Ministerial thumbs-up for joined-up approach

Speaking at the Hutt Valley Disability Networking Forum in July, the Minister of Disability Issues, Tariana Turia, praised the joined-up approach taken by Upper Hutt and Hutt City to address the needs of people with disabilities and their families.

The forum was a response to a social priority identified during the recent Local Services Mapping (LSM) planning process in the Hutt Valley.

"In both the publication of the Hutt Valley Community Profile and specifically in this Hutt Valley Disability Networking Forum, the message is clear – working together, placing value on relationships and adopting a focus on sustainable, positive outcomes is the only way to go," the minister said.

She added that "our ambition must be to encourage ongoing conversations and communications which enable disabled persons every opportunity to enjoy full participation in their communities."

LSM is an example of community stakeholders working together in the best interest of their community. Currently, more than 45 districts throughout New Zealand are engaged in the LSM process to achieve specific social outcomes for their communities.

LSM is facilitated by the Ministry of Social Development's Family and Community Services.