# Question 73: I have a mobility impairment, rent and want to keep living independently. I rely on accessible transport and support services. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How do parties compare on disability support funding, eligibility and individual choice? Collected 23 October 2026 [NZ Election 2026 · Edition 5 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/5) ## ChatGPT Answer ID: e633f51a-a90f-439e-84ac-dff4528ada18 # New Zealand 2026 election: disability support and independent living For someone with a mobility impairment who rents and wants to remain independent, the key election question is not just how much a party promises to spend on disability. It is whether you can get the support you need, qualify for it without unreasonable barriers, and decide how that support is used in your own life. I would compare parties across five practical areas: - Funding and reliability: Will disability support, equipment, home modifications and personal assistance be adequately funded and available when needed? - Eligibility and assessments: Who qualifies, how needs are assessed, and whether changing needs or household circumstances affect access. - Individual choice and control: Can you choose your support workers, arrange assistance around your schedule and direct your own support? - Accessible transport: Is there reliable funding and access for public transport, Total Mobility, mobility parking and other transport needs? - Renting and housing: Can you obtain home modifications, accessible housing and support to stay in a rental without having to move into institutional or more restrictive living arrangements? One important distinction: a party's published policy, its voting record in Parliament and the practical results of government decisions are three different kinds of evidence. They should be considered separately, particularly because the 2026 general election is still ahead. ## 1. How the main parties compare The following comparison draws on 2026 election coverage and a disability-policy review published by the Deafblind Association New Zealand. It distinguishes announced commitments from broader policy direction; some parties have not published a full disability manifesto. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) Election context: New Zealand general election scheduled for 7 November 2026. Policies may change before polling day. ### National ![Will National Party Finish 2nd in New Zealand's 2026 Election?](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/LCDs4P76HEgfCayafHeSga8GCw12Vxs2fPc3toeyLUZ-wmb6UiGRZY6bhdT1xRejtICfUd6GX2BWmI76EkpoWuffTU4g32bP_qUJp29rsfn5_Zvj5THHSYTLHSoo_5_YQyZ3zKE1WIpB4bu7raRltFl5TZFCgCcE0quf_GohkFI?purpose=inline) Funding and eligibility National's approach has emphasised financial stability, consistent nationwide assessments and funding for disability support services. Its government committed $1.1 billion over five years in Budget 2024, with additional funding for residential care in Budget 2025. It has not published a standalone disability manifesto for this election. Choice and control Following the 2024 controversy over flexible-funding restrictions, the government announced some restored flexibility in 2026. Individualised funding remains available within eligibility rules, budgets and purchasing conditions. Transport and renting The current published platform does not set out a specific new disability transport or accessible-rental commitment. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ### Labour ![South Island Election Conference 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/_spFKDBqOMVPoo8r35YLoGFwljs_-WWe4ur9fdZCfekzAxaUPGA75u8rI9uxOUTssI2hUZN1r4Zu1AeDrcNaxz3uHoFIyWjDpanT5s-KJ87QzxSu1uNjNL4MOHSuazRZuTy_TzC6aN4wxHHoyU_DhzMFuMCMjNBTtg2xRxOZL6c?purpose=inline) Funding and eligibility Labour has promised to repeal the Disability Support Services legislation passed by the current government and develop replacement legislation with disabled people and disability organisations. Choice and control Its stated direction is rights-based, with greater participation by disabled people in decisions affecting them and an approach informed by Enabling Good Lives. The practical funding rules and future eligibility criteria would depend on the replacement legislation and implementation. Transport and renting Labour's published election commitments on these specific issues need to be checked for concrete funding, accessible-housing requirements and transport targets. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ### Green Party ![Green Party NZ (@NZGreens) on X](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/xwoeA3rTn5Pu0UL1uRc6X_g8ADsfUTe55rxQEjXC_rnFR_6TPTr_9eG0LsowNOdFRtax24qB8h-LRfUtZEf42T0CC5OclOZ5katbFJAYxs0cZRyqDBlGNgF_8AV_5WTCbYonGIqLGuK095lLGrkBVw3L8vdsA06tLHVNuCJquuc?purpose=inline) Funding and eligibility The Greens propose more accessible and timely income support for disability-related costs, including reform of the Disability Allowance and benefit rules. Choice and control Their platform supports Enabling Good Lives, more individualised funding, fewer bureaucratic barriers and moving away from rigid, deficit-focused assessments. Transport and renting Specific proposals include restoring the Total Mobility subsidy to 75%, increasing accessible-vehicle availability, strengthening accessibility legislation, expanding accessible housing and introducing universal-design standards. The 75% figure is a proposed policy, not a guarantee of what every passenger would pay. