inquiry held in Dunedin.

DPA Southland recently hosted a forum to hear Bruce Coleman from the Human Rights Commission talk about making submissions around the Land Passenger Transport Inquiry. Submissions were made to both the Land Passenger Transport Inquiry and the Housing New Zealand Strategy.

DPA representatives participated in the DHB Older Person's Forum, the Human Rights National Plan Of Action consultative round, and the Our Way Southland Project, a joint initiative by all the local bodies in response to the Government's request that local bodies do some five year planning. The Disability Services Advisory Committee to the DHB has two members from DPA Southland and the Special Education Review has DPA representation on the Steering Group.

DPA members met with managers of the local supermarkets to seek their support in clamping down on the abuse of the accessible car parks. The blue tickets that members already purchase have developed into a combined approach between DPA, Invercargill City Council Traffic Division and the Police, with the support of the Community Constable. These tickets can be left on the windscreen of offending abusers and details of number plate, place, time and date recorded and reported to the Community Constable to follow up on. The local newspaper supported the cause well with a photo and story on the front page.

The year concluded with Mike Gourley, National President of DPA, as speaker for DPA Southland's AGM and staying on a longer visit providing an opportunity to raise both the profile and membership of DPA New Zealand, utilising many networks and all media.

A force to be reckoned with…you bet!

Dot Wilson (President, DPA Southland)

DPA Taranaki

Taranaki is a unique region where DPA is involved with transport, access to services, equity for people with disabilities, and the much appreciated skills and value of all people. Our bi-monthly meetings are held at different venues around Taranaki covering the area from Urenui to Patea, with our Annual General Meetings being held centrally at Stratford. We have a heavy involvement with Total Mobility as there is no public transport at all in Taranaki.

Our Operational Plan 2004 - 2006 has been designed to promote DPA in Taranaki while encouraging disabled people to participate in local decision making whenever possible.

Funding is available for members to attend meetings and to cover training costs. The emphasis for our training this year is governance and management - it is hoped many of our members will attend the DPA Annual Conference at Palmerston North as the impact of the New Zealand Disability Strategy will be under discussion.

DPA Taranaki enjoys regular Health and Disability Forums throughout the year in partnership with New Plymouth District Council, Tui Ora, Access Ability, Taranaki APEPSI Trust, and the Taranaki Disability Resource Centre Trust. In particular there is the Total Mobility Forum held annually and giving participants an opportunity to discuss this service and the positive impact upon their lives.

Marion Wellington (Secretary, DPA Taranaki)

DPA Wellington

Wellington Region DPA has had a mixed year with plenty of achievements but also some frustrations. In particular we have worked on access issues around our city. This has been done through our good relationship with the Wellington City Council's Disability Liaison Officer, Jenny Rains, and by keeping on at the WCC to continue their project of re-doing kerb cuts around the city.

As well as this we have been talking to the WCC about the difficulties people have with the bus lanes, especially in the Central City. If people are using Total Mobility Taxis they are unable to pick up or drop off people in bus lanes and this often means long detours to an appropriate stopping point. DPA are trying to get WCC to make an exception or to provide some form of drop off and pick up point nearby.

Wellington City Council Housing has rectified some access issues around their housing areas. We have continued to work on the Land Transport Enquiry, and to work with our DHB about the issue of the hydrotherapy pools and the new Tertiary Hospital that is being built.

Wendy Randall (President, DPA Wellington)

Goal 2: Provide a coordinated, informed disability perspective at all levels of government policy and decision-making

DPA believes people with disabilities have a basic human right to participate in all aspects of the New Zealand community. This includes equal rights to education, employment, recreation, rehabilitation, health and accommodation services and the right to a meaningful and adequate income.

DPA's reaction to the 2002/2003 New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Report

In commenting on the New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Report for 2002/2003, DPA President Mike Gourley noted:

"In my time as a lecturer in Disability Studies at Wellington College of Education, I learned a positive method of critical feedback on any work or venture. That was to provide both commendations acknowledging achievement, and recommendations involving aspects that could be improved. It is a system that stands one in good stead, whatever the situation.

So to the commendations. We welcome on board all new departments that have supplied progress reports on the implementation of the Strategy in the 2002/2003 year. The work of the Office in proactive engagement with government agencies is obviously bearing fruit. It is a striking confirmation of our long-held view that, not only did disabled people need a Minister of the Crown specifically responsible for disability issues, but that a dedicated lead agency was essential as well.

The Strategy applies to all of the government, and is not limited to those aspects of service delivery that might apply to some agencies, for example Education, Health or Social Development. At the same time, the Strategy is not limited to the human resource functions of a government agency: it does also apply to service delivery. Reporting on actions in this regard is beginning to show the right kind of balance. For example, in relation to objective 3, (provide the best education for disabled people), the Ministry of Education, together with the Education Review Office and National Library, is reporting on actions to achieve this objective.

We are supportive of those government agencies that have looked to the expertise of disabled people, both in terms of staff internally, and external advisory groups. We trust that where disability advice is being sought externally, it is being remunerated appropriately!

The improvements in access to hard copy and website information is pleasing. We noted last year the difficulty people with impairments have in getting information, while noting such information is power. Hopefully this progress will continue.

Now for some recommendations. We are disappointed by continuing gaps in the reporting on implementation of the Strategy. In our view this reflects a quaint notion that disability is a charitable add on, or aspect of social responsibility that does not sit within strategic imperatives of government agencies. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Strategy points to a society that "fully values our lives and continually enhances our participation". To achieve this requires, at the very least, a public service responsive to our rights and needs as a population group. Attitudes towards disability issues need to change. Government agencies need comprehensive disability awareness training for all staff, and it is pleasing to see this beginning to occur, of course, delivered by appropriately qualified disabled people.

Overall, and in any project that involves disability issues, government agencies need to build partnerships with disabled people. We know projects are still being undertaken which do not respect the centrality of a disability perspective. In all things involving disability issues, government agencies must take into account objective 5 of the Strategy, the fostering of the leadership role of disabled people. Future reporting on progress needs to have regard for evidence of commitment to that objective.

