DPA New Zealand

Annual Report

1st July 2005 to 30th June 2006

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:

DPA provides:


People with disabilities must have the equal right and opportunity to:

DPA Goals 2005/2006:


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 experiences by disabled people in New Zealand.

Contents


Vision, Mission, Philosophy and Goals
Acknowledgements
President's report
Chief Executive Officer's report
Summary of the Year
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 2005 AGM and the Youth Leadership Camp.

We also thank the Ministry of Health for supporting our international involvement and policy and information advice. The continued successful Regional Forums benefited from funding by the Ministry of Social Development's Office of Disability Issues. Telecom New Zealand Ltd has also lent support by providing four telephone lines at residential rates, as have donations from members and Wellington DPA. We also thank the funding from Workbridge Inc for participation expenses so that DPA can have a presence at events. Funding was also received with thanks from Scottwood Trust to buy office equipment. We also thank the Pelorus Trust for their funding towards Sign Language interpreters at the Youth Leadership Camp. We are fortunate with thanks to Century City Ltd for a reduced market rent charge in Century City Towers.

DPA also acknowledges the generosity of the companies and organisations who helped make our 2005 National Assembly so successful. Our youth leadership initiative continued thanks to the Office for Disability Issues.

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.

Presidents Report


Mike Gourley, DPA President

DPA continues to be highly valued as a leading voice of disabled people, and in many cases, of those who support and struggle with us to achieve full citizenship. But our organization needs to take stock of changing circumstances, and understand the many new demands on us if we are to remain relevant to the aspirations of disabled people.

That is the main conclusion of Pat Hanley's report - enclosed separately - that will be considered at our upcoming AGM and conference. Pat's review was sought by the NEC as a way of directing the next stage of our strategic and organizational review. It is an analysis of all the feedback received from our members over the last year, and some additional interviewing of key people in and around DPA.

Pat's report confirms our success in dealings with central government, where our advice, submissions and political advocacy are sought and respected. At local government level the record is patchier, with some regions having a better time of it than others. Our declining membership is seen as a reality that affects many organizations these days. However, Pat challenges us to look at new options for activity that can mobilize more disabled people as activists, as well as build new alliances that can influence change at community and world levels.

Put simply, we need to reassess our relationships with government in order to better decide where we should put our finite human and financial resources.

We must take into account Pat's report in thinking about our progress over the last year.

Draft UN Convention on disability rights

Emphasising the respect DPA has earned at a national and international level, we played a critical role in the New Zealand delegation's involvement at the United Nations. We helped ensure that the proposed text - now agreed to by all countries - was free of any mention of institutions as a legitimate way to provide services to disabled people. That means that the rights to work, education, family life and living in the community must be realized on an equal basis with others.

However, we owe a huge vote of thanks to our government officials who, particularly in the final hours of the last session in August, increasingly bore the brunt of painstaking negotiations with other state delegations. And we will never forget the tremendous skills of fellow New Zealander Don MacKay, who chaired the last three Adhoc committees. Often demonstrating the wisdom of Solomon, Don was able to maneuvre through some last tricky situations to a final agreement on the whole text - just minutes from the deadline at 8pm on the Friday evening.

The text still has to be adopted by the full UN General Assembly, but no-one doubts that will occur - and probably before the end of the year. Once twenty states have ratified the Convention, (and New Zealand wants to be one of the first), it will officially join the other six international human rights treaties, including on women and on children.

The six hundred or so million disabled people around the world will have access to international law that affirms our rights - rights that have existed in theory in the past, but never spelled out. The ultimate challenge will to make those rights a practical reality for disabled people.

In New Zealand, once the Convention is ratified by the Government it has the force of law. For the first time, our own Disability Strategy will have legal backing. That will be important, if we are to translate our international work on disability rights into actions that ensure disabled people have rights here.

Mike Gourley
President

CEO's Report


Gary Williams,
Chief Executive Officer

It is, once again, my pleasure to present my Chief Executive Officer's report to the members of DPA (NZ) Inc.

You will notice from the rest of the Annual Report that DPA has been active at the local, national and international levels.

At the international level, I have been privileged to be part of the process to develop the recently agreed to UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People. This landmark treaty challenges the world to enable disabled people to be equal participants in society. While it is tempting to believe that the hard part is over, the reality is quite different. There is much to be done by our government to continue their leadership in the Convention process by being one of, if not, the first to ratify. After that, disabled people must expect to be partners in its implementation. Our responsibility is to ensure that the words contained in the Convention are turned into actions that are real and meaningful.

For that and the plethora of others issues that our attention, DPA needs as many skilled members as it can muster to share the workload.

I am heartened by our members and regional assemblies who continue to work on issues that they think important to them. The second series of Regional Capacity Fora further developed regional assembly representatives to respond even more effectively to local issues and to contribute to strategic national issues.

As I have said many times, it is the membership that makes DPA what it is. So congratulations to all the members for your many and varied contributions.

The focal point of every DPA year is always the AGM. This is the annual opportunity for our diverse membership to gather together to point DPA in the right direction.

An important direction-setting directive from last year's AGM in Christchurch was to review DPA's organisational structure, constitution and policy.

DPA is almost 25-years-old and the world has changed a lot in that time. We operate in a very different environment now with many possible threats and opportunities. It is timely for DPA to reflect on its uniqueness and the work that still needs to be done.

For example, the government has begun a review of the New Zealand Disability Strategy to find out how well it is being implemented. My view is that after 5 years, some government agencies do not appear to understand the philosophy behind the Strategy. If they did:

- residential institutions wouldn't be built or used to (ware)house disabled people;
- government agencies would not use recruitment firms that cull out the job applications of disabled people;
- public servants would not be forced to resign their membership of DPA; or
- there wouldn't be more disabled people, than 5 years ago, in segregated educational settings.

There are many other fundamental issues that need addressing by an advocacy organisation like ours. No matter what the outcome of our review is, there is still so much more to be done.

I look forward to the challenges ahead

Gary Williams
Chief Executive Officer

Summary of the year

A year of consolidation and consultation.

Taking stock of DPA's present and future has been the key element of the DPA review now under way. The range of issues raised at regional forums and through internal consultations shows the breadth of involvement in the New Zealand community, from local to national.

Regional activities have combined submission-making with celebration and a certain level of protest. Integration into the regional planning and decision-making processes is patchy. Recurring issues include accessible transport difficulties, with protests such as Dunedin DPA members' attempts to catch a local bus on the International Day of Disabled Persons (3rd December).

