In the lead-up to the budget, DPA is supporting the disability community mobilising in centres around the country to hui, rally and make our voices heard by sharing any events that we know are being organised by disabled people.
Below is a list of all upcoming events, actions and protests led by disabled people that are happening around the motu: online and in Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, and Dunedin.
If you have an upcoming event, please email us at info@dpa.org.nz.
Online
Zoom virtual rally
Organised by: Disabled People Against Cuts Aotearoa
When: Thursday 23 May 2024, 7.00 to 8.30pm
Link: Virtual rally Zoom link
Accessibility: NZSL interpreted, all welcome.
Join our Zoom rally to hear how we can all be part of the movement for the rights of tāngata whaikaha Māori and disabled people in Aotearoa.
Speakers include: Etta Bollinger from Disabled People Against Cuts and Mike Peters from Disabled United NZ.
Find out more about the Zoom virtual rally Facebook event.
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland
Rally – Fund Disability Supports – Hands Off Whaikaha!
Organised by: Disabled People Against Cuts Aotearoa, Disabled United NZ, Systems Change Aotearoa
When: Sunday 26 May, 12pm (midday)
Where: Britomart
Join our rally to fight back against cuts to funding flexibility for disabled people and carers and increase funding for equipment and housing modifications for disabled people. Nothing about us without us!
Speakers and more to be announced.
Find out more about the Rally - Fund Disability Supports Facebook event or email: systemchangeaotearoa@gmail.com
Waikato
Disability community public meeting
Organised by: Enabling Good Lives Waikato Leadership Group, Whakamanatia Te Oranga O Waikato
When: Thursday May 23, 3 to 5pm
Where: Western Community Centre, 46 Hyde Avenue, Nawton
Accessibility: Sign language interpreters will be available
As a member of the disabled community and families have you been impacted by the changes to the Purchasing Rules and Equipment Modification Services?
Come along to share your story and hear how others have been impacted?
Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information, email: helena.aotearoa@gmail.com.
Te Whanganui-a-tara | Wellington
Rally at Parliament
Organised by: Disabled People Against Cuts
What: Parliament rally – disabled people under attack, join us fight back!
When: Wednesday 29 May 12:30 to 2pm
Where: Parliament 1 Molesworth St, on the front lawn by the Seddon statue
Accessibility: It is accessible for wheelchair users. There will be sign language interpreters.
With budget day around the corner, join us to urge Minister Upston to immediately reverse all the disability funding cuts, and work towards an equitable, culturally responsive approach to resourcing support and services to disabled people across Government.
We're calling on our disabled community, whānau, friends, service providers and allies!
- Find out the full details, including plain language, about the Rally on Parliament.
- Download the flyer about the Rally on Parliament (remember to share plain text as well for accessibility!)
- Keep up to date with the Rally on Parliament – Facebook event
For more information, email: dpac.nz@gmail.com
Film screening of Crip Camp Film screening in Wellington
Organised by: Two/fiftyseven and Disabled People Against Cuts Aotearoa
When: Thursday 30 May 6pm
Where: Two/fiftyseven, 57 Willis Street, can also enter from 70 Victoria St Wellington
Cost: Free entry. BYO snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
We’re teaming up with one of our members, Etta Bolinger for this special screening. Etta will be here to tell us about their new organisation, Disabled People Against Cuts Aotearoa.
Info from hosts Two/fiftyseven: A groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities proves so inspiring that a group of its alumni join the radical disability rights movement to advocate for historic legislation changes.
The film will be screened with subtitles and audio description.
For more information, email: dpac.nz@gmail.com
Ōtepoti | Dunedin
Sensory friendly protest on disability funding cuts in Dunedin
* Note, this event has been postponed until the 1 June at 11 am out of respect for the young stabbing victim who died in central Dunedin yesterday.
When: Saturday 1 May, 11am
Where: the new accessible playground on George Street.
Join us for a sensory friendly protest of the 18 March Whaikaha, Ministry of Disabled People, Funding Cuts.
We will not be chanting or having formal speeches. This will be a relaxed protest where we just hold banners, show our presence as disabled people and enjoy the playground. There will be a five-minute silence for those who can’t be with us and to symbolise how our voices have been silenced, followed by an opportunity for disabled people and care givers to share their stories.
Everyone is welcome. We welcome everyone to our protests, however we are focused on and united by disability rights. This is not an event to champion other causes.
For more information, email: amytaylordisabilityadvocate@gmail.com