News and media

IHC is the voice for intellectual disability in New Zealand. We regularly comment in the media on a range of topics to advocate and stand up for the rights of disabled people. We also share people’s stories through several publications, including our flagship magazine, Strong Voices.

We have a great resource for journalists with some tips on writing about disability and disabled people, including appropriate language to use.

If you have a media enquiry or want to tell your story, please email ihccomms@ihc.org.nz or call 0800 266 442.

Treasury funding advice discriminates against children with additional needs
Media release
September 11, 2018
NZEI Te Riu Roa and IHC are shocked to discover that Treasury advised the Government to scale back funding for children with additional needs, knowing this would mean thousands of children staying on waiting lists for learning support.
Inclusion must begin with early education
Media release
September 3, 2018
IHC is calling on the Government to work more closely with the early childhood sector so that young children with disabilities aren’t waiting months for specialist help.
Becky Donovan wins IHC Art Awards 2018
Media release
July 27, 2018
An intricately detailed drawing by Dunedin artist Becky Donovan has won the 2018 IHC Art Awards and $5000.
M. bovis won’t stop IHC’s rural fundraising efforts
Media release
July 27, 2018
The rural community is rallying around IHC’s efforts to find alternative ways to raise a $1 million funding target without increasing the risk of spreading Mycoplasma bovis.
Charlize Wilson is the People’s Choice with Looking Out from the Inside
Media release
July 24, 2018
Manukau City artist Charlize Wilson has won the 2018 IHC Art Awards People’s Choice Award for her work, Looking Out from the Inside.
IHC Calf and Rural Scheme 2018 announcement
Media release
July 4, 2018
Due to the very real risk of spreading the Mycoplasma bovis disease, IHC has decided for the first time in 33 years to suspend crucial aspects of its Calf and Rural Scheme.
IHC Volunteer Programme celebrated at the Minister of Health Awards
Media release
June 19, 2018
We are delighted that the IHC Volunteer Programme has been named a winner at this year’s Minister of Health Volunteer Awards.
'Too many gaps' across mental health system for people with intellectual disabilities
Media release
June 8, 2018
IHC is calling on the Government to take into account the rights, needs and circumstances of people with intellectual disabilities when addressing the factors that can lead to poor mental health and abuse.
IHC pays tribute to JB Munro – a character and a force for people with intellectual disabilities
June 7, 2018
IHC wishes to pay tribute to IHC New Zealand Life Member JB Munro, who passed away in Christchurch on 4 June 2018.
Response to HDC report, released May 2018
Media release
May 31, 2018
IDEA Services has apologised unreservedly for the incidents outlined in the Health and Disability Commissioner's report released in May 2018.