Spectrum Foundation

There’s a lot happening right now across the disability community in Aotearoa.

That’s why this kaupapa, led by Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA, matters.

Finding Common Ground is bringing disabled people, Deaf people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau, and carers together to shape a shared Declaration of Disabled People’s Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Not something written about people.
Something built with them.

Spectrum Foundation is proud to support this mahi.

👉 The first public survey is now open: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KZ6WNYP

It’s a chance to help shape what this declaration becomes and what it stands for. Please add your voice and share it with your village.

Finding Common Ground: Bringing Disabled voices together to build a Declaration of Disabled Peoples Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Happy Pink Shirt Day! 👚

This is our Head Office whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau. Across the motu, more of our teams and the people we support are marking the day in homes and services. We’ll share those pictures as soon as we have them.

Pink Shirt Day Aotearoa is about noticing bullying and doing something about it.

And for disabled people in Aotearoa, this matters. A lot.

Research shows disabled people experience bullying, victimisation, and violence at significantly higher rates than the general population. At school. At work. In everyday life.

So today isn’t just about wearing pink. It’s about paying attention. Today, tomorrow, and every day of the year.

Our tāngata whaikaha are already navigating a world that wasn’t built with them in mind. How we treat each other within it matters.

History can be forgotten.
Not because it lost its meaning, but because time moves.

This taonga, now brought back to life as a mural by our kaimahi Paula and Karen, carries the Te Wai Kahukura Atawhai emblem. A symbol gifted to Spectrum Care Trust through the Awhi Group many years ago. A group established to support the needs of Māori within the organisation and strengthen understanding across our people.

Its message is simple, but enduring: to blossom and nurture.

That kaupapa still lives here.

Last month, during the launch of our Whakamanawa programme, the mural was presented back to the organisation on behalf of the Awhi Group. A moment to remember where this mahi began, and the people who helped shape it.

Whakamanawa means to enable the heart. To inspire. To empower.

The programme will help our kaimahi build confidence in te ao Māori, tikanga, and everyday practice, deepening understanding and connection in the work we do.

This mural is a reminder that this kaupapa did not begin today.
It has been carried by many hands.

Ngā mihi to Paula and Karen for bringing this taonga forward again, and to the Awhi Group for helping ensure its story continues.