New Zealand Disability Support Network

Launch of Umbrella Group

Lower Hutt

Hon Tariana Turia, Minister of Disability Issues

Wednesday 14 April 2010; 11am

There is the most wonderful image that explodes on our screens when we enter the New Zealand Disability Support Network website.

It is a simple picture of two hands cupped together, holding a bed of rich soil from which a vibrant green shoot appears. The hands stand against a backdrop of a bright blue sky; and at the base of the picture are four words – kia tu tahi tatou.

That phrase immediately transplants me back in time to October last year, at the 115th anniversary of Pariroa Pa in Patea.

It was a wonderful day in which Ngati Ruanui, Tangahoe, Pakakohe, Nga Ruahine a Rangi, Nga Rauru, Ngati Ruanui Tahua – indeed all representatives of the iwi and hapu throughout Taranaki, came together as one to share their histories.

And in the midst of this historic occasion, they talked about the concept, Kia tu tahi tatou in the sense of being strong, and moving forward together.

It is, therefore, a very significant context in which to launch the New Zealand Disability Support Network.

There is a clear vision for this network – and that is for a strong and collaborative community support sector that contributes to a society that values the lives, dreams and aspirations of disabled people

Since I have become the Minister of Disability Issues I have heard the word coalition used a lot in the context of the disability sector.

I have met with an incredible range of groups representing people with disabilities and advocacy and service groups, where they have come together in coalitions which share similar goals and ideals.

In this new national entity I am told there are well over 250 people and organisations already on the mailing list.

The commitment then, to ensure these organisations are well connected, networked and committed to evidence based best practice is one that I am in full support of.

I welcome the opportunity for providers to experience the strength of coming together and joining forces.

Even in this launch, that spirit of collaboration resonates.

While we gather here today in Lower Hutt, we are being joined by sites in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin.

And at the same time, there will be many others linking in through the live feed on Blog TV.

I say to all to us – kia tu tahi tatou – let us be strong in our commitment to work collaboratively with disabled persons and their families to foster an inclusive society.

I am committed to a nation in which we encourage all our communities to go beyond the minimum requirements and to establish ourselves as an accessible New Zealand.

We must move past the limits of a disabling society, to create communities in which barriers are removed.

The New Zealand Disability Strategy set the standard for us – to work towards a fully inclusive society, a society in which disabled persons are valued and their participation is enhanced.

Your challenge, in the New Zealand Disability Support Network, will be to bring together the diverse views and strategies of your member organisations to work out how to best achieve this goal.

I want to particularly commend the Establishment Board members:

– John Taylor from Supported Living New Zealand
– Viv Maidaborne from CCS Disability Action
– Chris Harris of Spectrum Care
– Chris Ross and Denis Denton from the Auckland Disability Providers Network
– And Barney Cooper from Dunedin.

You are the ones that have had to be the trailblazers – modelling collaborative working relationships; sharing skills and expertise, and setting up the right foundation to promote the capacity and capability of disability support service providers.

I want to officially recognise the appointment of Sandie Waddell as NZDSN's new Chief Executive and I understand that Sandie is with us here in spirit, while being linked in from Dunedin.

Sandie has extensive experience in the disability support sector as a provider, funder and disability advocate; and will bring with her a passionate commitment to create strong and effective partnerships.

As the Minister of Disability Issues I am delighted to launch the New Zealand Disability Support Network.

As your association grows, just like the green shoots of the plant on your website, may this network provide the rich soil to sustain a strong community based support service sector.

And may you always hold true to the vision of the blue skies ahead – to ensure that disabled peoples are valued, have a voice, and their relationships with their whanau, friends and other support people are supported through the aims and practices of the member organisations.

Tena tatou katoa.

ENDS

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