Something else we will be seeking in the next report is evidence that government agencies are putting their money where their mouth is. Implementation of the Strategy is going to require resourcing. For example, Statistics New Zealand has decided to continue with the disability question in the national census together with a follow-up survey, and have put in a budget bid to cover the cost of this. We believe other agencies need to start identifying aspects of the Strategy that have cost implications and making the necessary preparations for future budget rounds. Failure to do so will risk the perception that commitment to the Strategy remains superficial.

Concluding on a positive note, we recognize that for the moment, while there is a fair way to go in realizing the ultimate vision of the Strategy - that is, nothing less than a fully inclusive society - we all seem to be facing in the right direction."

Education - a key priority

DPA believes every person with a disability regardless of type or degree, has the right to quality education at every level of the education system. DPA supports the need for a range of education services to meet the needs of individuals within the regular education systems including access to second chance education and learning, and vocational training. Education must begin with early intervention and provide for life-long learning, especially where educational opportunities have been delayed or disrupted.

There was some concern expressed at the National Assembly in Whakatane that private training establishments are disadvantaging disabled students, or are themselves not adequately supported to assist disabled students to succeed. DPA will meet with the Tertiary Education Commission to get greater clarity on this issue.

Employment

It is the right of all persons with disabilities to have the opportunity to be engaged in productive and meaningful employment which provides flexibility, equal opportunity and career path development.

Repeal of the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion Act

DPA made a submission to the Social Services Select Committee concerning the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion (Repeal and Related Matters) Bill. DPA was pleased that Parliament has decided to repeal the DPEP Act which has been widely regarded by disabled people as improper and an abuse of human rights. However DPA raised some concerns with aspects of the bill and could not support some of the wording. DPA was disturbed at the proposal to retain a provision whereby disabled workers could be subject to an underrate workers permit and believe it is contradictory to provide such a base rate or minimum wage as a safeguard in relation to work, then to provide for exceptions. The implicit justification for having this is the concept of productivity which has not been imposed on any other group of workers and is likely to constitute a breach of the Human Rights Act. DPA recommended that the bill be withdrawn for intensive revision by a working group which would include adequate representations of disabled people acting as advocates for themselves.

Workbridge Inc

DPA has a seat on Workbridge's governance Council. For the past two years Huhana Hickey has represented DPA and has had the role of Workbridge President. She reports:

"Over the past twelve months Ruth Harrison, the CEO of Workbridge, has worked hard to ensure we meet the contractual obligations required and to ensure we have a good balance of skills on the Workbridge Board.

One of the areas needing to be developed is the private sector employer's commitment towards employing persons with disabilities. A survey of some of the larger corporations has shown little commitment within the private sector to encouraging employment of persons with disabilities and this has been identified as a gap. To address some of these concerns we have looked for the right skills on the board and have brought onto the board people who can help with this aim. This is going to take time.

While there is a lot of work still to be done, Workbridge is meeting its commitments and while progress is slow, it is being done. I would have to say the credit is owed to the Board and Council members who are all committed and skilled in having Workbridge become an effective employment agency for people with disabilities when seeking employment. I would also have to give credit to Ruth Harrison and her staff who have worked hard to improve Workbridge services for their clients and, in so doing, clients who had past negative experiences with Workbridge are beginning to give the services another go and are feeding back to the CEO and myself if they are facing any difficulties in this process.

Strategic plans have been developed and one of the exciting developments has been the Maori staff training and commitment to ensuring Maori staff and clients are having their specific needs met. What is also exciting about this is that some of the Pacific Island staff have taken part and have been able to be a part of the staff development training that took place in Hamilton a few months ago.

In looking back over the last 18 months of my role as President of Workbridge, while I came on board feeling very sceptical and negative about the services, I am now feeling excited and encouraged that Workbridge is beginning to develop, with a future and a chance to assist persons with disabilities into training and work that may be real and relevant to their needs and their skills.

We still have some way to go. We have however come forward and not backwards and progress is beginning to be noticeable and effective within all sectors of the community."

Report to the Rehabilitation International Vocational Commission

As a member of Rehabilitation International, DPA has appointed Robyn Hunt to be the New Zealand contact for the RI Vocational Commission. She reports:

Introduction
New Zealand continues to experience low rates of unemployment but as international evidence indicates, disabled people are still encountering barriers to participating in the workforce despite a strong economy. 60% of disabled adults are not in employment according to the disability household survey 2001 - Statistics New Zealand.

The office for Disability Issues continues to work on employment issues, with a particular focus on the Pathways to Inclusion project relating to the repeal of the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion Act. The Ministry of Social Development provides funding to assist disabled people to take up and remain in employment, and is undertaking further policy analysis to better support the sustainable employment aspirations of many disabled people.

Four demonstration projects funded by the Ministry of Social Development have been completed. The evaluation report is due shortly. The objective of the demonstration projects was placing long term sickness beneficiaries, those with mental illness and chronic health conditions into work

Two important reports produced by the New Zealand Human Rights Commission and the EEO Unit of the Human Rights Commission during 2004 identified employment issues for disabled people as needing more attention, although acknowledging some progress had been made.

Human Rights in New Zealand Today
Disabled people consulted by the Human Rights Commission "considered that overall awareness of the needs of disabled people in the workplace has improved. It was noted that some employers are willing to employ disabled people and ensure that they can work comfortably and safely. However, concern remains that not all employers understand the needs of disabled people.

Government has tried to set an example through the requirement of the State Sector Act for equal employment policies that include disabled people. However, the State Services Commission's (SSC) annual report on EEO Progress in the Public Service 2003, reported that, of the 31 participating departments, 18 (58 percent) had made little or no progress.

Disabled participants in the consultation for this report indicated that they faced discrimination when workplaces were not adaptable and they were expected to cope with the same work conditions as everyone else as best they could. In spite of funding programmes available through the State Services Commission's EEO for People with Disabilities programme, Department of Labour funding via Workbridge, and the Ministry of Health's Environmental Support Services, funding for adapting furniture or providing special equipment remains inadequate to meet the demand. Disabled people also reported a lack of opportunities for participation in workplace education and training.

People with experience of mental illness reported special difficulties resulting from negative social attitudes, and finding that they were not given fair access to work or adequate employment support. Many were unwilling to disclose their experience of mental illness for fear of being turned down for employment or treated badly in the workplace.