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ### ACT ![New Zealand Legislative Election Winner 2026 Odds | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/jofoEEdOXv6HOQzupGnQLgXlZKKPYTzvN6g4IUMlN6xdqX4l_qH5-Y0A3to5ytO5w95eGsg-WLInlnku5FmW0VEyKqhTiAqcZSbr_Z1e_uNyqacdq4zniDKhRNRugVUCsz1-CYpZeG4nO7sLuQKEQlQMBgJCAoyH3nC76yYHd6E?purpose=inline) Funding and eligibility ACT's wider policy approach stresses public-spending accountability, clearer rules and less bureaucracy. It has not published a detailed standalone disability manifesto for this election. Choice and control Its general philosophy favours individualised, direct funding and personal autonomy. However, flexibility in how money is spent is not the same as a guarantee of adequate funding or broader eligibility. Transport and renting A specific new package for accessible transport or accessible rental housing has not been identified in the policy review. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ### New Zealand First ![New Zealand legislative election winner? Predictions & Od... 2026 | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/UmXClDd76aKEk_XyXfEEacFBHXO18HFMG1Im-weRm7tb64uGzBsRK3vWPXuiFN2zaWaNznb7eSDIJucKOhlXtwb6Lq-BYR6oxisKzHsWTxF5AsiLmtcNGDNtwCsXzgIuSp2vW4pa6pAda-tTriG23zKX1ZuknQ81HGh411pqRkM?purpose=inline) Funding and eligibility There is no clear standalone disability-support manifesto identified in the election review. Choice and control One relevant parliamentary initiative was an Accessibility Standards Bill introduced by NZ First, intended to incorporate accessibility into new schools, transport hubs and public buildings. It was not selected from the members' ballot, so it did not progress to a reading. Transport and renting The proposed bill is relevant to accessibility, but it should not be treated as a current commitment to a funded, comprehensive transport or housing programme. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ### Te Pāti Māori ![New Zealand Legislative Election Winner 2026 Odds | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/HHEWLfcjRbgNTl3J7ZI3ahpGFiM337cSMZSj-gfqthhb3O1OJ8vhDGH4x2nBOUQoPRFHldf4E0rUprxmRG4JddGiw5atorslzfs34M-9xbTy2yNYWAjL5wP10lk3C-YjZAm-m43DF6her5QZGf5OtQEw7NLpqO4hrIjzpsWiQm8?purpose=inline) Funding and eligibility Its disability-policy direction emphasises tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau hauā, equitable access and Māori-led services. Choice and control Self-determination and tino rangatiratanga are central themes. When comparing its commitments, look for the proposed eligibility rules, funding levels and mechanisms for disabled people to direct their own support. Transport and renting The policy review identifies less technical detail on specific transport funding and accessible-housing implementation than on the party's broader vision. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ### The Opportunities Party (TOP) ![](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KZ1zP60v_ZeHHj3ij4DA2sVh6oX86DHN4x_RGhm63IEKbj8P_3phlgxON0_dzBqruxZt_piBvLSwWYOzxGtRjeiBIDJnBczyBauAihY7VhbFruy9Xq4tPeGbXtvfFHap7T9ZV_eOqtHyttigv_yv7jT6ibug6IoPJMJnJ8SLOeE?purpose=inline) Funding and eligibility TOP proposes a universal citizen's income of up to $370 a week, alongside a disability allowance projected at about $6,000 a year and needs-based top-ups. Choice and control A universal payment would reduce reliance on some existing income-support eligibility tests, but it would not automatically guarantee access to disability services or personal assistance. Transport and renting TOP says its proposed income reform would not replace specific disability funding for transport or assistive technology. Check how it would interact with existing benefits and supplements before comparing the headline payment with your current entitlements. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) ## 2. What matters most for your circumstances? Here is how to translate party promises into questions about your day-to-day independence. | Your priority | What to examine in each party's policy | | --- | --- | | Keeping support workers | Will funding rise with costs, and will approved hours be predictable? | | Qualifying for support | Will eligibility be based on your actual needs, and can you appeal an assessment? | | Choosing your own assistance | Can you choose who helps you, when they come and how funding is spent? | | Getting around independently | What happens to Total Mobility subsidies, accessible public transport and mobility-vehicle availability? | | Staying in your rental | Are accessible homes more available, and is there funding for necessary home modifications? | | Managing disability-related costs | Will the Disability Allowance and other income support cover your additional expenses? | These distinctions are important because individualised funding and adequate funding are not the same thing. A system may give you freedom to manage your budget while still allocating too little to meet your needs. Equally, a well-funded service may leave you with limited control over the timing or type of assistance you receive. ### The current system is a useful baseline