Small in scale but significant triumphs include: a set of traffic lights on a busy arterial route (Palmerston North); improved changing facilities at a swimming pool and local shop (Dunedin); an accessible airport parking area (Taranaki); representation on the District Health Board (DHB) Disability Advisory Committee. Challenges include trying to change footpath surfaces from gravel to smooth (Wairarapa) and the sheltered workshop issue (particularly in Southland).

Networking, building links and bridges with other groups and working for representation on disability-related issues continue to be core activities at all levels. Efforts to increase DPA membership bear fruit, but regions remark on the difficulty of finding younger members and people with adequate time.

At national level, the very successful Youth Leadership Camp upskilled and encouraged a wide-ranging group of younger people. DPA review meetings, capacity-building forums, and support and encouragement for regional DPA's have encouraged regular contact and networking. Press releases on rights of people with disabilities to immigrate to New Zealand and ante-natal screening for disability especially Down's Syndrome got DPA good media coverage.

Policy development work ranged from six meetings with the Minister of Disability Issues, seven meetings with officials on health-related issues, on-going contact with public agencies responsible for education, employment, industry training, sport, building and housing, disability support services in general and specifically for Maori, discussion about research into people with disabilities, regular discussions about human rights and the needs of children and families, and attendance at the launches of various community campaigns.

Internationally New Zealand was to the fore in the successful negotiations on the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People, and at meetings of Rehabilitation International.



DPA National Executive Committee as at 30 June 2006


DPA National Secretariat as at 30 June 2006


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

DPA 2005 National Assembly, Christchurch

More than 90 people attended the National Assembly in Christchurch. Among the highlights were the confirmation that Anne Hawker and Marion Wellington would become life members of DPA.

Guest Speaker


Ruth Dyson


Marion Wellington


Anne Hawker

Our guest speaker was Hon. Ruth Dyson, Minister of Disability Issues

Minister Dyson began by describing the 2005 General Election as 'hard, personal and marginalizing, warning about derogatory references to 'political correctness' and 'mainstream'.

She said that, over the coming year, the Office for Disability Issues would focus on transport, housing and buildings, education, health, employment, personal advocacy, public awareness and public information.

'Other key areas include ensuring website and public information is accessible, incorporation of a disability perspective within strategic and policy work, and supporting implementation of the strategy beyond their agency, for example in crown entities, boards or committees for which they are responsible.'

Transport

'We have nearly completed a comprehensive review of the Total Mobility Scheme,' she said. 'The Human Rights Commission, spurred by a strong campaign by DPA nationwide, has released their inquiry into public transport. Those two pieces of work give our government a very sound basis on which to make decisions. We have already recently doubled the Total Mobility scheme budget which will allow for a 60 per cent increase in users in the coming term.'

She said she was pleased at Air New Zealand's progress in installing lifting equipment at major airports, and with their commitment to extend that to all airports by mid-2006. 'I know they have some way to go before their practices are truly inclusive of all people with disabilities,' she said, 'but I think it is important to support organisations when they make a genuine effort to address barriers to participation, and to work with them to achieve our common goals'.

Housing

A review and update of the act is now complete, and a review of the Building Code is under way. 'Both of these reviews made good progress on rights and protections for tenants.'

Education

Too many children with disabilities not able to access 30 hours of early childhood, primary and secondary education, she said. 'More has to be done, particularly in the training of teachers in delivering inclusive education.

'Education funding does not follow a person through their life, with the result that disabled children and their parents often have to fight for services at different levels of education. Our funding framework is not flexible enough to respond to the diverse needs of students.'

Health

A much-needed focus has been put on the baseline of disability support services, alongside a review of equipment services.

Employment

We can be extraordinarily proud of the gains that we have made so far, said the Minister. 'We have had a comprehensive evaluation by Standards and Monitoring services of the quality of supported employment agencies. The findings are very positive.

'Part of Pathways to Inclusion 2001 is the repeal of the Disabled Persons Employment Promotion Act. This would address the unfair treatment of people who work in sheltered workshops by removing the blanket exemption from holidays and minimum wage legislation. Whether this legislation will now be passed will depend on how the votes fall in our new political climate.

Prior to the launch of Pathways, 3,000 disabled people were placed into open, paid employment each year. In the last financial year, this number has tripled to 9,000 people.

Changes to the 15-hour rule have made it easier for a person receiving the Invalid's Benefit to trial employment without losing their future benefit entitlement. Changes to the support available to people in the public service will further improve job choices.'

Personal Advocacy

An increasing number of Government departments have built on the model developed by the Auckland Ministry of Health and DPA of a partnership approach, the Minister said. 'The Office for Disability Issues now has an advisory committee, ably chaired by your own president, and this group will be a big help in identifying future work, particularly the work around the single core benefit.

'In the last budget, we received money specifically for establishing a Nominations Service to promote the appointment of disabled people to Crown boards and committees. The aim is to foster leadership and to increase the visibility of disabled people.'

Public Education

'Attitude changing was identified as the number one area of concern during the preparation of the disability strategy.'

While they are changing, said Minister Dyson, there is more to be done. 'The success of the Like Minds, Like Mine campaign in dispelling myths about people with mental illness has taught us a lot about how to change community attitudes. Work is underway to find ways to further build on the achievements of that campaign.'

Scenes from a successful National Assembly and Conference


REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES

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.

Regional capacity building

In order for DPA to better equip regional assemblies to advocate on local issues in their regions, a series of capacity building sessions were held in Hamilton, Palmerston North and Christchurch.

Planning is already underway for the next series.

Regional assembly reports

DPA has an extensive network of regional assemblies. We acknowledge the hard work of those regional assemblies including Northland, North Shore, Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, Tairawhiti, Wanganui and Wellington.

We also highlight the following regional reports which demonstrate the diverse range of activities that DPA regional assemblies are involved in in their local areas.

DPA Aoraki

A reflection of the last 12 months and quite a number of positive developments;

(a) The development of a more positive dialogue between ourselves and the local health board. During the year we have had meetings and presentations between us on matters that affect people with disabilities. The focus has been to enhance a more positive interaction between the hospital (and its related services) and people who have impairments. DPA requires a positive profile within the community of South Canterbury to be an effective voice for people who have impairment, and that also includes families that support a person with a disability. The publicity around issues about mobility parks and the misuse of them is a good example of not only creating awareness of a disability issue, but also showing that the general community supports the idea that mobility parks are for access for people with disabilities.

(b) One of the best aspects of the last year has been the positive relationships developed with local authorities, especially the Timaru District Council and the South Canterbury Road Safety Council. We know that this positive relationship will continue to develop.

(c) 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.

(d) In the coming year as an organisation we have a number of challenges that face us, we need to get our local brochures out to a wider number of people.

