Hikoi of Hope for Disabled

Come join the collective of Disabled people, our allies, whanau/family and friends known as te hikoi o te tumanako mo te whanau hauaa (journey of hope for disabled New Zealanders). We are the largest minority group in New Zealand and rarely if ever mentioned at the decision-making table.

Help us highlight the realities of life for our community! There are critical issues be addressed such as health services, housing, welfare, education, employment and more…

Help us show that the government is in urgent need of our voices at the table. We acknowledge the work done since 1999 to provide a voice for disabled which lead to the NZ Disability strategy 2001, the formation of the Office for Disability issues being implemented and NZ’s role in leading the way in the development of the UNCRPD. We also acknowledge the attempts and measured?? to try to improve things for disabled.

However, with very few with lived experience voices at the table, we believe there is a need to present the voices missing.

We need an independent body to project disabled voices and safeguard our community. The stories we bring will highlight the inequities disabled people continue to experience as result of the lack of disabled voices in decision making roles and the lack of commitment to disabled people as citizens (not as welfare recipients).

Representatives from all the political parties have been invited to hear us and to speak to us.

How you can help:
- Come to Wellington to join the march gathering on Parliament Grounds.
- Send your story which will be presented at Parliament.
- Send your Needs Assessment Form to be handed over at Parliament.
- Buy a t-shirt to wear on the day and everyday!
Nga mihi nui

Share your stories.

You are invited to share your story to show what it is like living in Aotearoa New Zealand today. Tell us what happens/ed to you? Tell us what the impact is for you or your group.

- One written page or a 2 min video or a 2 min audio recording.
- You may send in more than one story

Also tell us if are you a disabled person, if you are writing for a group of disabled people (how many). Tell us if you are a non-disabled ally, a parent/whanau/carer.

Remember to include your name and email address or a way for us to contact you. Email the story to hikoi4disabled@gmail.com.

Our hashtag is #HikoiOfHope4Disabled.

We will:
- Print every story to go into a box to be handed over on the day.
- Read each story to find a key theme.

Stories will NOT be forwarded to media without your permission.