Generally, consultation participants sought more flexible working conditions, wider ranging support, and training for employers. They also called for the structure of social welfare benefits to be changed to provide more incentives for disabled people to work and greater support to enable them to start their own businesses."
http://www.hrc.co.nz/report/chapters/chapter05/disabled01.html

Framework for the Future Equal Employment Opportunities in New Zealand
This significant report from the EEO unit of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission outlined inequities in the labour force participation and educational attainment between disabled and non-disabled people in New Zealand, and noted the lack of quality data available in a number of related areas such as hourly earnings of disabled people. It identified disabled people as one of the most disadvantaged groups in the New Zealand Labour Force.
http://www.hrc.co.nz/index.php?p=44860

Disabled Persons Employment Promotions Act
This 1960 Act which exempted sheltered workshops from employment legislation is being repealed and replaced, so that disabled people working in sheltered workshops will have the same minimum wage and employment rights as everyone else. Sheltered workshops will continue to offer segregated environments for disabled employees, with a range of vocational services and activities. Service providers will continue to receive Government assistance to develop their businesses to support employment for disabled people. Exemptions from the standard minimum wage and employment rights will be permitted in some circumstances. These will be monitored by the Department of Labour.

At present there are 262 sheltered workshops in New Zealand providing employment for 3,500 disabled people.

Workbridge
DPA continues to be represented on the council which is the governing body for New Zealand's national disability employment placement NGO. For the past three years DPA has held the role of president. A new president is to be elected at the next Annual General Meeting. The DPA representative may continue to fill this role.

Transition
The Ministry of Social Development is funding fourteen Transition development pilots around New Zealand. These will provide support for disabled students in their last year at school. The project began in June 2003 and will end in June 2005. These projects will assist in the development of best practice in the transition of disabled students from school to work. Other initiatives include the development of a web site.

Disability Services

DPA believes that every person with a disability, and every family with a member with a disability, should receive whatever services and other support or assistance which may be needed to reduce the disabling effects of impairment and the handicapping effects of disability. Services should be designed to make possible for each person a full, meaningful and constructive life of their own choosing.

Special Equipment Funding Cuts

A major concern of DPA this year has been a funding crisis within the Ministry of Health. All funding for modifications to houses, vehicles and special equipment was put on hold in April as demand for these was "at levels well ahead of last year" and had to be curtailed for the rest of the financial year.

Such arbitrary cessation of services creates real hardship for people with disabilities who are dependent on special equipment and the stopping of such funding is totally unacceptable. Such crises reflect an historic under-funding that is obscured by a notion of "priority waiting lists", a capped budget compared with a demand-driven budget and the seeming lack of control on expenditure.

Regulations Impede People's Lives

New Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) and ACC guidelines have significant implications for people with disabilities. Called the "LITEN UP Approach to Lifting", the guidelines claim that any load over 16 kilos represents a significant risk and an avoidable occupational hazard.

With evidence that organisations, including some home-based support agencies, are instructing their staff not to lift anybody who weighs more than 16kg, the negative affect of the guidelines are already starting to have an impact.

While hoists and other lifting devices do have their place, there are many instances where they are impractical, such as in confined spaces. A simple ban on lifting is clearly not the answer and creates more problems for disabled people than it solves.

DPA believes that in a country which is supposed to be removing barriers to participation by disabled people, the ban on lifting is clearly contradictory.

Transport

DPA believes that transport is a basic right of all people. Recognising this, government must ensure that all forms of transport and its infrastructure, both in the community and nationally, must be fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Air New Zealand

In December 2003 Air NZ announced a change in its policies that affected disabled travellers who use wheelchairs and who cannot transfer independently. Staff would no longer assist the transfer between aisle chair and cabin seat for disabled people. This is claimed to have been initiated in response to new OSH and ACC guidelines on lifting.

DPA believe there has been nothing in the nature of consultation or participation of the disabled community in this decision and the policy has caused major difficulties for a substantial number of people with disabilities. Because of this policy DPA has found it necessary to lodge a formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission.

Accessibility

DPA believes everyone benefits from the human right of people with disabilities to participate with dignity in the normal activities and processes of life in the community. To this end people with disabilities must have access to the physical environment, communication, information and services.

Report to DPA from the Barrier Free NZ Trust

As part as a formal agreement between DPA and the Barrier Free NZ Trust, the Trust reports its activities to DPA annually.


Hon Lianne Dalziel and Hon Ruth Dyson with founding Trustees Alexia Pickering, Paul Curry, Prof Helen Tippet, Vivian Naylor

The highlight for this year had to be the 10yr celebration held at the Beehive and hosted by Ministers Lianne Dalziel and Ruth Dyson. A large gathering of supporters, including representatives of disability organisations, building industry and government departments joined with previous and current Trustees to celebrate the achievement of the Trust since its inception in June 1993.

Founding Trustee Paul Curry was the master of ceremonies and, following speeches by the Ministers, the Chairperson gave the background to the formation of the Trust and described its activities to date. Founding Trustee, Professor Helen Tippet, took the opportunity to congratulate the Trust on its achievements and Chair of the Building Industry Authority, Barry Brown endorsed her remarks, stating how he valued the work of the Trust and how important it was to have an organisation which reflected the needs of the disability sector to the building industry and wider community. Background music was provided by a talented group of musicians with different disabilities called Chocolate Ice.

Sadly we report that since this function our Patron Dame Ann Ballin and Professor Helen Tippet have passed away. Their contribution to the Trust was appreciated and is greatly missed.

Education and Training
This has been another year of continued focus on our core business of Education and Training, while still managing several quite important events for furthering the progress of the Trust. We have increased the number of seminars to 1 per month and while the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch were covered we extended ourselves this year to include Timaru, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Rotorua and Napier.

Accreditation of Barrier Free Auditors/Advisors
The Trust has changed the name of AUDITORS to ADVISORS. It was felt that the name Auditor was not appropriate for the range of individuals seeking accreditation. Some individuals indicated that in the course of their work they don't actually carry out audits in the full sense of the word but gave out advice in a variety of ways to those in the industry who effect change in accessibility, e.g. Independent Qualified Persons, (IQP's) and Territorial Authorities (TA's). In the current climate there is an emphasis on qualification so we have noticed a renewed interest in being a Barrier Free Advisor. The acronym of BFA remains..