New Zealand's Disability Support Services programme already offers Individualised Funding to eligible people assessed as needing certain home and community support or respite services. It can allow you to choose support workers and have more control over when and how support is used, subject to the rules attached to your allocation. [Individualised Funding](https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled-people/assessment-and-funding/individualised-funding) The election question is whether parties would preserve, expand or restrict this kind of choice, and what they would do about the amount of support available in the first place. ## 3. Where the clearest policy differences appear Based on the published policies reviewed, the differences fall into several broad areas rather than a single overall ranking. - Rights and enforceable standards: Labour proposes replacing the current disability support legislation with a framework developed alongside disabled people. The Greens propose stronger disability rights and enforceable accessibility standards. Te Pāti Māori also supports stronger accessibility legislation and Māori-led decision-making. [How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election)[Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/) - Individual choice and funding flexibility: ACT emphasises direct, individualised funding and less bureaucracy. The Greens support individualised funding alongside broader rights protections and less restrictive assessments. National has announced some restoration of flexibility within its existing system. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election) - Income security: The Greens propose substantial benefit reform and changes to partner-income testing. TOP proposes a citizen's income plus disability-specific support. These proposals would need to be assessed against your actual entitlements, disability costs and the treatment of existing supplements. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election) - Accessible housing and transport: The Greens have specific proposals on Total Mobility and universal design. Te Pāti Māori emphasises accessible housing and Māori-led solutions. TOP has housing-related proposals, while the reviewed platforms of National, ACT and NZ First contain less explicit disability-specific detail in these areas. [Disability Policies of NZ Political Parties](https://deafblindassociation.nz/disability-policies-of-nz-political-parties/)[How do the different parties fare on disability issues this election?](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/30-09-2026/how-do-the-different-parties-fare-on-disability-issues-this-election) A lack of a published commitment does not necessarily mean a party would oppose a policy. It means you should seek clarification rather than assume it will be implemented. ## 4. Questions worth putting directly to candidates The Disabled Persons Assembly NZ, CCS Disability Action and Your Way Kia Roha have asked seven main parties about disability rights, eligibility, funding, income support and accessibility. Their election scorecard is intended to record party responses, including where parties decline to respond or remain undecided. [Disability Scorecard for 2026 General Election » Disabled Persons Assembly NZ](https://www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-information/latest-news/disability-scorecard-for-2026-general-election/) You can follow this through the [Disabled Persons Assembly's 2026 election page](https://www.dpa.org.nz/news-and-information/latest-news/disability-scorecard-for-2026-general-election/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). I would prioritise these five questions when contacting your local candidates or comparing party manifestos: 1. Funding: Will you commit to predictable, needs-based funding that keeps pace with the cost of support workers and essential disability services? 2. Eligibility: Will you guarantee transparent assessment criteria, review rights and access to support when a person's needs change? 3. Choice: Will you protect my ability to choose my own support workers and manage assistance around my daily routine? 4. Transport: Will you maintain or increase the Total Mobility subsidy and improve the availability and reliability of accessible transport? 5. Renting: What specific measures will help disabled renters find accessible homes and obtain necessary home modifications without losing their independence? Ask candidates to identify the proposed funding, implementation timetable and accountability mechanism, not just express support for the principle. ## 5. A practical way to make your decision Rather than relying on a single party label or headline promise, compare the commitments against what would make the biggest difference to your independence. ## Your voting priorities Select the issues that matter most to your independence. You can use this list to compare each party's published commitments. Reliable support fundingPredictable assistance and enough hours to meet assessed needs Individual choice and controlControl over support workers, schedules and spending Fair eligibility and review rightsTransparent assessments and a way to challenge decisions Accessible transportAffordable, dependable trips and mobility services Accessible rental housingSuitable