Disability Steering Group

Invitation to join the Health NZ |Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini Disability Steering Group (DSG)

We’re inviting expressions of interest from members of the disability community to join the Health NZ |Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini Disability Steering Group (DSG).

Are you passionate about improving health services for people with disabilities? Do you want to bring your lived experience and knowledge to the table?

What is the DSG?

The DSG is a mix of community members and Health NZ staff working together to ensure health services are accessible, inclusive, and meet the needs of the disability community.
As part of this group, you’ll help guide key actions from the Te Waipounamu Health and Wellbeing Plan and the Transalpine Health Disability Action Plan 2020–2030.
We’re looking for members with lived experience of disability, strong community connections, and a passion for advocating for positive change.

Why Join the DSG?

By joining the DSG, you will:

• Help ensure the voices of people with disabilities shape health services.
• Promote equity and inclusion within the health system.
• Contribute to plans for accessible facilities and universal design.
• Be part of a team committed to improving the experience of people with disabilities as patients, employees, and community members.

Who Are We Looking For?

We’re seeking individuals who:

• Have personal lived experience of disability or close connections with the disability community (e.g., through family or work).
• Are active in promoting the aspirations of disabled people and align with the principles of Enabling Good Lives.
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Are well-connected within the disability sector.

What’s Involved?

• Monthly meetings to discuss and guide the implementation of the plans.
• Consulting with your networks to bring community perspectives to the group.
• Contributing your insights and skills to achieve meaningful change.
• A three-year term with potential for reappointment.

Support and Accessibility

Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora provide support to enable your full participation, including sign language interpreters, accessible meeting spaces, and the option to bring a support person.

Meeting fees and reimbursement for travel or incidental costs will also be provided.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for DSG membership submit the following:

• a covering letter, including the areas of interest to you in relation to achieving equity for disabled people.
• a brief resume/CV outlining your relevant experience
• a letter of support from within the disability community

Send your application to:  

Email: DisabilityPlan.canterbury@cdhb.health.nz, or
Post: Danual Cattermole, Commissioning Team, PO Box 387, Greymouth, or
Drop-off: Cowper Hub reception, 104-109 Cowper Street, Greymouth

Applications close in late January 2025, with interviews held a few weeks later.

Want to Know More?

For questions, email DisabilityPlan.canterbury@cdhb.health.nz (or call 021 193-8752 to speak with Kathy O’Neill, who is coordinating this process)

Also please refer to the appendices linked to below:

More information (appendix 1 & 2)

This is your chance to make a difference in the health system for people with disabilities. Apply today and be part of driving change!

Additional information about this group

The purpose of this group is to ensure people with disabilities in the Canterbury and West Coast regions have the health services they need, and feel included in decisions about their health.

The Disability Steering Group (DSG) has been selected to ensure the right balance of representation and has a wide range of relevant knowledge and expertise or experience of living with a disability.

The DSG has had the Canterbury and West Coast Health Disability Action Plan as the focus for its work and this remains the founding document that informs the priority actions as it was developed from the West Coast disability community consultation.

West Coast DSG also incorporates the Te Waipounamu Disability Actions as identified in the regional programme of work ,as part of its annual work plan. The work plan for 2025 will be available here when it is finalised.

Staying in touch

The DSG meets approximately monthly. The main points discussed, the advice it provides and the work it instigates are all recorded as key messages. The key messages are public, and are also sent by email to identified stakeholders and any person that has asked to go on the mailing list.

Key Te Whatu Ora West Coast DSG messages/minutes can be viewed here, and Waitaha Canterbury DSG messages/minutes are located in Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury’s document library.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list or provide general feedback on the work of the DSG or make suggestions please email disabilityplan@cdhb.health.nz

It is hoped that over time the DSG can increase engagement and further exchange ideas and views with the wider community – but in particular, those who experience disability, have someone in their whānau who does, or work within the disability sector and/or in health.

Canterbury and West Coast Health Disability Action Plan Video

Featuring people with lived experience of disability

The video is in three parts and features people or families talking about their experiences and what they want from their health system.

The video opens with retired Greymouth school teacher Margaret Woollett – remember, this is a TransAlpine action plan that aims to support disabled people and their family/whānau on both the West Coast and in Canterbury.

The second part features the Andrell family of Burwood (who are here with us at the launch).

The final part of the video features Disability Support Advisory Committee member Ben Lucas who is the chef de mission for the upcoming Rio Paralympics and who provided input on the redevelopment of Burwood Hospital.