The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People has announced the distribution of $1.7 million in community grants for the 2025/26 financial year to strengthen disability leadership, governance, and community engagement across New Zealand.
The funding aims to support Deaf and disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, families, whānau, and disability support organizations by building leadership capability, improving governance structures, and increasing participation in government decision-making processes.
According to the ministry, the grants will also help strengthen understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and support New Zealand’s commitments to advancing the rights and inclusion of disabled people.
Deputy Chief Executive Rebecca Elvy said the investment reflects a strong commitment to empowering disabled communities and ensuring their voices are represented in leadership and policy discussions.
The funding has been allocated across three key areas. A total of $250,000 has been directed toward New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf community development initiatives, with support guided by Deaf leadership through the NZSL Board.
Approximately $1 million has been allocated to Disabled People’s Organisation grants, supporting organizations led by disabled people and focused on collective advocacy and representation. Recipient organizations include the Disabled People’s Organisations Coalition, Changing Minds Trust, Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand, Deafblind Association NZ, Te Ao Mārama Aotearoa Trust, Te Roopu Waiora, and Kāpō Māori Aotearoa.
An additional $446,000 has been allocated through Community Capability Grants to support leadership development, governance training, and community engagement initiatives. The funding will assist a range of organizations working to strengthen representation and participation within the disability sector.
Recipients of the one-off capability grants include Complex Care Group Trust, Disabled Older People’s Group, FASD-CAN, Inclusive Education Action Group, I.Lead, NZ Down Syndrome Association, Neurodiversity Coalition, National Disabled Students’ Association, Le Va, Parents of Vision Impaired, Parent/Family/Whānau Network, and Rare Disorders NZ.
The ministry confirmed that the Community Capability Development Grants programme will continue in the 2026/27 financial year, providing further opportunities to support leadership development and strengthen the disability community nationwide.
The latest funding package highlights New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, strengthen disability representation, and ensure disabled people have a greater role in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives.