homes, modifications and security of tenure Adequate disability incomeHelp with extra living costs without unfair eligibility barriers Copy my priorities For each party, check whether it has made a specific commitment, whether the commitment is costed, and whether it would require legislation, a funding increase or changes to existing eligibility rules. My central takeaway: For your situation, the most consequential differences may be the interaction between funding adequacy, the right to direct your own support, accessible transport and the ability to remain in suitable rental housing. Those are connected issues, but parties can take quite different approaches to each of them. Comparing them separately will give you a clearer basis for deciding how to vote. ## Gemini Answer ID: 2875d285-051a-4fc7-8d48-18e4a7618f5a For New Zealand voters navigating the 2026 general election with a focus on independent living, accessible transport, and disability support, political parties offer distinct approaches. The core philosophical divide centers on how support services are funded, how tightly eligibility or spending is managed, and the degree of self-direction and choice afforded to disabled individuals. --- ### Overview of Political Party Positions | Party | Approach to Disability Support Funding & Sustainability | Eligibility & Assessment | Individual Choice & Self-Direction | Transport & Accessibility | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **National** | Focuses on financial stability of Disability Support Services (DSS) and national consistency. Emphasizes managing fiscal constraints while keeping core support viable. | Moves toward nationally consistent assessment and allocation frameworks to reduce regional discrepancies. | Restores some flexibility and choice within existing funding lines, underpinned by a refreshed Disability Strategy (2026–2030). | General focus on infrastructure consistency; relies largely on standard infrastructure planning frameworks. | | **Labour** | Rights-based, equity-focused framework aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Opposes recent cuts/changes to community advisory structures (e.g., supports reinstating the Lottery Individuals with Disabilities Committee). | Relies on needs-based assessments geared toward equity and minimizing bureaucratic barriers. | Strongly champions the **Enabling Good Lives (EGL)** principles, emphasizing self-determination, choice, and control. | Proposes specific public transport caps (e.g., weekly fare caps in major centers) to lower travel costs. | | **ACT** | Focuses on tight fiscal oversight and reducing administrative bureaucracy. Proposes a critical review of funding structures, with an emphasis on targeted savings and independent medical certifications. | Advocates for strict, independent medical verification for health and disability benefits with phased reassessments. | Favours direct, individualised (cash-like) funding models paid straight to individuals rather than traditional providers, coupled with strict rules on eligible expenditure and oversight. | Emphasizes general market-driven solutions and economic reform over targeted public transport accessibility mandates. | | **Green Party** | Advocates for significant funding increases across social services and welfare, aiming to match minimum or living income standards. Supports re-establishing community-led grant committees. | Seeks to abolish rigid, deficit-based assessments in favor of human rights and dignity-centred frameworks. | Strongly supports expanding **individualised funding** and full EGL-aligned choice and control over supports, removing bureaucratic barriers. | Prioritizes making public transport **free for the disabled community as an initial phase**, alongside co-designed universal mobility and infrastructure schemes. | | **Te Pāti Māori** | Focuses on whānau-centered welfare and structural reform, including major benefit increases and the removal of sanctions. Supports re-establishing disability-specific funding committees. | Rejects punitive or overly restrictive testing; focuses on culturally safe, equitable needs assessment for tāngata whaikaha Māori and all disabled New Zealanders. | Focuses on self-determination, autonomy, and addressing systemic barriers that restrict choices for disabled individuals and their whānau. | Emphasizes co-designed, accessible public infrastructure and localized transport solutions targeting deprived urban and rural areas. | | **New Zealand First** | Centers its platform heavily on protecting New Zealand Superannuation and general economic settings. Less explicit on overarching DSS funding overhauls, but has historically supported accessibility standard measures via private member initiatives. | Generally aligns with standard administrative eligibility criteria without sweeping welfare overhauls. | Keeps a pragmatic focus on existing support structures while supporting baseline regulatory frameworks for built environments (e.g., advancing accessibility standards bills). | Supports baseline regulatory consistency for physical and digital accessibility through legislative standards. | --- ### Key Themes for Independent Living #### 1. Funding Sustainability vs. Fiscal Restraint * **Centre-Left & Left Parties (Labour, Greens, Te Pāti Māori):** Generally push for increased government investment, opposing