Independent Living

12/02/2026

February update on improvements to assessment, allocation and flexible funding.

Disability Support Services (DSS) earlier this week released this video update about the delivery of the first stage of improvements to the way DSS funds supports for disabled people, families, whānau and carers.

Changes are coming into effect in February and April.

The video includes NZSL. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Yu012Vy8I

Subscribe to the DSS newsletter for future updates: https://mailchi.mp/comms.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/um4rpdsxc1

This update is about delivering the first stage of the changes announced in September - and what it means for disabled people, families, whānau and carers.

10/02/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’re grateful for long-term customers like Wendy.

“I have dealt with Independent Living Charitable Trust for years. Excellent service and great products. Very quick online service. Thank you.”
— Wendy A, 2026

Thank you for trusting Independent Living. Your support means a great deal to our team. Shop our online store here: https://ilsnz.org/

02/02/2026

♿️ Accessible transport and parking at Waitangi Treaty Grounds (5–6 February)

Our friends at The D List NZ have shared a really helpful access guide for anyone planning to attend events at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds this weekend.

Free accessible shuttles have been organised by Te Ao Mārama Aotearoa and Parafed Northland, running from 9.30am–3.30pm on both Thursday 5 February and Friday 6 February.

Shuttles operate from:
🚐 Bledisloe Domain
🚐 Waitangi Golf Course

Drop-off points:
📍 Waka Gate (both days)
📍 Hobson Memorial Gate (Friday only)

Other helpful info:
🛺 Golf carts are available for those who can access them
🅿️ Free parking at Bledisloe Domain (near Haruru Falls)
♿ Wheelchair users are recommended to park at Waitangi Golf Course
⚠️ Both carparks have grass and gravel surfaces

For accessibility queries, contact:
📞 Patti Poa — 021 295 9307

Full guide from The D List NZ here:
🔗 https://thedlist.co.nz/newsfeed/access-guide-what-to-expect-at-waitangi-this-year/

Thank you to The D List NZ for pulling this together.

Be prepared for big crowds, golf cart rides and great vibes if you’re heading to Waitangi next week.

02/02/2026

Independent Living Charitable Trust is expanding its reach into the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel, launching a new powered mobility service that delivers expert support directly to people in their homes and communities.

The service is led by Gary Darkes, a trusted powered mobility specialist with more than 30 years’ experience supporting people across these regions. Gary is well known to occupational therapists and health professionals for his practical, person-centred approach and strong understanding of how powered mobility fits into everyday life.

Appointments for at-home consultations or community presentations are available now by contacting Gary directly: 📧 gary@ilsnz.org or 021 450 862

Read the full announcement here: https://ilsnz.org/blogs/news/mobility-support-waikato-bop-coromandel

01/02/2026

We’ve been contacted by a local real estate agent about a property for sale in Avondale that may be of interest to members of our community or networks.

This is a single-level home in the Avondale Gardens Lifestyle Village, intended for people aged 45+ or those with physical disabilities.

Independent Living does not usually engage in real estate sales or represent the seller. However, fully accessible housing opportunities of this kind are extremely rare in Auckland, and we know how desperately needed they are for people who want to live with dignity, independence and security.

See the listing here:

Our seller requires an urgent sale and invites ALL OFFERS to be presented. Located within the sought after Avondale Gardens Lifestyle Village, this inviting brick and tile home offers a peaceful, secure, and low maintenance lifestyle. It provides… Listed by Spectre Realty Limited Licensed (REAA…

28/01/2026

A key driver of happiness as we age is the ability to retain our freedom to do the things we love. Independent Living Charitable Trust are the experts on helping you retain your mobility for everyday tasks through daily living habits and Assisted Living Products.

Read our our Top Tips for staying mobile:

A key driver of happiness as we age is the ability to retain our freedom to do the things we love. Independent Living Charitable Trust are the experts on helping you retain your mobility for everyday tasks

26/01/2026

Have your say: Assistive Technology and Total Mobility Scheme surveys.

Currently, The Ministry of Transport and Intopia are both trying to understand how they can best meet the needs of those with disabilities or mobility concerns.

These two separate surveys allow you to have your say and make an impact. If this sounds like you or someone you know, we encourage you to learn more.

We also have information on a number of other surveys for you to view on our website. See more here:

Independent Living supports the work of these organisations to understand how they (and other service providers) can best meet the needs of those with disabilities or mobility concerns. We encourage you to answer any survey relevant to you.

21/01/2026

Auckland Anniversary and Waitangi Day store hours

Independent Living stores are closed on Auckland Anniversary (Monday 26th January) and Waitangi Day (Friday 6th February). We are open as per normal store hours all other days including Saturday 24th Jan and Saturday 7th Feb.

Thank you for your understanding.

20/01/2026

Safety on Scooters

Anyone can use a mobility scooter. You don’t need a driver’s license, and they’re not required to have a warrant of fitness or registration. You can just jump on and head out! But mobility scooters don’t offer the same physical protection as cars, so here are our top tips for maintaining safety when riding a mobility scooter.

If you are no longer able to drive or have difficulty walking longer distances, a mobility scooter may be an essential piece of equipment. Here's nine on scooter safety tips.

13/01/2026

Firstport have put together a searchable list of accessible places throughout the country.

The Accessible Places library is a great resource for finding venues and businesses across New Zealand that are designed to be inclusive and accessible for everyone.

A list of accessible Places to visit in New Zealand for our disabled community and their whānau.

07/01/2026

“Excellent Service” | Customer Reviews

Thanks to Wendy for leaving a fantastic 5 star review of Independent Living on our website. We love hearing from our customers about their experiences with us.

Head to our website: https://ilsnz.org/

05/01/2026

Have your say on assistive technology

Intopia has launched its Assistive Technology Survey 2025 to better understand how people in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia use and experience assistive technology.

If you are 18 or over and use assistive technology or adaptive strategies — or if you support others to use them — your insights can help inform policy, product design and accessibility innovation.

Your experience matters. Please consider taking part.
https://surveys.intopia.digital/assistive-technology-survey/