The BFA's are now listed on our website and whenever the Trust gets enquiries about who to engage as a qualified person in accessibility we can refer them to www.barrierfreenz.org.nz

Relocation
Relocating to Wellington has been worthwhile in that it has been easier to work closer with other organizations who are also Wellington based, especially CCS, Foundation for the Blind and DPA. The Trust is mindful that it needs to raise its profile with other community/welfare organizations and will be working out a plan how to achieve this.

Another milestone for us was the opening of an office in the Betty Campbell Centre above the Harbour City Centre in Lambton Quay. We now have all our files in one place rather than scattered about in different locations.

New Appointment
We were sorry when our first appointed part time Executive Director, Jim Bowler, took on a full time position with the Porirua City Council. However it was not too long before we had a valuable replacement in Gary Tye. His experience has been within the Building Industry as a Quantity Surveyor and more recently as the Executive Director of NZ Institute of Building Inc.

Advocacy and Advice
The Trust continues to make appropriate submissions on access issues, with a major commitment to the review of the Building Act. The Bill was tabled in Parliament in August and passed its third reading to become the Building Act 2004 to take effect at the end of November. From then the access provisions will no longer be under Sec 47A but Sec 202. One noted improvement is that Determinations may now be sought from people with disabilities albeit via the CEO of the new regulatory body replacing the BIA. The new regulatory body is the Ministry of Building and Housing.

New Chairperson
Ann Maddox of Auckland is the new Chairperson of the Barrier Free NZ Trust. Before studying law she was a practising Occupational Therapist and now a senior Barrister with Simpson Grierson. Ann has a commitment to disability issues and her knowledge of the legal system is a significant and valuable resource for the Trust.

Alexia Pickering, (Chairperson Barrier Free New Zealand Trust)

Accessible Public Land Transport

In September 2003 an inquiry was announced into Accessible Land Transport by the Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Rosslyn Noonan. This followed a significant number of complaints, enquiries and representations to the Human Rights Commission which suggested some elements of the public transport system were not accessible to people with disabilities. The Commission is considering the need for changes to legislation, regulations, policies and procedures for funding arrangements.

The consultation report, made public in April 2004, provides a comprehensive assessment of accessible land transport issues for people with disabilities in New Zealand, including views both of people with disabilities and of people working in the transport sector.

Members of the public are now invited to make submissions as part of the Commission's Inquiry. Submissions can be made in a variety of ways and more information concerning this, plus copies of the Inquiry Consultation Report, can be obtained from the Commission website www.hrc.co.nz/Inquiry.

Vehicle Adaptations New Zealand (VANZ)

Warren de la Haye is the DPA representative on the VANZ Board. He reports:

"Over the past twelve months VANZ has completed and published a code of standards through LTSA for Accessible vehicles, covering hand controls, ramps and hoists.

The warrant of fitness card for modified vehicles has still got a bit of work with the LTSA before it gets the go ahead from the LTSA. This will do away with having to have the vehicle certified but it will be replaced with a bi-yearly warrant of fitness so that the vehicle modifications are checked to see that they are working and safe. This doesn't happen at the moment which means there are potentiality vehicles out there that could be unsafe to be on the road so we are looking forward to getting this in place with the LTSA."

Disability Statistics

DPA believes that there are many issues in the field of disability that require in-depth study so as to enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities. DPA will encourage such research and provide information as practicable

In a discussion document from Statistics New Zealand called, Census 2006 - Preliminary Views on Content it was recommended that disability be removed as a topic from the 2006 Census. DPA was not satisfied with this move as we believe gathering of disability statistics needs to be enshrined in the Statistics Act - people with impairments make up 20% of the population, the rationale for dropping the disability questions was questionable in light of the money spent on disability services, and disability should not be merely accorded a health status such as smoking and fertility.

In response to pressure from the disability sector, DPA is therefore pleased to learn that disability is to be included in the Census 2006 after all and that funding has been made available for this in the latest budget. This is reportedly consistent with the approach adopted for the 1996 and 2001 Censuses when the topic of disability was included as a filter to select a sample for a follow-up household disability survey.

Ethnicity Data Protocols for the Health and Disability Sector

In February 2004 the Ministry of Health published a document providing protocols for collecting data on the ethnicity of those in the disability sector. Collecting such high quality ethnicity data will ensure that the Government is able to track health trends by ethnicity and effectively monitor its performance to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in service provision for people with disabilities. DPA supports this move as they recognize that there are significant disability issues which affect Maori, that solutions need to reflect their cultural diversity and that resources must be available to whanau/hapu/iwi to ensure equal opportunities.

Goal 3: Provide a vehicle for the promotion of the rights, social value and citizenship of all disabled people

Youth Development

DPA believes young people, irrespective of disability, can grow and learn. The years as children and adolescents should be fun, giving a positive self-identity and allow what is necessary to lead full and active lives.

Youth Leadership Mentoring Programme


Nathan Bond (DPA Youth Leadership Project Co-ordinator).

At the end of January 2004 the mentoring programme, which followed on from the first youth leadership camp, concluded. Fifteen young disabled people have been encouraged and mentored throughout the year and have found that both the camp and the mentoring programme have made a difference to their lives.

One young man arrived at camp with an attitude that life was harsh and that nothing could be done about it. He had no motivation to look for work and was just drifting through life. For him the youth leadership camp was a life-changing event. Exposed to high achieving disabled role models he began to question his previous philosophy. Ten months after the youth leadership camp he got a full-time job with Telecom and admits that he probably would not have even tried to find work if he had not gone on the camp.

Changes also can be clearly seen in the lives of the three people who have joined DPA, one who was selected to represent disabled youth on the Human Rights Reference Group, and another who has been appointed to manage the Disability Resource Centre in Whakatane.

It is believed that all participants departed with increased self-esteem, new skills, new friends and a new philosophy on life and disability. In early January 2005 another camp will begin. With your support it will prove to be another success and alter lives of another generation of young disabled New Zealanders.

Nathan Bond (DPA Youth Leadership Project Co-ordinator)

Advocacy and Awareness

DPA believes that self-advocacy is the strongest and most effective form of advocacy and therefore DPA supports efforts by people with disabilities to promote assertiveness and self-confidence.