cuts to specialized grants (such as the Lottery disability committees) and advocating for benefit levels to track with living costs to cover disability-related expenses. * **Centre-Right & Right Parties (National, ACT):** Prioritize economic management, fiscal discipline, and system efficiency. National focuses on financial stabilization and national consistency, while ACT emphasizes targeted expenditure reviews, independent medical verifications, and streamlined delivery to curb administrative bloat. #### 2. Individual Choice and Control (Enabling Good Lives) * Most parties explicitly or implicitly reference the **Enabling Good Lives (EGL)** framework, which champions giving disabled people maximum control over their lives and support packages. * Parties like **Labour** and the **Greens** emphasize expanding individualised funding models with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. **ACT** similarly promotes direct, individualised (cash-like) funding models to bypass traditional provider bottlenecks, though paired with stricter spending boundaries and oversight. #### 3. Transport and Community Access * Transport accessibility remains a key differentiator for independent living: * The **Greens** propose immediate fare-free public transport for the disabled community as a first step toward universal urban accessibility. * **Labour** proposes structured weekly public transport fare caps across major centres. * **National, ACT, and NZ First** tend to approach transport through broader infrastructure investment, roading, or localized council management, with NZ First supporting legislative standard frameworks for built environments. Are there specific aspects of independent living—such as home modifications, equipment funding, or workforce support—that are most critical to your vote? ## Google AI Mode Answer ID: 3784016a-7e09-4839-af89-a133efd58bb1 Ahead of the 2026 New Zealand general election, political parties offer contrasting approaches to disability support funding, eligibility criteria, and individual choice. For renters relying on accessible transport and community-based support to live independently, understanding these differing philosophies can help guide your vote. 1\. New Zealand Labour Party * * **Funding & Approach:** Takes a rights-based, equity-focused approach aligned with the _Enabling Good Lives_ principles and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). [Disability Responsiveness New Zealand] * **Legislation & Choice:** Has committed to repealing the current government's recently passed/proposed disability support legislation, arguing that it grants ministers too much central control over access and eligibility rather than protecting self-determination. * **Independence:** Advocates for individualised funding models that give disabled people direct choice and control over their packages, though advocates note that past implementation still faced hurdles regarding nationally consistent local support. [Disability Responsiveness New Zealand] * 2\. New Zealand National Party (Incumbent / Government Approach) * * **Funding & Approach:** Does not have a dedicated standalone 2026 disability manifesto, but frames its approach around financial stabilization of Disability Support Services (DSS) and operational consistency. * **Legislation & Choice:** Following significant community backlash over funding limits and changes introduced earlier in the parliamentary term, the government adjusted course to restore some funding flexibilities. Their approach emphasizes fiscal sustainability while aiming to give disabled people structured choice over funding. [The Spinoff] * **Independence:** Critics (including Labour and disability sector groups) argue that recent legislative frameworks risk concentrating ministerial power over who qualifies for support, whereas National highlights a multi-year injection of funding to secure baseline services. [The Spinoff] * 3\. Green Party * * **Funding & Approach:** Promotes a comprehensive, rights-based disability framework explicitly grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. * **Legislation & Choice:** Promises legally enforceable accessibility standards across public and private infrastructure, including universal design standards for housing to improve the availability of accessible rental homes. * **Independence & Support:** Advocates for timely, easily accessible income support designed to cover all disability-related medical and living costs unconditionally (independent of relationship status or the origin of the impairment). They also place a strong emphasis on accessible public transport and community housing options. * 4\. The Opportunities Party (TOP) * * **Funding & Approach:** Proposes a major structural overhaul of the welfare system via a Universal Basic Income (UBI) of up to $370 a week for all New Zealanders over 18, which would replace benefits like the Supported Living Payment. * **Eligibility & Choice:** Pairs the UBI with a universal disability allowance (projected around $6,000 annually) alongside needs-based top-ups. * **Independence:** TOP maintains that this universal model would sit alongside—rather than replace—targeted disability funding required for specific high-cost needs, such as specialized transport or assistive technology. [The Spinoff] * 5\. ACT Party, New Zealand First, and