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Self Advocacy 

It takes courage to speak up for yourself, especially when talking with professionals at a hospital, school, or government office. But your voice is the most important one in the room. Self-advocacy is simply about making sure you are heard, and that your goals and needs are understood.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some gentle suggestions to guide you:

 

  • Be a partner in the process. Participate as much as you feel able to. Your perspective is unique and valuable.

  • Knowledge brings confidence. Take time to gather information so you feel comfortable with the choices you make.

  • Think about what you'd like to happen. Having a few simple goals in mind can help guide the conversation.

  • Use "I" statements to express your needs clearly (e.g., "I need to understand..." or "I would like...").

  • Bring someone you trust. A friend or family member can offer support and help you remember details later.

  • It’s okay to ask again. If you don't get a response, it is perfectly fine to ask to speak with someone else.

  • Putting it in writing can help. If you feel you weren’t heard, an email or letter can clearly state your concerns.

  • Keep your records together. A simple folder for letters, plans, and notes can make things much less stressful later on.

  • Jot things down. Taking notes in meetings and logging phone calls helps you keep track of your journey.

  • Ask for a written summary of any plan you agree to, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Making a Complaint

It takes courage to speak up for yourself, especially when talking with professionals at a hospital, school, or government office. But your voice is the most important one in the room. Self-advocacy is simply about making sure you are heard, and that your goals and needs are understood.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some gentle suggestions to guide you:

 

  • Right 1: The right to be treated with respect | Mana

  • Right 2: The right to fair treatment | Manaakitanga

  • Right 3: The right to dignity and independence | Tū rangatira Motuhake

  • Right 4: The right to appropriate standards | Tautikanga

  • Right 5: The right to effective communication | Whakawhitiwhitinga whakairo

  • Right 6: The right to be informed | Whakamōhio

  • Right 7: The right to choice and consent | Whakaritenga mōu ake

  • Right 8: The right to support | Tautoko

  • Right 9: Rights during teaching and research | Ako me te rangahau

  • Right 10: The right for your complaint to be taken seriously | Amuamu
     

More information can be found on the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) website, which includes some useful tips on making a complaint. www.hdc.org.nz

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  • Initial Discussion: Start by discussing your concerns directly with the person or organisation you have a complaint against.

  • Self-Advocacy Resources: The Health and Disability Commissioner's (HDC) website offers helpful self-advocacy tips, a sample letter, and a complaint form.

  • Advocacy Service: If you are not satisfied with the initial response, contact an Advocacy Service. For health or disability service concerns, an HDC Advocate is usually the best choice.

  • Director of Advocacy: If you remain unhappy after engaging with an Advocacy Service, you can make a direct complaint to the Director of Advocacy by emailing advocacy@hdc.org.nz.

  • Ministry Complaint: You also have the option to complain directly to the government Ministry providing the funding (e.g., ACC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education).

  • Human Rights Commission: If you believe your complaint involves discrimination, you can make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission.

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Ombudsman www.ombudsman.parliament.nz The Ombudsman's primary role is to investigate complaints against government agencies, but they have other important responsibilities as well.

Advocacy Services 

Several organisations in Aotearoa offer targeted advocacy services.

  • IHC — www.ihc.org.nz/advice-pages/standing-up-for-your-rights
    Advocacy for people with intellectual disability, including support to speak up for yourself.

  • Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) — www.hdc.org.nz
    Upholds the Health and Disability Consumers’ Code of Rights and provides independent advocacy for consumers wanting to complain about a health or disability service.

  • The Personal Advocacy Trust (PAT) — www.pasat.org.nz
    Nationwide, independent lifelong advocacy, plus paid short-term advocacy for specific issues.

  • People First New Zealand — www.peoplefirst.org.nz
    A self-advocacy organisation led and governed by people with learning (intellectual) disability.

  • CCS Disability Action — www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/disability-support
    Nationwide support and advocacy for disabled people.

  • Human Rights Commission — https://tikatangata.org.nz/human-rights-in-aotearoa
    Promotes and protects human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand and helps resolve discrimination disputes.

  • Community Law — https://communitylaw.org.nz
    Free legal information, advice, assistance, education, and representation; site includes factsheets, guides, and contacts for local centres.

  • YouthLaw (Tino Rangatiratanga Taitamariki) — https://youthlaw.co.nz
    A community law centre for children and young people nationwide, offering free legal services to under-25s who cannot access help elsewhere (and to those acting on their behalf).

  • Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) — www.caauckland.org.nz
    Nationwide information and advice; website includes guidance on complaints and disputes.

  • Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) — www.dpa.org.nz
    Umbrella body representing disabled people; provides information and advice.

  • Inclusive Education Action Group — https://ieag.org.nz
    Advocates for the right of all learners to inclusive education.

  • Nation Wide Health and Disability Services — https://advocacy.org.nz/
    Free, independent, confidential support to resolve issues with health and disability services.

  • Complex Care Group — https://www.complexcaregroup.org.nz/

    Support and information network, run by carers, for whānau raising young people with complex needs.

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