News
11 April 2019: Our commitment to respecting people with intellectual disabilities
IHC Group Chief Executive Ralph Jones says the exploitation of people with intellectual disabilities by the E tū union and a handful of their members in order to progress a cause is in no way a fair representation of the people we support.
4 April 2019: Education law reform needed now to ensure quality public education for all students
Thirty years ago, children with disabilities gained the right to attend their local school, but that right has far from guaranteed a fair deal in the classroom.
21 March 2019: 'Leave no one behind' - Calling for inclusion on World Down Syndrome Day 2019
IHC says there is a need for New Zealanders to make more effort to be a more inclusive society, and says people with Down syndrome should have the same opportunities as others to fully reach their potential.
19 March 2019: IDEA Services - working hard to ensure safe services during strike action
IDEA Services wishes to assure family members and people who use our services that contingencies will be put in place to ensure the safety of the people we support during proposed industrial action.
25 February 2019: Te Matatini offers trip of a lifetime for Wairarapa kapa haka group
Te Roopu Manaaki's ultimate goal is to perform on the world’s biggest and most prestigious kapa haka stage.
20 February 2019: Fair pay for fair work welcomed
IHC is delighted that the Government is looking into replacing the Minimum Wage Exemption (MWE) with a wage supplement to ensure people with disabilities are paid at least the minimum wage.
People with intellectual disabilities continue to be left behind going into 2019, begging the question – how long do they and their families and whānau have to wait for longstanding and serious issues to be resolved?
29 January 2019: UN calls for more action on rights of children with disabilities
IHC is pleased that the latest United Nations review tracking New Zealand’s progress on human rights has called for more action on the rights of children with disabilities.
28 January 2019: Time for a truly accessible New Zealand
IHC has welcomed the Government’s commitment to designing accessible public buildings for people with disabilities.
10 December 2018: Promising signs for IHC Calf and Rural Scheme target
IHC is encouraged with the support received so far in this year’s Calf and Rural Scheme.
4 December 2018: Real work now begins on mental health reform
IHC fully supports and welcomes the findings of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, and says now is the time to act so people with intellectual disabilities and their families have improved access to mental health support and services.
4 December 2018: Bull calf Hagrid lives up to his name
A bull calf named Hagrid has lived up to his name in a competition between two DairyNZ research and development farms to raise the heaviest calf for IHC.
3 December 2018: International Day of Persons with Disabilities highlights long road ahead
IHC and Inclusion International are renewing their call to make inclusion a reality in all areas of society for people with intellectual disabilities.
New research has highlighted what kind of support people with intellectual disabilities consider important to live independently in the community.
15 October 2018: Speak out Advocacy Conference
IHC Self Advocacy Advisor David Corner reports on the recent Speak out Advocacy Conference in Launceston, Tasmania.
5 October 2018: IHC welcomes support for Child Poverty Reduction Bill
IHC welcomes the news that the Government’s Child Poverty Reduction Bill has received unanimous support from the Social Service and Select Committee, with cross party support.
Last week the government released their draft Disability and Learning Support Action Plan. The plan seeks to provide a wraparound coordinated response that includes access to government and community resources.
21 September 2018: Improved resources needed for diverse learners
IHC has welcomed the government’s draft plan to provide individualised support for every child who needs it in the classroom, but cautions it will only succeed if the wider education system becomes more inclusive.
11 September 2018: Treasury funding advice discriminates against children with additional needs
NZEI Te Riu Roa and IHC are shocked to discover that Treasury advised the Government to scale back funding for children with additional needs, knowing this would mean thousands of children staying on waiting lists for learning support.
3 September 2018: Inclusion must begin with early education
IHC is calling on the Government to work more closely with the early childhood sector so that young children with disabilities aren’t waiting months for specialist help.
27 July 2018: M. bovis won’t stop IHC’s rural fundraising efforts
The rural community is rallying around IHC’s efforts to find alternative ways to raise a $1 million funding target without increasing the risk of spreading Mycoplasma bovis.
27 July 2018: Becky Donovan wins IHC Art Awards 2018
An intricately detailed drawing by Dunedin artist Becky Donovan has won the 2018 IHC Art Awards and $5000.
24 July 2018: Charlize Wilson is the People's Choice with Looking Out from the Inside
Manukau City artist Charlize Wilson has won the 2018 IHC Art Awards People’s Choice Award for her work, Looking Out from the Inside.
4 July 2018: IHC Calf and Rural Scheme announcement
Due to the very real risk of spreading the Mycoplasma bovis disease, IHC has decided for the first time in 33 years to suspend crucial aspects of its Calf and Rural Scheme.
19 June 2018: IHC Volunteer Programme celebrated at the Minister of Health Awards
We are delighted that the IHC Volunteer Programme has been named a winner at this year’s Minister of Health Volunteer Awards.
6 June 2018: 'Too many gaps' across mental health system for people with intellectual disabilities
IHC is calling on the Government to take into account the rights, needs and circumstances of people with intellectual disabilities when addressing the factors that can lead to poor mental health and abuse.