(e) We need to develop partnerships with other organisations regarding the planning and development of the aquatic centre in Timaru.

(f) We need also to encourage more disability groups to be actively involved with DPA in the South Canterbury district.

(g) 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 particularly our secretary Robyn Baldwin.

Lionel Wilson (President, DPA Aoraki)

DPA Ashburton

Applied and received funding from Lotteries to set up an office at the Ashburton Resource Centre with the basics. This enabled us to have a base that is not in any office bearer's home (with all the inconvenience and disruption that this has placed on these people).

Produced a pamphlet about us.

Recruited a volunteer (paid mileage) to manage DPA Ashburton and assist the committee.

Provided training and supervision for this person and initiated activities that have been identified by them and the committee.

Initiated on a small scale a members' visitor service, using trained volunteers. Supported members on visits to agencies e.g. WINZ.

Accessibility checks on new buildings e.g. new public toilet facility on Main Street.

Planned Experiential Day - Mobility Scooters. Participants included Mayor, 3 District Councillors, Representatives from Police, Land Transport and local media.

Co-hosted separate mobility scooter education day.


Manager co-planned Social Services Expo, manned display at Expo.

Attended DPA Regional meeting in Christchurch.

Hosted DPA Executive in Ashburton at consultation meeting.

Attended various other meetings relevant to DPA.

Marion Trudgeon (President, DPA Ashburton)

DPA Christchurch and Districts

In the last year our branch has renewed and rebuilt working relationships with local authorities and organizations. We have also created new and useful links through constant networking.

After employing a new co-ordinator (Mary Stott) and an early AGM in 2005 we put together a new Operational Plan and Terms of Reference for Christchurch and Districts. Our goals in the Operational Plan have been reached, apart from updating the web site. However we are currently working on this.

The death of Lesley Tyzack in November 2005 is a great loss but through her past work, we have been given inspiration to continue to grow. To this end we had a membership drive and have increased membership to 50 individual members and 25 corporate members.

We are now reaching out into our more rural areas where interest in membership and supporting local issues has been shown. Since September 2005 we have strengthened our Regional Committee by co-opting 3 more members to widen representation from the disability sector. We also have representation from the Hearing Association and Psychiatric Consumers in attendance at meetings.

2006 began by creating a partnership with CCS and taking over the administration of the Access Forum set up by the City Council. Since then we have widened community representation on this forum and have moved forward with a number of access issues.

During the year a number of open meetings have been held with a variety of topics. Our January meeting looked at how our local branch could support members in a more positive way. In March we invited transport advisors from the City Council and Environment Canterbury, along with some City Councillors, to give presentations and make comment on the upcoming review of our Public Passenger Transport Strategy.

This was followed in June by a presentation from Civil Defence. DPA is a member for disability on the City Emergency Management Group, and is working on updating the evacuation procedures for disability. Our September open meeting will be a discussion and workshop on issues around care provision.

Since April we have been supporting People First, beginning with a presentation about DPA, followed by discussions on submissions, attending meetings, and now we have a People First member on our Regional Committee.

As consultation procedures have improved, our members have been involved with a number of submissions during the past twelve months and will continue to keep this as a priority for the future of the branch.

Ann Taylor (President, DPA Christchurch and Districts)

DPA Dunedin

"Catching the bus" or rather attempting to on the International Day of the Disabled Person 3rd December 2005 was the catalyst for another year of transport lobbying. The Dunedin City and Otago Regional Councils are yet to provide even one accessible bus route or any information in an accessible format in our city. DPA Dunedin has joined with other local disability groups to form TAG (Transport Action Group) and have been actively lobbying the councils to implement the recommendations from the Human Rights Commission's Accessible Journey report.

DPA has presented submissions to the Dunedin City Council's 10 year Plan and Transport Strategy and the Otago Regional Council's Long Term Community Plan.

Some of our achievements include challenging the local DHB to ensure the hospital hydrotherapy pool no longer has a uni-sex changing area for disabled people. Glassons in Dunedin no longer requires customers with mobility impairments who want to try on clothes to leave the shop, go round the corner and down a lane to the locked service entrance between two parked cars!

We are currently working with CCS and other disability groups to put together a week of activities to Celebrate Diversity and the International Day of the Disabled Person on December 3rd 2006.


Petra Kuppers, the Caroline Plummer fellow in Community Dance at Otago University, getting us all active in body and soul at last year's AGM.

Anna Jameson (Secretary, DPA Dunedin)

DPA Eastern Bay Of Plenty

DPA Eastern Bay of Plenty, despite having a small membership this year, has achieved a substantial influence on issues affecting disabled people in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

DPA has continued to lobby by making submissions to the Ten Year District Council Plans and speaking to these. DPA has undertaken a project to advise Regional Council on how to progress and implement their policy for all buses to be accessible by 2008. A project was also undertaken to promote concept of universal access design and pitch these to non-public buildings, e.g. apartment development in the Whakatane area and the benefits for making these accessible.

DPA continues to hold membership on the local Disability Services Advisory Committee (DSAC) with the District Health Board, Regional Land Transport Committee and co-hosts the Eastern Bay Access Group which is a sub-committee of all three District Councils in the Eastern Bay area to monitor access and implement a program for upgrade of existing Council facilities.

DPA Eastern Bay of Plenty contracted a Barrier Free Auditor to audit all mobility parks in the Whakatane CBD for compliance of access regulations. This was then presented to Council for implementation.

DPA Eastern Bay of Plenty Membership is steadily growing and participation of members in DPA NZ Events and Capacity Building Forums sees this membership given a strong foundation for successful lobbying.

Beverley Grammer (President, DPA Eastern Bay of Plenty)

DPA Hutt Valley

This year we continued with our usual activities which involve regular committee meetings with guest speakers, producing and distributing our newsletter, and the following major projects.

We look forward with anticipation to the next year and hope to grow as a group as well as a committee.

The Committee (DPA Hutt Valley)

DPA Napier

Our greatest achievement was our 21st Birthday party with 63 people attending. Our guests for the night were our Mayor Barbara Arnott, and the Chairperson of the Hawkes Bay Regional Council Mrs Eileen Von Dadelszen. Our Artist for the night was a Maori gentleman with a beautiful voice who sang for us, much to the delight of all present. Members said this was just the sort of evening they would like to see more of where they could meet up with other people with disabilities, good company, a nice meal and entertainment.

Two of our members thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Palmerston North and gained a lot of information, they gave excellent reports. These two members are promising leaders of the future.

Membership has over the last few years has been stable, but there is an urgent need to build up membership, and get more people with disabilities involved, but many of the younger ones are working or involved in other commitments.

