1. The New Zealand Disability Support Network An Overview
Dr Garth Bennie, Chief Executive NZDSN

2. New Zealand Disability Support Network
Peak body for disability providers in New Zealand
A network of organisations and individuals
A membership organisation (170 organisations)
Values driven – committed to social change focused on achieving inclusive lives and active citizenship for disabled people
Accountabilities are ultimately with what’s happening to disabled people/families
Not standing in the way of changes that disabled people and families want
Leading and influencing change that supports inclusive lives

3. NZDSN Supports disability services to provide:
Quality services that can respond to evolving best practice in a timely way
A capable and professional workforce
Person directed supports and services that achieve ordinary life outcomes
Services that provide good value for money in terms of government funding
Services informed by the UN Convention; the NZ Disability Strategy, Disability Action plan and the Treaty of Waitangi
Implementation of Enabling Good Lives Principles – a touchstone to guide transformation

4. Who We Are
Governed by an elected Board from membership. Current Board Chair is Sharon Saxton
Board employs a Chief Executive (Garth Bennie) to implement Strategic and Business Plans
Employs a small staff team mostly based in Wellington:
Sue Eastwood: office manager
Sara Georgeson: policy analyst
Phil Smith: training and development coordinator
Libby Carson: event manager and communications
Mireille Vreeburg; Auckland facilitator
Laura Bain: office assistant

5. What We do: Key Activities
Provider Development Programme: Training workshops, communities of practice, governance training, programme exchanges, leadership forums.
A voice to government on policy, service design and legislation
Annual conferences and symposiums
Regional Networks and Support
Workforce development
Research and quality development projects
Promoting innovation and quality services

6. The Role of NZDSN: Challenging and Building Consensus
Pointing out the gaps between the rhetoric and reality – for both government and providers
Asking searching questions – about provider quality and direction
Asking searching questions – about the quality and implementation of government policy and pointing out unintended consequences
Providing evidence and data about what’s really happening – for both providers and disabled people
Participating in working parties/reference groups providing advice on policy development and service design (about 15 at any one time)
Challenging government and ourselves

7. Some Current Priorities
Building consensus about the need for transformation through national conversations
Ensuring provider exposure to new innovations/next practice
Understanding being person directed as the transfer of power/control
Strengthening governance and leadership capability
Addressing the need for portable, relevant and fit for purpose qualifications
Finding a balanced approach to the need for a more flexible workforce, but also one that provides certainty, fair pay and career prospects
Advocating for appropriate levels of investment in DPO’s to support the level of participation required in co-design approaches to policy and system change
Growing the proportion of the workforce with lived experience of disability, particularly in leadership, facilitation and development roles

8. International Links: IIDL
International Initiative for Disability Leadership (IIDL)
Developed in parallel to the longer established International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL)
NZDSN and Ministry of Health are New Zealand representatives for IIDL
IIDL Vision: A full community life for all people with a disability
IIDL Mission: An international leadership network including policy makers, funders, academics, disabled people, family members and providers
An international network that provides a forum for effective sharing of knowledge, innovation and effective practice
Exchange programme and conferences every 18months
Membership includes: Australia, NZ, Canada, Ireland, Sweden with participation from the UK and USA.

9. www.nzdsn.org.nz www.enablinggoodlives.co.nz