We are hopeful about what these changes could mean for our community. They are designed to give disabled people and whānau more choice, more control, and more flexibility in how support is provided.

 

Our goal is to lift everyone up to the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach.

 

At the same time, we do have questions. We are working closely with MSD, DSS, EGL Christchurch, and the Government taskforce to find answers and make sure your voices are heard.

 

For those supported by EGL Christchurch, this new approach will take effect from 1st April 2026 and participants will continue to be supported in the same way as they are now.

 

As Regional Leadership Groups (RLGs), we will continue to support co-design.

WRLG has been invited to be part of this decision-making process. This shows the value of our group, the respect for our voice, and the positive impact we have together in the community.

 

The four major changes are:

• No more purchasing guidelines.

• Funding will be aligned with your personal plan.

• A consistent assessment process across the whole country.

• The needs of family, whānau, and carers will be considered.

 

Possible actions from WRLG:

• We plan to run workshops to share strategies and suggestions that support you to make your own personal plan. EGL Christchurch Connectors will help with this process, as they already have strong knowledge and experience working with many in the community.

• We will also work alongside local organisations who bring valuable local knowledge in order to support the best outcome for our community.

 

For more information, please check the DSS website here: https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/
If your question is not answered there, please send it to: admin@eglwaitaha.org

 

WRLG will collect these questions and host a monthly Q&A session to share clear answers with everyone.

 

You can also stay updated through:

• Our website: https://www.wrlg.org/

• Our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/WRLGEmailSignUp

• Our Facebook groups:

  • (Disabled) facebook.com/disabilitygroupchch

  • (Whānau/Family) facebook.com/disabilityfamilyconnections/

 

As a group we support the changes in flexible funding and the removal of the purchasing guidelines. We are proud of what we have achieved together and pleased that our voices have been heard and that action is being taken. It is really fantastic to have a group where disabled people, whānau, and providers work alongside each other.

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Waitaha Regional Leadership Group (WRLG)