20percent met with New Zealand First

Posted on August 11, 2014

Whilst down in Wellington I met with New Zealand First's Disability Issues Spokewoman Barbara Stewart, who was incredibly welcoming and supportive of the 20percent Campaign. On numerous occasions she commented that I was the first person to meet with her regarding Disability Issues and this current election. This should not be the case, I encourage you all to not be shy and arrange meetings with Members of Parliament at any time, just maybe in a more accessible location than Parliament itself.

I was particularly interested to hear what NZ First had to say, due to New Zealand's aging population, which coincides with the increase in those who identify with having a disability. New Zealand First's Manifesto can be found on their website and they have already published their disability policy which made my job a lot easier.

Barbara was quick to point out that she saw accessibility as the leading issue for people with disabilities, hindering them from participating to the best of their ability in education, employment and even politics. There is no doubt that this is a massive issue and it was good to see that she identified that a lack of accessibility impacts so many different sections of inclusion.

I looked over their Disability Policy and saw that they brought attention to some great issues, such as ensuring that there was separate accommodation facilities for young people with disabilities and the elderly; supporting the implementation of the Carers Strategy and a review of the constantly talked about OORS funding.

There was nothing in the policy that I disagreed with, or was puzzled by. However what did concern me was the lack of implementation strategies. In no where did I read a deadline of when they wanted these reviews to be done by, or how they were going to support the various initiatives. I do think that New Zealand First has the best interest of the disability community at heart, but I would have liked to have seen their goals written in such a way that they can be measured and thus hold New Zealand First to account. 

Transcript of interview

Loren: So first of all, who is Barbara Stewart?

Barbara: Barbara Stewart is the Health Spokesperson for New Zealand First, she is also the Disabilities Spokesperson. She lives in Hamilton, went to Waikato University and was a teacher for many years. And then furthered her career in training and development in two large companies.

Loren: And now you find yourself in New Zealand First, which is a bit of a change. The first question that we got sent in was asking whether New Zealand First would consider extending the benefits of the Super Gold Card to those living with disabilities or on a specific benefit?

Barbara: That is something that we would have to research to find out the costing to see if it is viable. Nobody has asked us that question before so I am pleased that you have asked. That is something we can do after the election.

Loren: What is a New Zealand First going to be doing or what are you planning to do around the disability issues portfolio post election?

Barbara: Well after the election, we realise that every New Zealander has the right to equal opportunity and we think that it's an important aspect of what is happening now. Accessibility is a great thing and I was quite dismayed to hear that even Parliament is not accessible for people with disabilities and that is something that has to be looked at. Because after all is said and done if we are going to have equality of opportunity than we should be able to go everywhere, disabled or others.

Loren: Now New Zealand First is known to have quite a lot of focus, their demographic is the older generation typically and particularly with New Zealand our average age is increasing quite rapidly and so we also see an increase in disabilities. How is New Zealand First going to make sure that those people with disabilities, as they become older are aware of what services are around?

Barbara: Basically we should strengthen the advocacy role in the Minister of Disability Issues. We'd like to develop leadership within the disability community because we think that is important. You are the very first person that has come to see us, regarding this very issue. Obviously there is quite a large gap out there that needs to be filled and we believe that the Office of the Disability Minister has to have the resources to cope with the enquirers and what needs to be done. This is where we need your help, it has to happen together, it can't just happen from the politicians saying, 'this is what is going to happen.' I think they got that now and it's not working. It really needs to be integrated and you will need to work together to ensure accessibility.

Loren: What will New Zealand First be doing in regards to inclusive education?

Barbara: Well somewhere along the line we have to ensure that there is adequate funding to ensure that it happens. At this point in time we know that many of the schools haven't got the funding, Teacher Aids are very limited, there hours are limited, so that is the first thing that actually needs to happen. Then we have to look at the buildings and the facilities to ensure that there is this equality of opportunity. A lot of work needs to be done and we think that the Minister for Disability Issues needs to be a very important role and her advocacy role does need to be strengthens.

Loren: I see here you have the Disability Policy, what is your favourite bit about the policy that you think everyone should know about?

Barbara: Accessibility is one, the second thing I believe is that rest homes are not the right place to house people with disabilities. We believe that it is not at all motivating or even good for the person that is involved in living in that type of environment. It is a different type of environment, not the best for someone with a disability. That is one that we would really liked to see gone.