Community House, a one-stop-shop for voluntary services and social groups, has come to fruition at long last. DPA Napier has moved into the new community house at 62 Raffles Street. The boardroom was dedicated to the late Raewyn Smith who was DPA Napier's Chairperson.

Verona Moynihan (Secretary, DPA Napier)

DPA Palmerston North

Accomplishments

On Thursday, 31 August 2006, the Carter Centre was opened in recognition of the late Elizabeth Cooper. She was recognized as a powerful representative for Disability. Subsequently if you visit Palmerston North, you are welcome to call into our accessible hall at 37 Cambridge Street, Palmerston North!

Our President Sharon Devonshire is to be congratulated on two awesome achievements this year. The first being since June 2006 we now have a Barrier Free Auditor again to assist the Palmerston North City Council Audits. We can thank Lions Foundation for paying 75% of the course cost.

We are proud that Sharon has been awarded the Palmerston North Civic honour in August. Sharon has worked for many years with achievements for Disability Issues and deserves this great recognition.

We are awaiting confirmation of a Submission to the Inquiry into the quality and care of services provision for disabled people which has been put through in 2006. It involves Current Service provision arrangements for people with a disability and future directions.

Furthermore we have concentrated on advertising and slowly more awareness is coming in for membership. We worked with Support Links and sent up to 1000 letters out for Registry of Emergency Evacuations Database, DPA Palmerston North brochures and information. Through this we received a lot of interest and several new members. Our target is ongoing looking to get several hundred members.

In June 2006 DPA Palmerston North finally arranged for traffic lights to be placed on Grey and Princess Streets. The city council and DPA Partnership is really successful. It will allow many persons with disabilities safe access into and from town on this main arterial route near UCOL and main access for many in and out of town

DPA Palmerston North's Project Forums have involved people with all types of impairments - physical, sensory and other impairments, plus public representation so that we test and look at and achieve a fully accessible and inclusive society.

It is great to know our partnership with the City Council has been successful in the issues we have worked with pertaining to disability issues where DPA is generally consulted with Council before alterations are made. This consultation is important as it ensures that we are dealing with appropriate disability issues and their planning of further development.

Work in Progress

In May we made an unsuccessful deputation to our Palmerston North City Council for an update on how accessible our city is. An update is required as there is a lot of difference from the Survey over 12 years ago where it was found only 20% of our city was accessible. We will be attempting another deputation by the end of the year as we have had plenty of support from our CBD.

Conclusion

We can see DPA Palmerston North will be slowly and surely growing further as we are finding out that more recognition has come from the public in general. We are getting more phone calls through the office where people are enquiring about DPA and advocacy. Our intention is to look at getting new members through to DPA and having more involvement from the community and agencies all round.

Delysse Kennard (Office Co-ordinator, DPA Palmerston North)

DPA Southland

This year the office bearers were myself, Dot Wilson (Secretary); Barbara Brown (Treasurer) and John Cushen (Vice President).

My thanks to the office bearers and Carolyn Weston who prepared our submission to the City Council's long term plan. Without Dot Wilson's support, effort and contacts we would be a lot less effective.

I have continued to represent DPA on the management committee for Total Mobility Invercargill and Gore and we are pleased to report that we have and will be able to meet the new criteria for increases funding with very few changes and financially are able to expand.

Our relationship with the Invercargill City Council has remained positive although there is still a lack of consultation before decisions are made. We don't want to feel like or be seen as policemen, so next year we will lobby for a disability advisory group. We have kept close ties with the disability and welfare agencies in town directly and through the combined disability group. We consider that our representation is important to bring a different perspective to this group.

We have a very close relationship with People First in the south, but there is still ill-will towards us from some of the staff and parents at Southland Enterprises (sheltered workshop). We take every chance to represent the truth about the repeal of the DPEP Act.

Our membership is a concern to us as it is very hard to find committed active members; there is interest, but little commitment. Dot and I have set up both static and manned displays around the province and attended hui and health days as invited.

Lastly thank you to our members and allies.

Brendon Murray (President, DPA Southland)

DPA Taranaki

DPA Taranaki Region meets regularly and we have recently updated our excellent Operational Plan. This past year we have supported submissions to the New Plymouth District Council for a Disability Strategy, and for an accessible Parking Area at the New Plymouth Airport.

We have links with many organisations with a disability focus, including Tui Ora, New Plymouth District Council Community Development team, Taranaki APEPSI, Access Ability, and the Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre. These organisations, along with DPA, form the basis of the Forum Partnership team who regularly hold informative forums for those interested.

Total Mobility continues to expand, along with the general rise in taxi charges. More people over 80 years are accessing this service, especially over the winter months.

We support the very positive Mobility Scooter Safety Promotions in Taranaki provided by Te Kaweora, Opunake. To date these have been held at Opunake, New Plymouth, Waitara, Stratford and Hawera. These get-togethers have been really successful with up to 45 people attending (people with scooters and intending owners).


DPA Taranaki members have attended many meetings during the past year. These have included the Taranaki Funding Expo, Human Rights Commission Symposium - Turangawaewae, Positive Ageing, Partnership Forums, DSAC, Hauora Taranaki Primary Health Organisation (PHO), Taranaki Pinnacle PHO, New Plymouth District Council Disability Issues Working Party, Taranaki Action People, People First, Head Injury, Association of Blind Citizens, Post Polio, etc.

Two of our members are part of the National Executive Committee, and we are also very proud of Shirley Hazlewood who has recently been awarded a QSM for her work with people with disabilities.

Marion Wellington (Secretary, DPA Taranaki)

DPA Wairarapa

Grace Wheeler and I had a meeting with our MP. Our concerns were about issues involving the new hospital and Mental Health issues with concern about the suicide rate being higher than the road toll. Wairarapa figures are not good.

Early intervention is the aim, but this is not happening in our area. People are turned away from Mental Health Services and only treated in a crisis.

We approached the District Council about access to the new pool complex and footpaths are a problem. They put gravel on the footpaths and we want them smooth.

Our committee has two new members and our aim is to increase our membership.

Grace Wheeler also attended a meeting in Wellington about Rail access. This is a problem in the Wairarapa and Grace expressed her concerns.

We are having problems retaining members because of health and work.

Trevor Ward (Secretary, DPA Wairarapa)

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

Employment

DPA believes that 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.

Workbridge Inc


Dot Wilson

DPA has a seat on Workbridge's governance Council. For the past year Dot Wilson has been our representative on the Workbridge Council. She reports:

The relationship between DPA and Workbridge continues to be strengthened with much collaboration occurring at both the national and local levels.

Until 2004 DPA held the Presidency as of right through the Workbridge Constitution. We are pleased that current DPA National Executive Committee (NEC) member is the President and now in her second year fulfilling this role.