IHC wishes to pay tribute to IHC New Zealand Life Member JB Munro, who passed away in Christchurch on 4 June 2018.
31 May 2018: Response to HDC report
IDEA Services has apologised unreservedly for the incidents outlined in the Health and Disability Commissioner's report released in May 2018.
17 May 2018: Budget: Learning support funding ‘just tinkers around the edges’
IHC is pleased learning support has received a funding boost in today’s education Budget, but says a complete rebuild is needed so that every child gets what they need to learn.
28 March 2018: Farmers Generously Support IHC
Farmers throughout New Zealand have raised $1.4 million nationally for IHC through the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme in the past 12 months to support people with intellectual disabilities.
7 March 2018: End of Life Choice placing people with disabilities at risk
IHC shares the concerns of the Disability Rights Commissioner regarding The End of Life Choice Bill, which unfortunately links assisted dying, quality of life and disability.
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels support Take a break
The summer holidays are looking a lot more cheerful for many families, thanks to IHC’s ‘Take a break with us’ programme, funded by a Manawatu Trust and supported by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand.
27 November 2017: IHC calves head to big South Island sales
Hundreds of IHC calves are getting ready for an important date in South Island sale yards.
15 November 2017: IHC encouraged by Minister's commitment to people with disabilities
IHC is encouraged by the Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Carmel Sepuloni’s resolve to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
15 November 2017: PM’s Award for inclusive education is a win for all children
IHC says an award for inclusive teaching practices celebrates one of the fundamentals of education – that every child has a right to achieve.
Hamish recognised with Attitude Leadership Award
On November 8 Hamish Taverner was awarded the Attitude Leadership Award at the 2017 Attitude Awards held at Auckland’s ANZ Viaduct Event Centre.
Harry is a prince among bull calves
Harry the Hereford-cross, a hungry four-month old bull calf weighing 214kg has beaten his rival hands down in a competition between two DairyNZ research and development farms to raise the heaviest IHC calf.
Friends break through the communication barrier
Lauren Hilton, a volunteer in IHC’s Volunteering Friendship Programme, met Sharleen Monaghan in June, but at first they struggled to communicate.
A new snapshot on quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities has found many still struggling for education, good health care and above all the ability to earn money.
20 August 2017: Colin Meads - A man who made a difference
IHC New Zealand wishes to pay tribute to Colin Meads. The thoughts and best wishes of the many people associated with IHC New Zealand are with Verna and their family and friends at the passing of Colin Meads.
19 July 2017: People with intellectual disabilities missing from mental health announcement
IHC is questioning why people with intellectual disabilities are invisible in new prison mental health plans unveiled today by the Government, at a cost of $14 million.
3 July 2017: Respite changes coming this month
Two lower North Island respite bases will now be managed by NZCare Disability, under new plans announced by IDEA Services.
Survey checks pulse of our sector
Are people with intellectual disabilities having their quality of life improved and how do we know? This survey is now closed.
12 June 2017: New provider for Shared Care services
IDEA Services is pleased to announce that CCS Disability Action will now manage Shared Care services so people have the opportunity for continued support.
20 June 2017: IHC congratulates new Disability Rights Commissioner
IHC New Zealand warmly welcomes Paula Tesoriero as the country’s new Disability Rights Commissioner.
30 May 2017: New provider for Wellington respite centres
Two respite bases in the Wellington region are to be run by Spectrum Care, which is set to take over these two services from IDEA Services.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed plans for IDEA to move out of providing this service.
18 May 2017: Home Support transfer to ensure uninterrupted services
IHC is pleased to announce quality home support services for people will continue uninterrupted.
The Minister has announced today that Explore will pick up the Autism family education and therapy programmes IDEA Services has operated at a loss for the last three years.
IDEA Services is pleased to announce that it is in talks with two well regarded disability support service providers around Home Support and Facility-Based Respite.
We are sorry to announce that IDEA Services has given notice that it simply cannot continue to provide Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) family education and one-to-one communication support programmes following three years of underfunding.
31 March: Media Release: Accessible Properties acquires more than 1100 Tauranga homes
From tonight Accessible Properties will take over the ownership and management of more than 1100 homes from Housing New Zealand in the Tauranga area.
We are going to make a number of changes to the services we provide through IDEA Services.
IHC New Zealand backs the call made by Autism New Zealand into reviewing respite care in New Zealand saying far too many people are falling through the cracks.
IHC’s Accessible Properties to take over Housing New Zealand homes in Tauranga
IHC New Zealand is delighted that the contract has been signed with the Government confirming that Accessible Properties will acquire and manage 1140 more homes in Tauranga.
1 December 2016: Media Release: Online schools will create more disparity
IHC is calling for the Government to guarantee rights for children to attend their local school over online schools.
30 November 2016: Media Release: New Disability Strategy ignores justice for all
The Government’s new Disability Strategy makes great promises but remains lightweight on securing fair outcomes for those with intellectual disabilities who find themselves in the justice system.
