Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon. Grant Robertson, announced the Sport New Zealand-led plan to improve the wellbeing of disabled New Zealanders by addressing inequalities in play, active recreation and sport. It is a joint announcement together with Minister for Disability Issues, Hon. Carmel Sepuloni.

You can view the Ministerial press release here.

The release of the plan follows the launch of Sport NZ's new 12-year strategic direction and vision - Every Body Active - that seeks to ensure all New Zealanders have access to quality experiences, particularly those groups missing out.

Sport NZ has developed the plan following a Disability review in 2018, consultation with key partners, disability advocate groups and individuals. In summary, the plan seeks to improve the range and quality of physical activity on offer for disabled tamariki and rangatahi for their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Sport NZ knows from its Active NZ data that disabled young people are less likely to participate in a range of sports and activities, particularly play related activities such as using playgrounds and scootering. Disabled adults spend 16% less time participating in any given week than non-disabled adults.  

Sport NZ is committed to taking a strong leadership role to lead change, and as part of this, will invest a further $7 million over four years to support our disability outcomes. The funding will be distributed across partnerships, programmes and funding rounds. A dedicated role is being recruited to lead the delivery of the plan.

You can view the full Sport NZ Disability plan here.

View the Easy read version of the Disability Plan here