Last year we debated the Vision, Mission and Values statements and note that there is no change, they are still relevant.

The Council benefited from extended meeting time allowing vigorous debate on the Powers and Functions of the Council asking ourselves 'what does this mean in practice?'

An interactive presentation facilitated by Wendy on 'disability awareness' to both Board and Council members was well received and debated. This day was timed to meet with the NEC.

DPA needs to monitor the expressions of concern expressed to Council members about the government contracts that are currently under-funded for job support through Workbridge. It is important to note that Minister Dyson, who is proud of the level of uptake of support funds, is not the Minister responsible.

Workbridge Vision

Every person with a disability has the same value as any other person and will contribute positively in the workplace.

Workbridge Mission

To enable people with disabilities to participate and experience equal opportunities in the labour market.

Workbridge Values

Association of Supported Employment New Zealand (ASENZ)


David Corner

DPA has a seat on the ASENZ's Board and for the past year David Corner has been our representative. He reports:

I have now been on the ASENZ Board for over two years now and at times it seems both longer or shorter than that. I am enjoying been part of the board and have a very valued role and get on well with the other members on it.

ASENZ has recently appointed a new Chief Executive Officer who is Ian Harper from STEM NZ. He has replaced Pam Lockwood from Work Mates.

A new chair person will also appointed at the ASENZ AGM, to be held at the end of October at the Brentwood Hotel in Wellington.

A Forum has been held at each board meeting and there have been plenty of discussions happening with employers of supported employment. ASENZ has also invited Ruth Teasdale to the forum to be held in New Plymouth at the same venue as the board meeting.

ASENZ has had worthwhile meetings with the Ministry of Social Development.

ASENZ would like to have a supported employment provider on the board from the South Island, as there isn't one on the board at present. The CEO is to meet with providers soon.

As new people become members of ASENZ they will be sent out a certificate that will also be sent out to members who are renewing their membership.

The ASENZ website has been updated and is looking good.

ASENZ are approaching IHC, CCS, Richmond Fellowship, and Workbridge to explore board representation and membership issues with them and to create and build networks.

Accessibility

DPA believes that 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.

Total Mobility Review

The current TM situation 'reflects the Scheme's origins as a community initiative that evolved to a local authority responsibility over time. It is the product of differing regional interpretations of the eligibility criteria, entitlement provisions, assessment procedures and administrative arrangements across the country. Local government funding levels have also varied.'

Given this situation, the review team says it focused on supporting and strengthening the policy foundation of the Scheme, as well as identify ways to improve the service. They held 16 consultation meetings in six cities and analysed over 400 submissions.

National consistency in criteria, definition and application are crucial to the scheme; the Review found people acceptable in one area to be excluded in others. If this were applied, eligibility would probably double at least, and grow even more if people in rest homes and children were included.

There should be no minimum fare threshold, the reviewers say. The fare subsidy should be nationally consistent and standardised at 50 percent. Maximum trip cost is more difficult, but local authorities could draw on the NZ Travel Survey, negotiate with Land Transport NZ, and set the rate annually. Town boundary travel restrictions should be removed and replaced with a maximum subsidized fare, and number of trips per year per person adjusted to help local authorities manage their budgets.

Assessment is another vexed area, and criteria, consistency and quality of training (including resources) all need attention. The reviewers say that potential TM scheme users pay some sort of assessment fee or have the option to be assessed by a voluntary agency.

Administration and promotion also need improving. So do service levels, the numbers of accessible taxis and standards of wheelchair hoists.

All this would cost, of course, and the reviewers do the sums. A menu of recommendations is split into three phases, with increase in cost per year starting at 22 percent, then 25 percent and finally 33 percent. None of these include extending the coverage to a wider group of people, estimated to be 107,900 (instead of the present 43,000) which would increase the cost per year by 76 percent.

The reviewers say the scheme can never meet the needs of all those who might depend on its services. Rather, there is an 'outstanding need' to develop a wider public transport policy framework for improving access and mobility for all New Zealanders, they conclude. This would improve the context for positioning the Total Mobility Scheme in other complementary transport services.

Policy and Advocacy

DPA's National Policy Researcher, Wendi Wicks, reports:

Following the September 2005 election, there was a relatively low level of policy, submissions and consultative work emerging from government departments or parliament.

However, there was a significant level of committee work on a existing projects. These projects included the inter-sectoral and inter-agency project on needs assessment, the Health of Older People ministerial forum, the Home Based Support Services Training Initiative, the Consumer Reference Group for the National Screening Unit, the Community Support Services ITO project for qualifications for needs assessment, and planning a consumer summit with the NZ Guidelines Group.

In 2006, government organizations set to work in earnest post-election, and this new work was added to the above project work. The Office for Disability Issues launched major project work with a review of Whakanui Oranga, the NZ Disability Strategy and it began the next stages of its review of long term disability support services.

Social security reform notably, around the single core benefit (SCB), has moved forward after a pause for the general election. Clear information on benefit reform and in relation to allied issues eg disability allowance or the abatement regime has been sought as there is a considerable level of anxiety about the changes. A further aspect related to SCB, a review of the accommodation supplement, has begun.

A review of the Immigration Act, proposed changes to the Building Code and the Social Security (Long Term Residential Care) Act were three of the range of issues on which DPA has made submissions.

It was of much interest to disabled people that, in July, the Social Services Select Committee at Parliament called an inquiry into the provision of Disability Support Services. DPA was able to give input when the committee decided what questions it would ask. Many disabled people made individual submissions, reflecting the high level of interest in the issue. DPA also made a national submission. The stage of hearing submissions has not yet begun.

Bioethics issues, particularly antenatal screening, interpreting and translating services, banking services, on-line authentication standards and housing have also arisen as part of the policy workload.

There is much policy work that is collaborative, networking and informational that is constant but that is a necessary underpinning to DPA's policy work. It enables the larger issues to proceed more effectively.

Advocacy - DPA in the media

Extracts from media releases in the last year

Give us substance
14 September 2005

As election commitments to disabled people and the disability sector fly from all parties, disabled New Zealanders just want the politicians to keep their eyes on the prize. The National Assembly of People with Disabilities (DPA) says the key matter is that tangible actions advance the interests of disabled people - commitments don't mean much without actions.

"That means we are looking for concrete actions, backed up by adequate resources. Words like 'support and 'encourage' need to be tied down to specific actions if the commitments are to be taken seriously," says DPA Chief Executive Gary Williams.

