Whaikaha, Whaimana: Our Voices Count
This exhibition features fabric banners made by members of the Disability Leadership Canterbury(DLC) and Hei Whakapiki Mauri communities, in collaboration with fabric artist Maungarongo (Ron) Te Kawa.
The banners were carried in the “Our Voices Count” rally on 6 December 2025 in response to changes in March 2024 to disability support funding that caused widespread harm to our community, and in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December 2025)
In November 2025, DLC released research showing the full impact of these funding cuts. Disabled people and whānau shared how their “lives have been made smaller” and their mana diminished. The report and the rally call for urgent action to restore trust, choice and control.
Key impacts include:
- Choice and control removed – people can’t buy supports that keep them safe and independent.
- Essential supports reduced – carer hours, respite, therapy, travel and supplies harder to access.
- Equity harms – Māori, Pasifika, refugee and migrant communities, rural people, and those with complex needs are worst affected.
While the Government plans to reinstate flexible funding in 2026, DLC warns this is too late and risks locking in lower budgets. They are calling for:
- Inflation-adjusted budget resets to restore fairness.
- Disabled-led leadership and capability building so that flexible funding works.
- Transparency and equity across the system.
“Our lives have been made smaller. Restore choice. Restore supports. Restore dignity.”
The theme for this International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Inclusive Communities, so let’s continue to make our voices count in all our hapori.
Learn more and read the full report at dlcanterbury.co.nz/whaikaha-whaimana-our-voices-count
