Have Your Say on the Disability Support Services BilL

Submission deadline

Submissions close at: 1:00pm, Friday 12 June 2026

ConneXu believes disabled people, whanau and support networks should have the opportunity to understand proposed changes and have their voices heard.

What is the Disability Support Services Bill?

The Disability Support Services Bill is a proposed new law currently being considered by the New Zealand Government.

The Bill could change how disability support services are funded and managed in New Zealand.

This includes things like:

  • disability support funding

  • paid family care

  • how support decisions are made

  • the role of families and whānau in providing support

The Bill is currently going through the Select Committee process. This means the public can make a submission and share their views with Parliament.

Why are people talking about the Bill?

Many disabled people, whanau, providers and disability organisations across New Zealand are wanting to better understand how the proposed changes may affect everyday life.

Some people have questions or concerns about:

  • future funding decisions

  • independence and choice

  • support for families and whanau

  • whether people have had enough time and information to understand the Bill

Everyone’s experiences are different, and Parliament is asking for public feedback before decisions are made.

How to make a submission

Anyone can make a submission.

You do not need to be a policy expert.

A submission can simply share:

  • your experiences

  • what matters to you

  • any concerns, ideas or questions you may have

Ways to make a submission

You can:

write a short statement answer questions online

upload a document or letter ask to speak to your submission

Helpful resources and templates

NZDSN has created helpful information and templates to support people wanting to make a submission. You can find prepared templates at the bottom of the page on the NZDSN website. https://nzdsn.org.nz/make-your-voice-heard-in-the-dss-bill-select-committee/

HOW TO MAKE A SUBMISSION - EASY-READ

Need support?

ConneXu can help disabled partners and whanau with:

understanding the process

accessing information

typing or formatting submissions

printing or scanning documents

You do not need to have all the answers. Your voice and experiences matter.