Down syndrome rights ignored in review
15 June 2006

A national assembly for disabled people is alarmed that the recently announced review of antenatal screening for Down Syndrome paints a negative picture about babies born with Down Syndrome. The Disabled Persons' Assembly (DPA) agrees that the current screening practice needs to be urgently reviewed, but must incorporate a greater focus on the rights of people born with Down syndrome. "We are alarmed that there has been very little positive information relayed to the public about the value of people with Down syndrome. This restricts parents' ability to make well-informed decisions regarding antenatal screening," says Mike Gourley, National President of DPA…..

DPA disputes antenatal screening claims
20 June 2006

DPA, a national assembly for disabled people, is concerned that the full report into antenatal screening for Down syndrome is at odds with National Screening Unit claims about the issue. The report by Peter Stone clearly states that evidence shows the current screening process "has failed to reduce the number of babies born with undiagnosed Trisomy 21 [Down syndrome]". "This is in direct contrast to the National Screening Unit claims that the review is not about reducing the number of babies born with Down syndrome," says Mike Gourley, President of DPA.

Discrimination in immigration review unacceptable
20 June 2006

DPA, a national assembly for disabled people, is alarmed that the review of the Immigration Act could discriminate against disabled people. "Disabled people currently contribute enormously to the New Zealand economy and potential immigrants to this country should not be excluded on the grounds that they might be deaf, or have epilepsy, or use a wheelchair," says Mike Gourley, President of DPA.

Mr Gourley is referring to issues raised by the Human Rights Commission today which suggest that excluding immigrants on health grounds could breach international covenants on human rights. "Currently, New Zealand is being credited for its leadership in getting an international disability rights convention adopted by the United Nations. It will damage our international reputation if, simultaneously, legislation is passed that breaches other international rights treaties," he says.

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

International Forums

Rehabilitation International


Anne Hawker

Former DPA President, Anne Hawker, now chairs Rehabilitation International's Social Commission. She reports:

As Chair of the Social Commission my role has mainly concentrated on the International scene.

One of the tasks that we were asked to do was to define the role and purpose of the Social Commission. This was part of Rehabilitation International reviewing the relevancy of its current Executive both in terms of size and function.

Social inclusion is an important concept, especially with the imminent adoption of the UN Convention of the Rights of Disabled People. The role of the Social Commission is to provide advice and tools to assist in the social inclusion of people with disabilities. What has been recognised is that the role requires effective working relationship with the regions and with the other commissions especially Policy and Services; Education; Employment and Accessibility. Policy and services and accessibility are means to inclusion in the areas of community and family inclusion; employment and education.

DPA (NZ) through the Chief Executive, President and Social Commission has had a large part to play in assisting Rehabilitation International to define what are means and what are outcomes. This distinction has been important as Rehabilitation International redefines its purpose, vision and mission to recognize that rights and inclusion in a just society are the outcomes and that (re)habilitation is one of the means to achieving that outcome. The Social Commission has continued to assist in the review of the Strategic Plan coordinating the activities within the regions and Commission into a comprehensive plan prioritised around 5 areas.

The Social Commission has been working on:

  • Development of a Landmark Study for the Arab and African Regions with Policy and Service Commission and the Deputy Presidents from the African and Arab regions.
  • Development of a Disabled Women's Arab region network and forum. This work has been progressed with the Arab Region Education Commission and Arab Region of Disabled Persons International.
  • At the UN Convention, changes to Article 26 and 9. The team was successful in having included a paragraph on assistive devices as part of (re)habilitation training. This is very important for many people especially in the developing world.
  • Helping facilitate the Vienna Conference which looked at the effective development in Eastern Europe and areas for further exploration. An important outcome from this meeting was the establishment of an effective network. It is important to note that much of the development has been undertaken at a city rather than a country level.
  • Helping facilitate the post UN Convention seminar looking at challenges facing disabled people, their organizations and policy makers. It also looked at current good models for effective implementation of which DPA (NZ) was identified as an effective example of all sectors working together to achieve a common end.
  • Working with the Health and Function Commission to explore barriers to the effective implementation of the International Classification of Function, Health and Disability (ICF). This model is a potential tool providing a context for the social inclusion of people with disabilities rather than the narrow medical models that had pre dated this classification. The classification will be useful in an assessment and statistical sense as well as other participatory policy contexts.

    I would like to thank DPA (NZ) for the opportunity of being able to undertake this International role. Further I would like to thank all those within DPA (NZ) who supported my application for President of Rehabilitation International from 2008. It was fitting that the first woman president for RI should come from NZ where woman first received the vote. The continued support of DPA (NZ) as RI moves into a 21st century organization is crucial as the perspective provided is often a unique view that has greatly helped move Rehabilitation International forward.

    Young people


    Nathan Bond

    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 Camp

    As part of the Youth Leadership Development Programme, a camp was held. The Programme Co-ordinator, Nathan Bond, writes:

    Recruiting camp participants

    We received 24 applications to attend the young leader's camp, and 14 young people attended. However we did not have a wide range of participants; despite efforts there were none with visual or hearing impairments. It was pleasing to see that some DPA regions had nominated camp participants and some of the participants indicated an eagerness to join DPA.

    Very few people applied to be mentors. It took repeated appeals and a lot of shoulder tapping; the people we approached directly were usually very interested and keen to be part of the mentoring programme but blanket appeals didn't generate very many inquiries.

    Workshops

    These were an outstanding success. The calibre of presenters was excellent and they were very well received by the participants. They found the material in the workshops challenging, interesting, practical and something that they could all relate to. Quite often the participants mobbed the presenters during breaks and after the workshops had finished to ask more questions. It also generated some debate among the young leaders relating to their own experiences.

    We succeeded in kindling an interest in some of these young leaders to get involved, to advocate for themselves and become leaders.

    Accommodation

    In order to accommodate everyone we had to hire several rooms in three different locations. Lack of a workshop venue meant that we had to travel to the disability centre in the Avalon Assembly of God church. It would be much easier to hire a venue which has both accommodation and conference facilities. Some participants were very excited because for the first time they were exposed to disabled peers of their own age group. Naturally, they wanted to maximize the opportunity to socialize with these newfound friends.

    Marae visit

    Literally at the last minute Orongomai Marae was able to organize a powhiri. They made us feel welcome and expressed a positive attitude towards disability. Our visit highlighted some disability issues they weren't aware of but they did resolve to improve the accessibility of their marae.

    Self-help

    Many young leaders were not used to doing their own dishes etc and left it for someone else. It wasn't until we explained to them that they had to organise people to do tasks for them that they couldn't do themselves that anything got done.

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

    Human rights

    DPA believes that people with disabilities have equal rights to those of all other people in New Zealand society, including the right to participate in all aspects of economic, social and political life. These rights must be protected by the Human Rights Act.

