Strong Voices

Ray set out to ‘follow the sun’, hoping for a smooth scenic adventure… but the journey turned into something far more extraordinary.

The Chief Executive’s Advisory Group came together early in 2025. It’s chaired by National Self Advocacy Advisor David Corner. He has compiled this report for us.

There aren’t too many corners of New Zealand that IHC’s Chief Executive Andrew Crisp hasn’t found himself in over the past nine months.

Every year the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme photo competition brings out the creativity of our rural supporters, and 2025 is no exception.

Capture the moment is IHC’s photography competition for New Zealanders who have an intellectual disability. This year saw 160 entries from photographers responding to the theme Nature: the living world, celebrating everything from native birds to mountain vistas.

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Since joining IHC in February, Chief Executive Andrew Crisp has spent time listening and learning. He has visited and talked to people with intellectual disabilities, their whānau, IHC staff, carers, funders, donors and many others.

On October 23, Chief Executive Andrew Crisp apologised on behalf of IHC to people who experienced abuse and neglect in disability services. The apology was in response to the findings of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry: 1950-1999, which IHC called for and supported.

When it comes to health, Cath Jeffares has one simple question: Who’s the boss of your health? Her answer? You are!

Six-year-old Marlee is full of sunshine. “She’s always smiling, always happy and so curious about everything,” says her mum Christina.

New research shows people with an intellectual disability are more likely to experience deep and lasting poverty – and families are carrying the burden.