3 November 2016: Media release: Move to outlaw seclusion rooms overdue
IHC welcomes the Ministry of Education’s move today to outlaw school seclusion rooms and continues to advocate for individualised responses to each child’s needs, with schools having more support and direction.
17 October 2016: Media release: Blenheim to host Take a Moment with us exhibition
An IHC travelling exhibition that provides insight into the lives of people with an intellectual disability opens to the public on Thursday 20 October at the ASB Theatre in Blenheim.
14 October 2016: Media release: IHC says it’s time to shut seclusion rooms for good
IHC welcomes today’s decision to investigate the use of seclusion rooms in schools and for all to be shut down until a finding is determined.
8 October 2016: Media release: UN recommendations push for more inclusion
IHC welcomes the strong recommendations made to the New Zealand government by the United Nations Committee on Rights of the Child, to respect the human rights of disabled children and do more to ensure they are fulfilled.
Education for All Open Letter to Minister
An open letter from the Education for All network was read to the Minister of Education on the steps of Parliament on Thursday 23 September outlining the disappointment and frustration felt by the network at the continued lack of commitment from Government to ensure that disabled people have access to a properly resourced and inclusive education.
Thinking of Colin Meads and family
The thoughts and best wishes of the many people associated with IHC New Zealand are with Colin Meads, Verna and their family and friends at this tough time. The news that Colin is battling pancreatic cancer has saddened us all and we wish him every comfort and time with his family.
Intellectual Disability - Citizenship and Rights
A new report from IHC shows that while there have been significant advances for people with intellectual disabilities, progress is still too slow. IHC is launching the Making Citizenship and Rights Real in the Lives of People with Intellectual Disabilities report today. It outlines priorities for ensuring the 35 thousand New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities can live valued and good lives as citizens.
Valuing People’s Lives - David Corner’s statement on deaths in Japan
This week I saw the news media about the killing in Japan in an institution for disabled people where 19 people were killed and 26 others were injured by just one person and the media highlighted it as the worse killing in Japan since World War 2.
An intricate embroidered cushion by Wellington artist Jo-Anne Tapiki has won the 2016 IHC Art Awards and $5000.
Jo-Anne started working from IHC’s Arts on High studio in Lower Hutt 18 months ago and this is the first time she has entered the competition. She likes to collect brochures – particularly ones about holidays – and this has been her inspiration.
15 June 2016: Media release: IHC Congratulates Robert Martin on UN Committee Election
IHC congratulates Robert Martin on his election to the United Nations Committee for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Robert is the first person with an intellectual disability to be elected to serve on such a committee – however he is no stranger to the UN.
IHC is delighted to announce Catalina Devandas Aguilar, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as a keynote speaker at the IHC Workability International Make it Work Conference in September.
Brent Wilton, Director of Global Workplace Rights at Coca-Cola, and Steve Shepherd, former head of Ranstad’s specialist disability recruitment team in Australia, have also been confirmed as keynote speakers.
Early bird tickets to the conference hosted in Auckland by IHC New Zealand are selling fast. Early bird ticket sales end on Friday 17 June.
11 May 2016 - Yet another patch job for children with disabilities
IHC New Zealand says new money for teacher aides won’t necessarily mean children with disabilities get the education all children deserve.
IHC is delighted to announce Catalina Devandas Aguilar, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as a keynote speaker at the IHC Workability International Make it Work Conference in September.
The Workability International Conference is held annually and this year it is being hosted in Auckland by IHC New Zealand.
Brent Wilton, Director of Global Workplace Rights at Coca-Cola, and Steve Shepherd, former head of Ranstad’s specialist disability recruitment team in Australia, have also been confirmed as keynote speakers.
IHC welcomes today’s announcement of the NZ Health Strategy and is particularly pleased to see that action is being taken to improve the health of people with intellectual disabilities.
IHC Director of Advocacy, Trish Grant, says, “Updating the health strategy to take some action to improve the health of people with intellectual disabilities is long overdue.”
7 April 2016: Media release: Finally an equal right for children with disabilities
IHC is welcoming the news that children with disability will finally get equal treatment when going into out of home care.
The Social Development Minister, Anne Tolley, announced today that a major state care reform and complete overhaul of Child, Youth and Family would take place. It is aiming to improve the long-term life outcomes for New Zealand’s most vulnerable population. Children with disabilities are over represented in New Zealand’s most vulnerable.
IHC welcomes the survey conducted by NZEI TE Riu Roa of Special Education Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) that shows a lack of adequate support for disabled students at school. NZEI’s survey of Special Education Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) in schools, has revealed that around 16 percent of students were on schools’ special needs registers, but nearly 90 percent of schools’ special needs coordinators did not believe there was adequate support for students and their learning.
Consultation workshops for the update of the Education Act 1989
Consultation for the update of the Education Act 1989 is now open. The Ministry of Education are holding a series of four regional workshops specifically for parents, families and whānau of children with special education needs and disabled people’s organisations.
28 October 2015: Media Release: Protecting the right to grow up
HC supports Disability Rights Commissioner, Paul Gibson’s, call for law change.
IHC has serious concerns about growth attenuation – the process of stunting growth.