4. LYNNE PILLAY (Labour—Waitakere) Link to this
to the Minister for Disability Issues
What reports has she received that recognise progress made in advancing the participation of disabled people across New Zealand society?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Disability Issues) Link to this
Earlier today I was honoured to receive the prestigious Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award from the Governor-General, on behalf of the Labour-led Government, and on behalf of all New Zealanders who have worked so hard towards the goal of full participation of disabled citizens. I have been told that for the first time in the history of the Roosevelt award there was no debate between committee members about which country should receive it. New Zealand stood out as the clear and unanimous choice. This recognises the extraordinary leadership that New Zealand has shown in this area.
How does the Roosevelt award recognise the role of the non-governmental sector in working towards an inclusive New Zealand?
Partnership with disabled people has been critical to delivering and implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy, which has been applauded through the Roosevelt award. I am therefore very pleased to say that part of the award is a US$50,000 grant to be given to an outstanding non-governmental disability organisation in our winning country. The Disabled Persons Assembly has been awarded this funding in order to promote the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a major, ongoing event in the lives of New Zealanders. It will also create a diversity action programme, using disabled people as teachers.