News and media

IHC is the voice for intellectual disability in New Zealand. We regularly comment in the media on a range of topics to advocate and stand up for the rights of disabled people. We also share people’s stories through several publications, including our flagship magazine, Strong Voices.

We have a great resource for journalists with some tips on writing about disability and disabled people, including appropriate language to use.

If you have a media enquiry or want to tell your story, please email ihccomms@ihc.org.nz or call 027 807 7740.

Government changes for Whaikaha and Disability Services
August 15, 2024
The Government has announced that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is becoming responsible for delivering disability support services from October 2024.
Declan Jack's Train Yard is the People's Choice
Media release
August 5, 2024
Kapiti Coast artist Declan Jack (29) has won the 2024 IHC Art Awards L’affare People’s Choice Award and $2,000 for his ceramic work, Train Yard.
Woefully underfunded disability allowances failing intellectually disabled New Zealanders
Media release
August 1, 2024
IHC is calling for the government to triple the Child Disability Allowance and double the Disability Allowance to improve the quality of life and longevity for intellectually disabled people.
IHC recognises strength of survivors following Abuse in Care - Royal Commission of Inquiry report release
Media release
July 25, 2024
IHC New Zealand acknowledges the traumatic experiences shared by survivors of abuse and neglect and is committed to taking action.
IHC slams Winston Peters' use of retard as an insult in parliament
Media release
July 24, 2024
Yesterday was a sad day for Aotearoa New Zealand when the Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, was asked by the Speaker of the House to withdraw his use of the term ‘retard’.
New Report Highlights Challenges and Opportunities in Residential Disability Support Services
Media release
July 17, 2024
The recent report by the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) on complaints about residential disability support services is a crucial step towards improving the lives of intellectually disabled individuals in New Zealand.
2024 IHC Art Award Winners Announced
Media release
July 12, 2024
Amy Hall from Auckland has won the annual IHC Art Awards and a $5,000 prize with her needlework self-portrait, Love Cats.
New Zealand’s Intellectual Disability Crisis: Urgent Health Policy Reforms Needed
Media release
July 8, 2024
IHC New Zealand says specific, targeted health policies are necessary to bridge the life expectancy gap between people with intellectual disability and the rest of New Zealand.
$90 million investment for specialist schools only supports 0.6 percent disabled learners
Media release
June 14, 2024
IHC New Zealand says today’s announcement to invest $90 million into specialist schools is a win for them and the students they serve, however it’s funding that could be utilised to fix a broken system for the 99.4 percent of disabled students who attend their local mainstream school.
IHC Member Council call for Expression of Interest
June 7, 2024
We are currently looking for two IHC members to join our Member Council.