Launch of People First

In October 2003 the national self-advocacy organisation, People First, was launched at Parliament. This is an organisation for people with an intellectual disability and members advocate for good services, for people to be treated with respect, and to have the right to be included in communities. Since the launch, workshops have been delivered around the country to many service providers, with the CEO Bernadette Moses (Ngatiawa/Tuhoe) and other DPA members being actively involved.

The People First National office is in Wellington on the same floor as the DPA National Secretariat and the two groups have enjoyed a close working relationship.

The Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care) Bill passed


Michael Aldridge, People First National chairperson signs office lease

The Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care) Bill was passed by the house in October 2003. Its associated laws, providing appropriate care outside of prison for up to one hundred individuals with an intellectual disability who commit criminal offences, are planned to be in place by September 2004.

In recent years there has been a lack of legislation to cover care placements for offenders with an intellectual disability. This legislative gap resulted in inappropriate placements for offenders with an intellectual disability in prison, forensic mental health services, or the community. The Bill which was passed aims to provide the courts with appropriate compulsory care and rehabilitation options for people who have an intellectual disability and who are charged with, or convicted of, an imprisonable offence, and to recognise and safeguard the special rights of people subject to this Bill while providing for the appropriate use of different levels of care.

Access to Information

DPA believes that, as far as possible people with disabilities should control their own lives. Available, accurate, relevant and timely information is the basis for informed consent and decision making.

Introduction of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Bill to Parliament

The introduction of this bill to Parliament in April 2004 is an important first step towards making New Zealand Sign Language recognized as New Zealand's third official language, alongside Maori and English. "This government wants to recognize Deaf people's language as a unique New Zealand language. NZ Sign Language is the first language for many New Zealanders, and to help build an inclusive community, we want to give it equal status to that of spoken languages," Ruth Dyson, the Minister for Disability Issues said.

The bill gives recognition to Deaf people's linguistic rights. It also assists with implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy by upholding the rights of Deaf people and by removing barriers to participation. With 28,000 people in New Zealand using New Zealand Sign language, recognition of their language has been sought for twenty years, and DPA has been actively advocating for this change.

International Forums

DPA believes that it has a responsibility to participate in the international community on behalf of New Zealanders who have disabilities to ensure involvement in sharing of new developments and to promote its aims.

Rehabilitation International Congress

DPA congratulates former DPA president, Anne Hawker, on her appointment as Chair of the Social Commission of Rehabilitation International at their recent Congress. She reports:

"The 20th Rehabilitation International (RI) Congress was held in Oslo, Norway from the 17th to 24th June. The first part of the time in Norway was spent at the RI Commission meetings and assembly. At the Social Commission meeting my nomination as Chair of the Commission was accepted. I would like to say thank you to DPA(NZ) for agreeing to my nomination going forward. Accepting the nomination would not have been possible without the support of ACC to whom I say a big thank you.


The Social Commission has been working on a number of projects including the International Classification of Functionality (ICF) and monitoring its implementation throughout the world. The ICF allows for a consistency of data collection and policy development which has as its central theme the participation of people with disabilities; the removal of barriers to inclusion and the acknowledgement of the abilities of people with disabilities.

Another piece of work that was presented at the congress was the work by Mrs Eiko Okuno outlining the process of achieving effective socialisation in her program for attaining social functioning ability. This program was based on the 1986 definition of social rehabilitation by RI. Social rehabilitation is "a process, the aim of which is to attain social functioning ability. This ability means the capacity of a person to function in various situations towards the satisfaction of his or her needs and the right to achieve maximum richness in his or her participation in society." I was struck at how relevant the definition was in defining social rehabilitation in terms of the rights based approach.

The Commission has started a new piece of work to look at the attitudes towards people with disabilities by young people. This will be the major theme of the Commission in the 2005 Conference.

The following day saw the start of the assembly. I was struck by the renewed commitment towards the rights based approach. Also there was a renewed enthusiasm to look at and take a fresh look at the role of RI, especially in terms of co-operating with other NGOs. The establishment of IDA (the International Disability Alliance) has been crucial in furthering the push for the UN Convention on people with disabilities. Discussion on the importance of the Convention was peppered throughout the assembly and congress.

To further this renewed look, the assembly was asked to provide strategic direction for the new executive to focus on in the coming four year period. The new President, Michael Fox from Australia, promised to ensure the organization remained focused and this extended to all its activities. A crucial part of this focus was the commitment to continue working on the UN Convention. This was not delegated to a working party but seen as a responsibility of the whole assembly and the executive.

One of the discussions that occurred at the Assembly was whether there should be a separate article on (re)habilitation. New Zealand acknowledged that it was a state responsibility and that it was different from health care. The UN Standard Rules on the equalisation of opportunity for disabled people had a large number of articles that provided directions to countries as to what was considered to be best practice rehabilitation. If the Convention is to remain a rights based document, then the inclusion of service delivery processes had the potential to undermine the clear focus on rights. No resolution was reached on this point although significant discussion was held throughout the Congress.

Some of the highlights of the Congress were the quality of the speakers especially in terms of delivering thought provoking messages on the conference theme of (re)thinking (Re)habilitation.

Some of the memorable phrases of the Congress included:

These are very powerful emotions for which the UN Convention has an important role in addressing. Speakers such as Mary Robertson, the first woman President of Ireland and more recently United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressed the importance of the legislation. She gave a word of warning that without an effective monitoring system and free legal access, the Convention would be toothless. Bengt Lindquist, former member of the Swedish Parliament and former United Nations Special Rapporteur, reinforced this sentiment. Tom Shakespeare in his presentation stressed the importance of including ethical issues in the Convention. Fundamental in any ethical debate was respect for people with disabilities and an acknowledgment of the inherent diversity within society. In considering ethical issues, there are some aspects that are often overlooked. These are ensuring that:

The progress that has been made in the last four years and especially the last year is something which fills us all with hope. However, there is still much to be done and the real danger is the intent of the Convention will be watered down.

Thank you and I look forward to continuing my role as Social Commissioner for New Zealand".

