News

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.

Alice Matthews – Untapped Potential Speech
August 18, 2026
Hello everyone my name is Alice I have worked at IHC for over two years. Getting this job has been one of the best things that has ever happened in my life.
People with intellectual disabilities have untapped employment potential
August 16, 2026
Research by IHC shows that New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities want to work and can work but are shut out of employment opportunities.
DSS Bill amendments
Media release
August 13, 2026
Changes made to the Disability Support Services Bill improve the legislation and provide greater clarity and assurance for disabled people and their families. The Government must now build trust and practical solutions through constructive consultation with the disabled people, whānau and the sector.
2026 IHC Art Awards winners announced
Media release
July 26, 2026
Samuel Willcox from Auckland has won the annual IHC Art Awards and a $5000 prize for his work Hero in Blue.
Accessibility Standards Bill must include people with intellectual disability
Media release
July 22, 2026
IHC is calling for the proposed Accessibility Standards Bill to explicitly include people with intellectual disability after identifying a significant gap in its definition of disability.
Disability Support Services Bill committee hearing
July 1, 2026
IHC Chief Executive Andrew Crisp and National Self Advocacy Advisor David Corner gave oral submissions to the Social Services and Community Committee hearing into the Disability Services Support Bill. Watch their submission here.
Te Rito – a garden with purpose
June 30, 2026
Te Rito is a thriving community hub in Porirua which has so far supported more than 320 people – many with intellectual disabilities – to gain practical and life skills.
Four talented rangatahi win with stunning bookmarks
Media release
May 28, 2026
The IHC Library has announced the winners of its very first bookmark competition held over the Easter school holidays.
Government must recognise the real cost of family care for disabled people
Media release
May 19, 2026
IHC welcomes the Government’s move to clarify the role of Disability Support Services (DSS), which will provide certainty for families and disabled people. However, any reform must also recognise the enormous financial and emotional burden carried by families supporting intellectually disabled family members.
New report confirms inequality – but where is the plan?
Media release
May 7, 2026
Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People’s newly released analysis highlights the systemic financial hardship many disabled people face and reinforces what has been known for years: poverty among disabled people in Aotearoa New Zealand is persistent, predictable, and preventable.