NZ Code of Practice 2021-22

Central to the Treaty partnership and the implementation of Treaty principles is a common understanding that strategies for Māori disabled learners associated with the tools and resources in this Kia Ōrite Toolkit are to be developed and implemented in partnership with Māori disabled learners and their support networks.

Support networks include family, whānau and community supports such as Māori tertiary staff, Māori tauira associations, iwi and other community networks. Partnership should occur in good faith with mutual respect, co-operation and trust.

The 2013 New Zealand disability survey showed that 26% of Māori live with an impairment of some kind. This is the highest rate for any cultural group in New Zealand, despite an overall young age profile. Māori are more likely to have impairments and Māori have higher disability rates in all age groups compared to other ethnic groups.

Overall, disabled Māori are less likely to be employed or gain qualifications by a significant margin when compared to non-disabled people. Outcomes for Māori disabled people are much worse than those for other cultural groups, according to 2013 statistics.¹

The Kia Ōrite Toolkit is a living document intended to be used collaboratively by learners and tauira of the ethnicities and cultures in Aotearoa New Zealand and their tertiary providers.

It is essential that all tertiary education providers actively consult with Māori disabled learners and their support networks as they develop and implement their DAP with this toolkit.