DPA President Mike Gourley also attended the Congress and comments that:

"Throughout it there was the continuation of the tension that exists between the human rights approach to disability and the rehabilitation framework which stresses the repair and recovery of disabilities or illnesses. The new RI World President, Michael Fox from Australia, demonstrated his leadership in this area by suggesting that rehabilitation should include a rights inclusion perspective, as advocated in New Zealand, rather than being an end in itself. There was some discussion on whether RI should campaign for a separate article on rehabilitation to be included in the UN Disability Convention, so that rehabilitation is separated from other health issues. However, the New Zealand delegates felt that, while rehabilitation can be seen as a 'clinical' or 'therapeutic' process and can indeed help to achieve human rights outcomes such as work and education, it should never be seen as a human rights outcome in and of itself".

Mike feels that it is very important for DPA to continue to be involved in RI Congresses, even though they seem to be operating from a rehabilitation philosophy. Without our representation, New Zealand's human rights perspective on disability would not be heard.

The voice of disability in the Pacific

DPA CEO, Gary Williams, has been helping to establish a voice for disabled people in the Pacific. He reports:

"I attended the 2nd Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) meeting in Suva to help progress the work started a year earlier. At that meeting, a small working group was tasked with doing all the necessary background work such as drafting terms of reference, a Constitution, budgeting etc.

The second meeting included participants from Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, some of whom had attended the previous meeting. Also present was someone from the United Nation's Economic & Social Commission for Asia/Pacific (UNESCAP). The first half-day was spent providing a backgrounder to the PDF. It was during this session where I raised DPA's concerns about the PDF. They were:
· the duplication of the very limited resources available in the Pacific and
· the need for disabled people to control the PDF's governance.

These concerns were readily accepted and as the meeting progressed, addressed.

The rest of the meeting was spent primarily drafting a Constitution "on the hoof." Although this is not an ideal way to work, the participants did seem to want to have something tangible come out of the meeting.

To address our concern about governance, the members of the PDF will be Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs) from all the countries in the South Pacific. Each country will have a place on PDF's governing Council and where there is more than one DPO in a country, they will choose among themselves who their Councillor will be. All other organisations and individuals can be associate members.

The way in which the PDF will differ from other organisations who currently operate in the Pacific, and thus avoid duplication, is that it will be essentially a collective of Pacific peoples' DPOs. For DPA, we will be just one of the many DPO voices in New Zealand. Contrast that with our roles with both Disabled Peoples International and Rehabilitation International where we are the only voice in New Zealand.

Disabled Pacific people believe that the PDF will be the vehicle to get their unified voices heard in fora that affects them/us. While there are international DPOs that operate in the Asia/Pacific region, the perception is that they are too pre-occupied with Asian issues. I am convinced that the PDF can be influential with bodies like UNESCAP and the South Pacific Forum and that DPA can make a positive contribution to its success."

Goal 4:Eliminate the discrimination and devaluation experienced by disabled people in New Zealand

DPA is an organisation that brings together the collective voice of all disabled people. It is founded on the principle of equals rights. We want dignity and respect. We want to live as we chose with appropriate support. We want to have our say and be heard.

DPA contributes positively to the UN Disability Convention

In June 2004 DPA's President Mike Gourley, CEO Gary Williams and policy researcher Wendi Wicks, were all members of the NZ Government's delegation to the third session of the United Nations (UN) Ad Hoc committee on a comprehensive and integral convention to promote and protect the rights and dignities of persons with disabilities, held at the UN headquarters in New York. Jan Scown (Office for Disability Issues) headed the delegation, which included Robyn Hunt (Human Rights Commission), Mary O'Hagan and Chris Hansen (Mental Health Commission) and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

The purpose of the meeting was to start negotiating the text of a legally-binding convention, based on a draft prepared earlier in the year by a small working group of countries, including NZ, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Most of the draft was given a "first reading", a process whereby countries and NGOs suggest changes to the draft text. Nearly all of the draft was discussed and covered areas such as the right to life; equal recognition as a person before the law; non-discrimination; respect for privacy, the home and the family; freedom from torture or cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment; access to information, right to health, right to work and education.

The negotiating mandate of the NZ delegation was to foster partnerships between governments and disabled people, promote outcomes consistent with the New Zealand Disability Strategy and facilitate agreement between nations to a Convention text. With this mandate, the DPA representatives were able to influence New Zealand's suggested changes which would advantage disabled people. This was in stark contrast to some countries whose suggestions, if implemented, would nullify or minimise the effect of a convention."

Valerie Meyer - Ministry Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Robert Martin - Inclusion International Robyn Hunt - Human Rights Commission Mary O’Hagan - Mental Health Commission

AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DISABLED PERSONS ASSEMBLY (NEW ZEALAND) INC

We have audited the financial report on pages 24 to 27. The financial report provides information about the past financial performance of Disabled Persons Assembly (New Zealand) Inc and its financial position as at 30 June 2004. This information is stated in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the Financial Statements.

Executive Committee’s Responsibilities


The Executive Committee is responsible for the preparation of a financial report, which fairly reflects the financial position of the Assembly as at 30 June 2004 and of the results of operations for the year ended on that date.

Auditors’ Responsibilities


It is our responsibility to express an independent opinion on the financial report presented by the Executive Committee.

Basis of Opinion


An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. It also includes assessing:

We conducted our audit in accordance with the New Zealand Auditing Standards, except that our work was limited as explained below. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial report is free from material misstatements, whether caused by fraud or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial report.

Other than in our capacity as auditors we have no relationship with or interests in the Assembly.

Fundamental Uncertainty


The Assembly is reliant on Government and Grant funding. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, the validity of which is dependent upon continued funding from outside organisations. Should either the Government or Grant funding be withdrawn, the going concern basis may be invalid and provision would have to be made for any possible loss on realisation of the Assembly’s assets.

Qualified Opinion


In common with other organisations of a similar nature, control over income prior to its being recorded is limited and there are no practical audit procedures to determine the effect of this limited control. The Assembly has not consolidated the financial activities of the Regional Executive, its subsidiary company or Disabled Persons Foundation for the year ended 30 June 2004. This is a departure of Financial Reporting Standard 37. The financial report excludes the financial activities of the Assembly’s Regional Executive, its subsidiary company and Disabled Persons Foundation and represents the financial activities of the National secretariat only.

