Ka aha mātou
What we do
On this page you will find information about:
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How we led change in 2024
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2025 Workplan
What we do
We lead change in Waitaha/Canterbury, consistent with the EGL Approach, so that disabled people and their whānau/families have greater choice and control over their supports and lives.
How we do it
We have three key objectives - to Listen, to Empower and to Amplify. See more about these below.
We are guided at all times by the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) Vision and Principles and Whānau Ora. We are also guided by the principles of collective leadership and decision-making as well as the Te Tiriti O Waitangi and the Social Model of Disability.
Each month (excluding December) we meet in-person. See our meeting notes here.
Addressing inequity
Along with addressing systemic inequity faced by all disabled people, we acknowledge that the Disability Support System does not yet respond to the needs of Māori, Pacific and Rainbow disabled people as it could. As a Leadership Group we want to help resolve that inequity.
Our 3 key objectives
LISTEN
Listen to and strengthen the voice of our community
Disabled, Whānau and Provider Representatives have strong disabled networks, and regularly meet with their community to ensure the voice of that community is gathered.
They then take that voice to the monthly WRLG meeting.
Find out more using the links below:
EMPOWER
Empower choice and control to live a good life
Promote opportunities for learning and growth and thinking differently about what life can look like
AMPLIFY
Amplify the voices of our community and advocate for change
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Collaborate with other disability organisations, providers and the wider disabled community in Waitaha
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Connect with other Regional Leadership Groups across New Zealand to lead change
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Meet and communicate with Ministers, officials and other leaders to advocate for change
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Make Submissions
How we led change in 2025
LISTEN
Listen to and strengthen the voice of our community
EMPOWER
Empower choice and control to live a good life
AMPLIFY
Amplify the voices of our community and advocate for change
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Monthly community meetings for disabled people
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Regular community meetings with whānau of disabled people
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Hosted hui on DSS changes coming in 2026
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Attended EGL Christchurch community hui (x5)
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Attended Rangiora Disability Forum
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Connected with Waimakariri Access Group
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Began connecting with Vaka Tautua to ensure the voice of the Pacific disabled community is heard
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free information sessions on disability law
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Next Steps Expo with a stand, engaging approximately 500 attendees
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Developed and launched our website wrlg.org
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Hosted Christchurch Mayoral Forum
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Grew our Facebook pages posting regularly with disability information
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Sent regular newsletters to our disabled and whānau database (sign up at http://eepurl.com/i0dx3w )
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Hosted Quick Connections - an event to connect disabled people & their whānau with job seekers
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Hosted community event to celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities
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Hosted event for whānau of disabled people on wills, trusts and EPOA (Property)
Continued relationship with Health NZ Disability Steering Group
Collaborated with:
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Disability Leadership Canterbury
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NEGL and other Regional Leadership Groups
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Disability Steering Group/Te Whatu Ora
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Disabled Persons Assembly NZ
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Aotearoa Disability Law
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Aspire Canterbury
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EGL Christchurch
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Stats NZ
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PhD student focused on Individualised Funding
Made submissions on:
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Draft NZ Disability Strategy
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Future operation of Ministry of Justice
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Regulatory Standards Bill
Communication with Ministers and other officials both locally and nationally
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Executive Team Whaikaha
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DSS Taskforce (Chris Bunny/Anne Shaw)
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MSD EGL - Hannah Perry
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NEGL and other Regional Leadership Groups
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Minister Simmons
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Minister Upston
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Laura McClure