About Us
People for Us worked with the disability community and a group chosen by Whaikaha – the Ministry of Disabled People to develop the service.
In 2023, more than 420 people worked together. This included disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, families, whānau, and service providers.
They gave strong support for the idea and design of People for Us.
Why?
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that there hasn’t been enough support or checks on disabled people in residential care.
We focus on making sure disabled people are heard, supported, and confident to speak up about what matters to them.
Who is delivering the service?
Three organisations deliver the People for Us service:
- People First New Zealand (visiting across Aotearoa New Zealand)
- Te Ahi Kaa (visiting Tāngata Whaikaha Māori in Waikato and South Auckland)
- Vaka Tautua (visiting Pacific communities in Auckland).
People First New Zealand is leading this work and visiting people all around Aotearoa New Zealand.
Safeguarding
People for Us uses safeguarding rules to help keep disabled people safe.
Safeguarding means:
- protecting a person’s right to make their own life choices
- keeping people safe and well
- acting to prevent and respond to abuse, violence, or neglect.
Outcomes of the People for Us service are:
- Disability Support Services will learn and listen to the voices and experiences of disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and their families and whānau in their services.
- Safety and wellbeing issues will be found earlier, and the team can respond quickly.
- Services will become safer and more in line with the Enabling Good Lives vision and principles.