In this respect alone we have not obtained all the information and explanations that we have required.

In our opinion:

In our opinion the financial report on pages 24 to 27 fairly reflects the financial position as at 30 June 2004 and the results of its operations of the Assembly for the year ended on that date.

Our audit was completed on 10 September 2004 and our qualified opinion is expressed as at that date.

GRANT THORNTON
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
WELLINGTON



Statement of Financial Position

As at 30 June 2004

Last Year Account Name This Year
CURRENT ASSETS
541 B.N.Z. - CURRENT ACCOUNT 654
25 PETTY CASH ON HAND 25
5,540 PREPAYMENTS 6,694
529 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 32,289
6,635 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 39,662
FIXED ASSETS
66,146 FIXED ASSETS AT COST 68,471
(58,024) ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (60,841)
8,122 FIXED ASSETS BOOK VALUE 7,630
INVESTMENTS
57,600 B.N.Z. - CALL ACCOUNT 99,500
57,600 TOTAL INVESTMENTS 99,500
72,357 TOTAL ASSETS 146,792
LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
27,121 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 35,987
436 MEMBERSHIP IN ADVANCE 649
25,000 INCOME RECEIVED IN ADVANCE 45,000
10,728 PROVISION FOR HOLIDAY PAY 15,494
190 E. COOPER SCHOLARSHIP FUND 190
15,879 TRUST FUNDS - DPA REGIONS 16,123
684 G.S.T. PAYABLE 5,779
80,038 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 119,222
$(7,681) NET BOOK VALUE OF ASSETS $27,570
REPRESENTED BY:
ACCUMULATED FUNDS
2,978 ACCUMULATED FUNDS
BROUGHT F/WD		 (7,681)
(10,659) CURRENT YEAR SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 35,251
$(7,681) TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS $27,570


Statement of Financial Performance

For the year ended 30 June 2004

Last Year Account Name This Year
GOAL 1: LEADERSHIP
PROJECT: NATIONAL HUI
INCOME
13,333 DSS DIAS CONTRACT -
13,333 TOTAL INCOME -
LESS EXPENSES
1,000 ADMINISTRATION FEE -
- CATERING AND FOOD 1,711
- HUI FACILITATOR 311
- TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 1,711
1,000 TOTAL EXPENSES 3,733
$12,333 PROJECT:EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(3,733)
PROJECT: INTERNATIONAL
INCOME
$12,333 PROJECT:EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(3,733)
19,228 RI EVENTS INCOME 12,124
35,556 DSS DIAS CONTRACT 35,556
54,784 TOTAL INCOME 47,680
LESS EXPENSES
3,191 RI SECRETARIAT 2,551
2,422 DPI SECRETARIAT (1,839)
13,403 RI EVENTS 23,988
16,939 DPI EVENTS 4,643
7,656 SALARIES AND WAGES 7,356
4,000 ADMINISTRATION FEE 4,000
6,700 OFFICE ACCOMMODATION 7,000
1,050 AUDITORS FEES - SHARE 1,200
55,361 TOTAL EXPENSES 48,899
$(577) PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(1,219)
PROJECT: YOUTH
INCOME
6,500 DPA ADMINISTRATION (TRANSFER) 3,000
44 REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES -
2,200 PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS -
4,353 GRANTS AND DONATIONS (270)
5,000 LOTTERY YOUTH -
64,360 REHABILITATION WELFARE TRUST -
82,457 TOTAL INCOME 2,730
LESS EXPENSES
500 AUDIT FEES - SHARE -
17,387 GENERAL EXPENSES 307
20,323 PROJECT COORDINATOR 5,792
3,285 RECREATION -
3,830 SUPPORT PERSONNEL -
11,067 TRAINERS AND MENTORS -
28,621 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 300
85,013 TOTAL EXPENSES 6,399
$(2,556) PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(3,669)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY/CONFERENCE
INCOME
8,177 DONATIONS AND GRANTS 12,658
5,000 LOTTERY WELFARE 5,000
9,402 REGISTRATION FEES 1,672
22,579 TOTAL INCOME 19,330
LESS EXPENSES
1,190 GENERAL EXPENSES 1,102
498 POSTAGE AND COURIERS 1,033
6,220 PRINTING AND STATIONERY 6,403
151 REFUNDS -
2,350 SALARIES AND WAGES 2,696
62 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 162
14,093 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 8,115
24,564 TOTAL EXPENSES 19,511
$(1,985) PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(181)
$7,215 GOAL 1: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(8,802)


Last Year Account Name This Year
GOAL 2: INFORMATION & ADVICE
PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - POLICY DEVELOPMENT
INCOME
8,889 DSS DIAS CONTRACT -
8,889 TOTAL INCOME -
LESS EXPENSES
1,000 ADMINISTRATION FEE -
3,000 GENERAL EXPENSES -
2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS -
2,272 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION -
6,274 TOTAL EXPENSES -
$2,615 PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $-
PROJECT: NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
INCOME
2,236 INTEREST RECEIVED 2,202
46,218 OTHER INCOME - ADMINISTRATION 33,793
11,087 SUBSCRIPTIONS 11,788
7,142 DONATIONS 5,744
1,420 MAXEQ CONSULTING 8,009
40,000 LOTTERY WELFARE 40,000
97,777 DSS DIAS CONTRACT 124,444
4,000 INTERNATIONAL PROJECT ADMIN 4,000
1,000 HUI ADMINISTRATION -
1,000 TREATY P/S - POLICY ADMIN -
211,880 TOTAL INCOME 229,980
LESS EXPENSES
1,349 ACC PREMIUM LEVY 556
1,000 AUDITORS FEES - SHARE 1,415
317 BANK CHARGES 97
33,120 COMMITTEE EXPENSES 25,466
4,331 DEPRECIATION 2,817
1,904 GENERAL EXPENSES 1,234
995 INSURANCE 1,159
13,198 MOTOR VEHICLE EXPENSES 12,872
6,250 POSTAGE AND COURIERS 4,953
7,361 PRINTING AND STATIONERY 5,929
667 PROFESSIONAL FEES 160
9,380 PUBLICITY 6,599
1,123 OFFICE ACCOMMODATION 1,196
1,636 REGIONAL SUPPORT 5.083
2,029 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 877
125,023 SALARIES AND WAGES 119,483
1,438 SUBSCRIPTIONS & PUBLICATIONS 1,323
7,361 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 3,457
5,366 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 2,194
- TRANSFER - TREATY P/S ADV/SUPP 5,000
1,300 TRANSFER - TREATY P/S MONITOR 1,300
6,500 TRANSFER - YOUTH 3,000
111 WORKING GROUP - WOMENS CAUCUS -
949 WORKING GROUP - MAXEQ 1,319
232,708 TOTAL EXPENSES 207,489
$(20,828) PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $22,491
$(18,213) GOAL 2: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $22,491