Te Pāti Māori * * **ACT:** Focuses heavily on broader fiscal restraint and government spending reduction, with an emphasis on tight fiscal control over public sector budgets, which disability advocates view cautiously regarding the future scope of support spending. * **New Zealand First:** Does not feature a prominent, distinct standalone disability policy platform for 2026, generally aligning with coalition or conservative fiscal parameters while prioritizing general economic management. * **Te Pāti Māori:** Emphasizes broader equity, whānau-centered social service delivery, and rights protections, though they lack a detailed standalone disability manifesto for this cycle. * * * * Key Questions to Ask Local Candidates When deciding how to cast your vote regarding your independent living and renting situation, consider asking local candidates: 1. _Will your party commit to protecting or expanding individualised funding (like Enabling Good Lives) so I can directly choose my support workers and services?_ 2. _How will your party ensure that accessible housing and transport are prioritized so I can remain safely in the rental market?_ 3. _What is your stance on reforming or repealing recent disability legislation to ensure decisions about my life remain under my own control rather than centralized bureaucracy?_ You can check broader organizational evaluations, such as the Disabled Persons Assembly NZ Scorecard, for a granular breakdown of how individual parties respond to specific community accountability questions. [Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA)] ## AI Overviews Answer ID: 23c5971b-dd05-46fc-8b6f-572601160ee2 For the **2026 New Zealand General Election** , disability support, independent living, and funding constraints are major areas of debate following recent legislative reforms. How the major political parties approach funding, eligibility, and individual choice differs significantly based on their ideological platforms. Summary of Party Positions on Disability Support Political Party| Funding & System Stability| Eligibility & Assessments| Individual Choice & Control ---|---|---|--- **National Party**| Focuses on **financial stability** of the Disability Support Services (DSS) system. Not considering restoring the disestablished Lottery Individuals with Disabilities Committee.| Introduced a **consistent, nationwide assessment** process in February 2026 to address regional imbalances.| **Eased some purchasing restrictions** on flexible funding in March 2026, though spending remains within strict set budgets. **Labour Party**| Deeply committed to system-wide support. Pledged a **$4/hour wage increase** for care workers by 2027 to address the sector workforce shortage.| Has pledged to **repeal and rebuild** current disability support legislation in partnership with disabled people.| Emphasizes **rights-based frameworks** and restoring flexible funding parameters with full user consultation. **Green Party**| Supports **higher income support** and easily accessible funding to meet all medical and living costs.| Pledged to **repeal the Disability Support Services Bill** and establish enforceable universal design standards for public and private housing.| Strongly champions the **most explicit rights-based platform** , maximizing individual autonomy, independent living, and caregiver support. **ACT Party**| Advocates for **smaller government** and targeted services based on individual financial need.| Rejects broader rights-based platforms in favor of tightly managed, **need-based targeted service delivery**.| Favors **direct, individualized funding models** that cut down administrative bureaucracy. **New Zealand First**| Focuses on broader economic health and productivity to support the welfare state long term.| Addresses disability support **indirectly through health and senior care** policies rather than a standalone framework.| Supported the introduction of an **Accessibility Standards Bill** to improve structural access, including transport. * * * Key Issues Impacting Renters and Mobility Impaired Voters * **Individual Choice & Flexible Funding:** Following strict limitations imposed on flexible funding, the **National** -led government moved to ease some purchasing constraints while retaining hard caps on individual allocations. Left-leaning parties like **Labour** and the **Greens** argue that true choice requires an expanded, fully funded budget and have pledged to repeal recent legislative caps. * **Accessible Transport & Housing:** **New Zealand First** and the **Greens** have focused heavily on legislative requirements for accessible physical infrastructure. The **Greens** explicitly plan to implement universal design mandates to address the low percentage of accessible rental housing in New Zealand. * **The Support Workforce:** While you may receive allocated hours, finding support workers remains a challenge. **Labour** and the **Greens** are emphasizing pay equity settlements and guaranteed wage bumps to ensure staff are available to help you maintain independent living. To help narrow down your options, let me know if you would like to explore **how a specific party plans to reform the Supported Living Payment** , or if you want more details on **voting accessibility options** (such as telephone dictation or accessible polling venues) for November 7th.