Disabled people have the right to participate fully in public and political life, to be heard, and to shape decisions that affect us, Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker told the Inclusive Futures 2026 Disability Election Forum today.
“Whichever parties form the next government, one thing will remain the same: the government must keep making things better for disabled people.”
Walker said election debate should avoid simplistic answers to complex issues or scapegoating – blaming challenges on one group.
“We must respect everyone’s dignity and rights even when we disagree.”
Government must uphold New Zealand’s commitments under the United Nations Disability Convention and keep improving outcomes across all areas of life education, employment, housing, transport, health, infrastructure, and government services.
Real progress means recognising our interconnected rights as tāngata whaikaha Māori, disabled children, and disabled women and girls. It also means actively involving disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori in the development of laws, policies and services.
Government must understand the social model of disability, actively remove barriers, and challenge negative stereotypes.
“We make the most progress when we work together, listen to each other and focus on creating a society where we are all valued and can participate fully,” Walker said.