Last Year Account Name This Year
GOAL 3: ADVOCACY
PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - ADVISORY SUPPORT
INCOME
- DPA ADMINISTRATION (TRANSFER) 5,000
- TOTAL INCOME 5,000
LESS EXPENSES
- TELECOMMUNICATIONS 62
- TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 1,123
- TOTAL EXPENSES 1,185
$- PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $3,815
PROJECT: RIGHTS CODE TRAINING
INCOME
9,778 HEALTH & DISABILITY COMMISSION -
9,778 TOTAL INCOME -
LESS EXPENSES
200 AUDITORS FEES - SHARE -
10 GENERAL EXPENSES -
3,500 SETUP COSTS -
7,207 WORKSHOP COSTS -
10,917 TOTAL EXPENSES -
$(1,139) PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $-
$(1,139) GOAL 3: EXCESS INCOME/(LOWS) $3,815


Last Year Account Name This Year
GOAL 4: MONITORING
PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - MONITORING
INCOME
1,300 DPA ADMINISTRATION (TRANSFER) 1,300
1,300 TOTAL INCOME 1,300
$1,300 PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $1,300
PROJECT: SERVICES/ LEGISLATION
INCOME
35,556 DSS DIAS CONTRACT 62,222
35,556 TOTAL INCOME 62,222
LESS EXPENSES
432 ACC PREMIUM LEVY 185
1,050 AUDITORS FEES - SHARE 1,200
185 GENERAL EXPENSES -
5,760 OFFICE ACCOMMODATION 5,760
- POSTAGE AND COURIERS 4
88 PRINTING AND STATIONERY 300
26,248 SALARIES AND WAGES 36,444
598 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 802
1,017 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 1,080
35,378 TOTAL EXPENSES 45,775
$178 PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $16,447
$1,478 GOAL 4: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $17,747


Last Year Account Name This Year
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
GOAL 1: LEADERSHIP
12,333 PROJECT: NATIONAL HUI (3,733)
(577) PROJECT: INTERNATIONAL (1,219)
(2,556) PROJECT: YOUTH (3,669)
(1,985) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY/CONFERENCE (181)
GOAL 2: INFORMATION AND ADVICE
2,615 PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - POLICY DEVELOPMENT -
(20,828) PROJECT: NATIONAL SECRETARIAT 22,491
GOAL 3: ADVOCACY
- PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - ADVISORY SUPPORT 3,815
(1,139) PROJECT: RIGHTS CODE TRAINING -
GOAL 4: MONITORING
1,300 PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - MONITORING 1,300
178 PROJECT: SERVICES/LEGISLATION 16,447
$(10,659) NET OVERALL SURPLUS/(LOSS) $35,251


Statement of Movement in Equity

For the year ended 30 June 2004

Last Year Account Name This Year
ACCUMULATED FUNDS
2,978 AS AT 30 JUNE 2003 NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) (7,681)
(10,659) FOR THE YEAR ACCUMULATED FUNDS 35,251
$(7,681) AS AT 30 JUNE 2004 $27,570


Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 30 June 2004


1. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Reporting Entity
Disabled Persons Assembly (NZ) Inc is a registered incorporated society under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice. The report represents the financial position of DPA national secretariat only. It does not include any financial information relating to the activities of DPA’s Regional Assemblies; Disabled Persons Assembly Foundation or Maxeq Investments Limited.

Measurement Base
The general accounting policies recognised as appropriate for the measurement and reporting of results and financial position, and unless stated, is historic cost.

Specific Accounting Policies

2. ACCUMULATED FUNDS

It has been decided, given DPA’s limited capital, that all accumulated funds be grouped together and disclosed as one balance, rather than separated out into core activities.

3. FIXED ASSET SCHEDULE

The following gives detail of the cost or valuation of assets and depreciation written off to date:
Cost Accum
Depn		 Depn
for year		 Book Value
30/06/04
Computer Equipment 48,298 (42,520) (1,824) 3,954
Furniture & Fittings 20,173 (15,504) (993) 3,676
$68,471 $(58,024) $(2,817) $7,630

Cost Accum
Depn		 Depn
for year		 Book Value
30/06/03
Computer Equipment 46,138 (39,166) (3,354) 3,618
Furniture & Fittings 20,008 (14,527) (977) 4,504
$66,146 $(53,693) $(4,331) $8,122

4. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

No contingent liabilities or commitments existed at 30th June 2004 (2003 nil).

5. OPERATING LEASES

Rent Lease
The commitment at balance date relating to the rent lease, including Good and Services Tax, for the following five years:
2004/2005 2003/2004
Due in less than 1 year $14,093 $14,051
Due between 2 – 5 years $15,268 $29,361
Due in greater than 5 years - -
Total $29,361 $43,412

This represents Disabled Persons Assembly (NZ) Inc lease commitment on property rental via the FAB Partnership. If any party to that partnership defaulted the level of commitment may be adjusted accordingly.

Motor Vehicle Lease
The commitment at balance date relating to the motor vehicle lease and the insurance for the vehicle, including Goods and Services Tax, for the following five years:
2004/2005 2003/2004
Due in less than 1 year $7,817 $7,817
Due between 2 – 5 years $7,338 $15,155
Due in greater than 5 years - -
Total $15,155 $22,972

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Maxeq Investments Limited is a wholly owned by Disabled Persons Assembly (NZ) Inc. As at balance date Maxeq Investments Limited owed to Disabled Persons Asssembly (NZ) Inc $7,425. (2003 Nil.)