Independent review of DSS

In 2024 the Ministry of Disabled People - Whaikaha was facing cost pressures. The Minister for Disability Issues wanted a full picture of the situation before considering any changes to the system so an independent review was commissioned.

The review included 7 recommendations, which were accepted by the Government.

Cabinet also agreed to:

• transfer Disability Support Services (DSS) to a new business unit within the Ministry of Social Development - this happened in September 2024
• create a standalone department for the rest of the Ministry of Disabled People, to provide leadership and stewardship for disabled people across government by the end of 2024
• establish a cross-agency taskforce of senior officials within MSD to deliver the review’s recommendations for DSS. The taskforce included experts in policy, finance, contract management, service delivery, risk management, auditing, and evaluation.

All recommendations from the review have now been implemented.

More information

• View the Minister's Press Release on the Beehive website external
• View the Independent Review Disability Support Services Phase One Report – 28 June 2024
• View factsheet on Recommendations 1-7
• View the Operational Policy and Guidelines 2024/25

Alternate formats

• Large Print Update on Disability Support Services
• Braille Update on Disability Support Services
• Audio Update on Disability Service (Whaikaha file) external