    Getting from A to B - The Public Transport Review

    Results of the Human Rights Commission's two-year Inquiry into Accessible Public Land Transport, issued in September 2005, came as a substantial volume with a broad take on the issue. The Human Rights Commission reviewed public land transport for people with disabilities, using Otago and Wellington regions as case studies, looking at its availability, accessibility and affordability, quality and safety and compliance with human rights standards. The particular needs of people living in rural and provincial areas were part of the brief.

    The inquiry also explored the economics of providing accessible transport, and its technical and engineering adequacy, the operational policies of service providers and the contractual arrangements between funders and service providers.

    'The Inquiry was characterized by the courage of disabled people reporting their daily experiences with inaccessible elements of the public land transport system and the disadvantages they faced as a consequence,' the report commented. It told stories of individuals' experiences as well as analyzing the big picture and relating needs to the growing ageing population. It concluded that there must be mandatory national accessibility design standards for service information, conveyances, premises and infrastructure, and that comprehensive disability awareness and competence training is essential across the board - not just transport operators but planners and funders as well.

    Among the major recommendations was the need for the Ministry of Education to review school transport assistance and that territorial authorities must be rigorous in their policing of clear bus stops as well as reviewing the number and location of accessible taxi stands and drop-off places. 'Train providers must make immediate improvements to visual and audible information at staffed stations, timetabling display and on-board announcements'.

    Total Mobility came in for a lot of criticism but the separate Review focusing on this service picked up the major issues.

    At policy level, the review recommended a national Ministerial advisory committee of disabled people should be set up to advise the Minister of Transport, and the Ministry of Transport should be the lead agency to ensure implementation and monitoring of National Accessibility Design Performance Standards for Public Land Transport.

    The Human Rights Commission plans to review progress on its recommendations in 2010 and 'continues its role in the promotion of the rights of disabled people to the accessible journey.'

    DPA awaits action.

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

    We have audited the financial report on pages 25 to 28. 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 2006. This information is stated in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 28.

    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 2006 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 Executives , its subsidiary company or Disabled Persons Foundation for the year ended 30 June 2006. This is a departure of Financial Reporting Standard 37. The financial report excludes the financial activities of the Assembly’s Regional Executives , 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 25 to 28 fairly reflects the financial position as at 30 June 2006 and the results of its operations of the Assembly for the year ended on that date.

    Our audit was completed on 8 September 2006 and our qualified opinion is expressed as at that date.

    GRANT THORNTON
    CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
    WELLINGTON

    Statement of Financial Position

    As at 30 June 2005

    Last Year Account Name This Year
    CURRENT ASSETS
    390 B.N.Z. - CURRENT ACCOUNT 1,031
    25 PETTY CASH ON HAND 25
    5,720 PREPAYMENTS 14,801
    46,142 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 23,353
    52,277 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 39,210
    FIXED ASSETS
    74,541 FIXED ASSETS AT COST 75,201
    (65,389) ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (64,744)
    9,152 FIXED ASSETS BOOK VALUE 10,457
    INVESTMENTS
    74,200 B.N.Z. - CALL ACCOUNT 68,300
    74,200 TOTAL INVESTMENTS 68,300
    135,629 TOTAL ASSETS 117,967
    LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
    36,477 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE 33,307
    637 MEMBERSHIP IN ADVANCE 160
    - INCOME RECEIVED IN ADVANCE 1,394
    19,065 PROVISION FOR HOLIDAY PAY 20,859
    190 E. COOPER SCHOLARSHIP FUND 190
    19,169 TRUST FUNDS - DPA REGIONS 19,169
    2,557 G.S.T. PAYABLE 1,898
    78,095 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 76,977
    $57,534 NET BOOK VALUE OF ASSETS $40,990
    REPRESENTED BY:
    ACCUMULATED FUNDS
    27,570 ACCUMULATED FUNDS
    BROUGHT F/WD    		 57,534
    29,964 CURRENT YEAR SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) (16,544)
    $57,534 TOTAL ACCUMULATED FUNDS $40,990


    Statement of Financial Performance

    For the year ended 30 June 2005

    Last Year Account Name This Year
    GOAL 1: LEADERSHIP
    PROJECT: NATIONAL HUI
    INCOME
    25,000 LOTTERY WELFARE -
    309 OTHER INCOME -
    25,309 TOTAL INCOME -
    LESS EXPENSES
    3,017 CATERING AND FOOD -
    150 KAUMATUA & MAORI WARDEN KOHA -
    424 GENERAL EXPENSES -
    765 SUPPORT PERSONNEL -
    - HUI FACILITATOR -
    9,980 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 79
    14,336 TOTAL EXPENSES 79
    $10,973 PROJECT:EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(79)
    PROJECT: INTERNATIONAL
    INCOME
    370 RI EVENTS INCOME 1,500
    19,500 DPI EVENTS INCOME -
    35,556 DSS DIAS CONTRACT 35,556
    55,426 TOTAL INCOME 37,056
    LESS EXPENSES
    2,241 RI SECRETARIAT 2,217
    735 DPI SECRETARIAT 565
    7,217 RI EVENTS 9,852
    37,402 DPI EVENTS -
    7,656 SALARIES AND WAGES 7,656
    2,000 ADMINISTRATION FEE 3,000
    6,100 OFFICE ACCOMMODATION 6,700
    1,500 AUDITORS FEES - SHARE 1,400
    64,851 TOTAL EXPENSES 31,390
    $(9,425) PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $5,666
    PROJECT: YOUTH
    INCOME
    3,000 DPA ADMINISTRATION (TRANSFER) 6,000
    - REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES 533
    - PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTIONS 2,133
    20,000 GRANTS AND DONATIONS 5,130
    15,640 LOTTERY YOUTH 15,640
    38,640 TOTAL INCOME 29,436
    LESS EXPENSES
    - AUDITORS FEES - SHARE 125
    442 GENERAL EXPENSES 324
    11,560 PROJECT COORDINATOR 14,750
    - RECERATION 570
    - TRAINERS AND MENTORS 6,425
    - TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 23,974
    12,002 TOTAL EXPENSES 46,468
    $26,638 PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(17,032)
    NATIONAL ASSEMBLY/CONFERENCE
    INCOME
    12,000 DONATIONS AND GRANTS -
    5,000 LOTTERY WELFARE 5,000
    19,200 REGISTRATION FEES 1,880
    - OTHER INCOME 794
    36,200 TOTAL INCOME 7,674
    LESS EXPENSES
    328 GENERAL EXPENSES 287
    1,869 POSTAGE AND COURIERS 36
    7,026 PRINTING AND STATIONERY 5,516
    711 REFUNDS -
    1,008 SALARIES AND WAGES 438
    272 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 361
    34,369 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 6,936
    45,583 TOTAL EXPENSES 13,574
    $(9,383) PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(5,900)
    $18,803 GOAL 1: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(17,345)


