News

Kia ora tātou,

I’ve been with IHC for more than six months now, and it’s been a privilege to get to know the organisation, the sector and so many passionate people across the country.

I've shared some of my reflections in a short video, which you can watch here.

During this time I’ve listened, connected widely and worked with as many people as possible to make sure we focus on what really matters.

I’ve also seen the challenges. Too many people with intellectual disability are being let down - they're less likely to have jobs, more likely to face financial hardship, and often don’t live as long as they should.

At the same time I've been struck by the commitment and goodwill of members, families and staff who give so much, often in tough circumstances. And we should feel proud as an organisation of the difference we’ve made over the past 75 years.

But more is needed. At the upcoming AGM I'll be sharing our new strategy - a key step in helping us improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The strategy is a framework and a pathway to give us a foundation and guide our focus, partnerships, and decisions over the next few years.

Over recent months our work in three key areas signals the direction we’re heading.

Early on I established the CE’s Advisory Group, made up of people with intellectual disability, to give us critical input into our decisions and the strategy. We integrated housing into the wider IHC Group to help make sure the people we support can always be proud of the homes they live in. And I'm setting clear expectations with our leaders across the organisation so they can be the best they can be.

IHC members are special people - I don't say that lightly. You're integral to both our history and our future, and your input into the strategy process, often reinforcing priorities we've been hearing for some time, has been and will continue to be vital. Thank you.

I’m optimistic about what lies ahead, and totally committed to listening, collaborating, and being open and transparent about the decisions we make.

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