Disability
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 3rd September 2025
In today's episode, the government is making a U-turn and abandoning the controversial cost-saving changes for carers among a raft of changes for the disability sector; The New Zealand-born leader of… Audio
Govt announces changes to disability sector
The government is making a U-turn and abandoning the controversial cost-saving changes for carers among a raft of changes for the disability sector. CCS Disability Action chief executive Mel Smith… Audio
New system tracks fake disability parking permits
A new system being rolled out by Wilson Parking and CSS Disability Action can instantly track down fake disability parking permits. Advocate Vivian Naylor spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Saved by the Dog: How a guide dog changed a life
Dan Shepherd waited four years to be matched with his guide dog Ezra and wondered if he would ever find a dog to suit his needs. Audio
I'm autistic and don't speak - here's what I want you to know
There are lots of myths about autistic people who don't talk. Here are three and why they're so wrong.
Blind, low-vision residents support street flag ban
Members of a Nelson Tasman accessibility forum have voiced their support for a ban on street advertising flags after a Richmond café publicly opposed the rule.
'Relationship she might not have had': Hayley's AI partner changed her life
Hayley's AI companion is credited with changing her life, but for others they can be used for sex or even convey sinister overtones.
Disability support service worries govt will cut travel subsidy
A disability support service is worried the government could be about to cut a travel subsidy that helps people with disabilities get where the need to be. The Total Mobility Scheme is jointly funded… Audio
'Significant win' - Supreme Court finds wrong test used to lock up autistic man
The man has been locked up for nearly 20 years, but he will not walk free just yet.
Man with disability moves out of motel after four years
Shane Emeny's Kāinga Ora house has been modified for a wheelchair user and gives him the privacy he's craved since 2021.
Soaring demand sparks change at Invercargill's Total Mobility
Budget blowouts have forced Invercargill City Council to propose changes to its subsidised travel programme for those living with impairments.
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 6 August 2025
In today's episode, an overhaul of the rules will allow greater catch limits when fish are abundant and stop on-board camera footage from being made public; Unemployment is tipped to reach a nine-year… Audio
Blind woman describes MSD system as 'impossible'
A blind woman on the Supported Living Payment says she's struggling to use what she describes as the Ministry of Social Development's "impossible system". Holly spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Concerns Jobseeker too overwhelming for neurodiverse people
A young neurodiverse man who was on the Jobseeker benefit says the sheer number of forms to fill, job websites to join and roles to apply for each week was so overwhelming he decided to come off the… Audio
'Big issue' revealed after mobility permitholder protests parking fines
Derek Cossey has received two infringement notices, because plate-recognition technology doesn't recognise mobility permits.
'It's a new beginning': Disabled man finally gets to move to modified state house
A New Plymouth man paralysed after a fall, is about a week away from finally moving into a wheelchair-friendly state house, after waiting for more than four years.
How chess is helping children with autism
Students at an Auckland specialist school are getting valuable practice in the art of connection as they learn to play the strategic two-player board game.
Auckland recycling plant destroyed by fire back up and running on smaller site
An Auckland recycling centre is thanking the huge community effort that helped it get back on its feet after a devastating fire earlier this year.
Theatre show explores siblinghood from disabled perspective
Having siblings can be something joyous, comforting, frustrating and challenging - sometimes all at once. Audio
The business of playing for neurodiverse kids
New Zealand's first play zone for children with disabilities is becoming a charitable trust, with the goal of expanding services to cater for people of all ages. Audio