    Last Year Account Name This Year
    GOAL 2: INFORMATION & ADVICE
    PROJECT: NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
    INCOME
    3,710 INTEREST RECEIVED 4,254
    25,939 OTHER INCOME - ADMINISTRATION 27,559
    10,236 SUBSCRIPTIONS 10,637
    5,106 DONATIONS 15,757
    85 MAXEQ CONSULTING 1,301
    40,000 LOTTERY WELFARE 40,000
    124,444 DSS DIAS CONTRACT 124,444
    40,661 REGIONAL SUPPORT INCOME 21,458
    2,000 INTERNATIONAL PROJECT ADMIN 3,000
    252,181 TOTAL INCOME 248,410
    LESS EXPENSES
    526 ACC PREMIUM LEVY 551
    1,044 AUDITORS FEES - SHARE 1,650
    164 BAD DEBTS WRITTEN OFF 163
    60 BANK CHARGES 91
    45,587 COMMITTEE EXPENSES 39,746
    4,548 DEPRECIATION 4,540
    1,063 GENERAL EXPENSES 1,652
    1,668 INSURANCE 1,594
    - LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF ASSETS 678
    10,989 MOTOR VEHICLE EXPENSES 12,017
    5,197 POSTAGE AND COURIERS 3,279
    6,347 PRINTING AND STATIONERY 7,800
    6,019 PUBLICITY 7,868
    2,171 OFFICE ACCOMMODATION 2,267
    29,476 REGIONAL SUPPORT 33,412
    2,015 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 478
    107,802 SALARIES AND WAGES 110,588
    - STAFF TRAINING 60
    1,312 SUBSCRIPTIONS & PUBLICATIONS 1,097
    4,169 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 4,923
    3,829 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 2,638
    6,000 TRANSFER - OUR VISION UPDATE -
    2,720 TRANSFER - TREATY P/S ADV/SUPP 2,720
    1,300 TRANSFER - TREATY P/S MONITOR 1,300
    - TRANSFER - SERVICES/LEGISLATION 9,250
    3,000 TRANSFER - YOUTH 6,000
    - WORKING GROUP - WOMANS CAUCUS 40
    206 WORKING GROUP - MAXEQ 551
    247,212 TOTAL EXPENSES 256,953
    $4,969 PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(8,543)
    PROJECT: OUR VISION UPDATE
    INCOME
    6,000 DPA ADMINISTRATION (TRANSFER) -
    6,000 TOTAL INCOME -
    LESS EXPENSES
    - PRINTING AND STATIONERY 3,025
    667 PROFESSIONAL FEES 893
    667 TOTAL EXPENSES 3,918
    $5,333 PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(3,918)
    $10,302 GOAL 2: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $(12,461)


    Last Year Account Name This Year
    GOAL 3: ADVOCACY
    PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - ADVISORY SUPPORT
    INCOME
    2,720 DPA ADMINISTRATION (TRANSFER) 2,720
    2,720 TOTAL INCOME 2,720
    LESS EXPENSES
    - TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 1,055
    - TOTAL EXPENSES 1,055
    $2,720 PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $1,665
    $2,720 GOAL 3: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $1,665


    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
    - DPA ADMINISTRATION (TRANSFER) 9,250
    62,222 DSS DIAS CONTRACT 62,222
    62,222 TOTAL INCOME 71,472
    LESS EXPENSES
    263 ACC PREMIUM LEVY 275
    1,700 AUDITORS FEES - SHARE 1,600
    29 GENERAL EXPENSES 27
    5,760 OFFICE ACCOMMODATION 5,760
    14 POSTAGE AND COURIERS -
    273 PRINTING AND STATIONERY 184
    54,094 SALARIES AND WAGES 51,448
    1,195 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 1,237
    2,055 TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION 644
    65,383 TOTAL EXPENSES 61,175
    $(3,161) PROJECT: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $10,297
    $(1,861) GOAL 4: EXCESS INCOME/(LOSS) $11,597


    Last Year Account Name This Year
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
    GOAL 1: LEADERSHIP
    10,973 PROJECT: NATIONAL HUI (79)
    (9,425) PROJECT: INTERNATIONAL 5,666
    26,638 PROJECT: YOUTH (17,032)
    (9,383) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY/CONFERENCE (5,900)
    18,803 TOTAL SURPLUS/(LOSS) (17,345)
    GOAL 2: INFORMATION AND ADVICE
    4,969 PROJECT: NATIONAL SECRETARIAT (8,543)
    5,333 PROJECT: OUR VISION UPDATE (3,918)
    GOAL 3: ADVOCACY
    2,720 PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - ADVISORY SUPPORT 1,665
    GOAL 4: MONITORING
    1,300 PROJECT: TREATY PARTNERSHIP - MONITORING 1,300
    (3,161) PROJECT: SERVICES/LEGISLATION 10,297
    $29,964 NET OVERALL SURPLUS/(LOSS) $(16,544)


    Statement of Movement in Equity

    For the year ended 30 June 2004

    Last Year Account Name This Year
    ACCUMULATED FUNDS
    27,570 AS AT 30 JUNE 2004 NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 57,534
    29,964 FOR THE YEAR ACCUMULATED FUNDS (16,544)
    $57,534 AS AT 30 JUNE 2005 $40,990


    Notes to the Financial Statements

    For the year ended 30 June 2006


    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
    30/06/05
    Computer Equipment 54,806 (43,723) (3,539) 7,544
    Furniture & Fittings 20,395 (16,481) (1,001) 2,913
    $75,201 $(60,204) $(4,540) $10,457

    Cost Accum
    Depn    		 Depn
    for year    		 Book Value
    30/06/04
    Computer Equipment 54,350 (44,344) (3,548) 6,458
    Furniture & Fittings 20,191 (16,497) (1,000) 2,694
    $74,541 $(58,024) $(4,548) $9,152

    4. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

    No contingent liabilities or commitments existed at 30th June 2006 (2005   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:
    2006/2007 2005/2006
    Due in less than 1 year $16,610 $14,093
    Due between 2 – 5 years $35,653 $1,175
    Due in greater than 5 years - -
    Total $52,263 $15,268

    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:
    2006/2007 2005/2006
    Due in less than 1 year $7,516 $7,516
    Due between 2 – 5 years - -
    Due in greater than 5 years - -
    Total $7,516 $7,516

    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 $NIL (2005 $96)