Disabilities Resource Centre

19/02/2026

New here? Kia ora and welcome!

We’re here for you and your whānau, and we’re 100% committed to making life easier for older people and people with disabilities across the Eastern & Western Bay.

Who are we?
We’re a big (and pretty awesome) team - from support workers out in the community every day, to our Home Care team, Vocational, Information services, Supported Independent Living (SIL) service, Brain Injury, COPD, and Post-Polio Support.
And of course, our Clinical, Admin crew and Leadership Team who keep everything connected and running smoothly.

📍 Where to find us
• Whakatāne Hub: 141 King Street
(Home to our leadership team, EBOP Home Care, Vocational, Information Service, SIL, Clinical and Admin teams)
• Mount Maunganui: 52 Girven Road
(Where our WBOP Home Care and Clinical teams are based)

📞 Get in touch
• Free call: 0800 227 363
• Email: information@drct.co.nz
• Website: www.drct.co.nz — with info on our services, plus helpful resources and fact sheets

Whether you are looking for support, information, or a great team to work with — we’ve got you.

15/02/2026

Did you know when you use a health or disability service in New Zealand, you have the protection of a Code of Rights?

The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers Rights provides the following 10 rights:

1) Respect – Mana
2) Fair Treatment – Manaakitanga
3) Dignity and independence – Tū rangatira motuhake
4) Appropriate standards – Tautikanga
5) Effective communication – Whakawhitiwhitinga Whakaaro
6) Information – Whakamōhio
7) Choice and consent – Whakaritenga mōu ake
8 ) Support – Tautoko
9) Rights during teaching and research – Ako me te rangahau
10) Your complaints taken seriously - Amuamu

The Health and Disability Commissioner have published a Tri-language poster – English, Te Reo Māori and NZSL. How awesome is that! Ka mau te wehi!

13/02/2026

Confused or concerned about the funding changes coming in April? Join us online on Wednesday 11 March at 10.00 am for a practical hui with Disability Support Services (DSS).

We are pleased to be joined by Alastair Hill, General Manager from DSS Transformation. who will talk through what the changes mean in real life, what is staying the same, and answer common questions.

✅ What the changes mean in practice
✅ What is changing and what is not
✅ Clearing up common misunderstandings
✅ How people with disabilities, whānau and carers can access supports

There will also be time for Q&A.

👉 Register now - Phone: 0800 227 363, send us a DM or email: information@drct.co.nz

12/02/2026

Emergency preparedness can feel scary, we get it.

But being prepared is not about fear… it is about peace of mind.

Small steps now = feeling safer later.

That is why our Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities booklet is designed to support people with physical, visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities to prepare for natural disasters.

Pick up your free copy from our office 141 King Street, Whakatāne or email: information@drct.co.nz for a pdf version.

08/02/2026

We’re excited to host Aotearoa Disability Law for two important, free community workshops on Wednesday 18 February – designed for tāngata whaikaha/people with disabilities, whānau, carers, disability and community support services.

These workshops are all about empowerment through knowledge and understanding how the law can support your rights, safety, and decision-making.

💙 Completely FREE to attend
📅 Wednesday 18 February 2026
⏰ Workshop one: 10 am to 1.00 pm and Workshop two: 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
📍 Knox Presbyterian Church, Domain Road, Whakatāne
🍽️ RSVP required for catering and limited spaces

You are welcome to attend one session or both. RSVP required for catering, phone Naomi our Information Services Co-ordinator 0800 227 363 or email information@drct.co.nz

04/02/2026

If you use the Total Mobility Scheme (or support someone who does), there are changes coming that you need to know about.

From July 2026, the subsidy will change. Currently in the Bay of Plenty the subsidy is 75%, which will change to 65% up to a maximum amount which will be confirmed.

We know transport is not a “nice to have”, it’s how people get to medical appointments, work, education, and community life. Changes like this can have real impacts.

That is why Ministry of Transport is asking for feedback.
Consultation is now open on proposals to strengthen the scheme and closes 22 March 2026. This is your chance to share, real experiences matter, your voice matters.

For more information visit: https://www.transport.govt.nz/consultations/proposals-to-strengthen-total-mobility?fbclid=IwY2xjawPbmMFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJTWhIUFFVM21NNjZaR3Y3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrWEYiS1HuVvGHmIVcB48u24YFhzkQXVQVYluIgKk26bhT0F7hOy0I4ezWGM_aem_e8R5ecSO0shjld5IdXQ0-Q

The Total Mobility scheme helps people with long-term impairments travel when they cannot use public transport on their own. It pays part of the cost for taxis and sometimes other transport, making it easier for users to meet daily needs and take part in their community.

01/02/2026

Check out our Vocational Programme 16-65 year olds

🛠 learning practical skills
🤝 making connections
💡 building confidence
🎯 working toward goals that matter to you

Small steps. Big wins.
You bring you — we’ll walk alongside.

For more information contact: Phone 0800 227 363 or Email community@drct.co.nz

29/01/2026

The Government is seeking input into a new Carers' Strategy Action Plan until 12 March. It's important for carers to help shape the Strategy, so it reflects their input and wishes.

Join Carers NZ for an online session for feedback. See below...

We have to have a say to shape what we want. Consultation isn't too sexy - but it drives progress and change. Carers showing up for last year's disability consultation convinced the Government to reintroduce and even expand funding flexibility. Now we need to show up again for our very own Carers' Strategy. Make time if you can, we'll be promoting the range of available workshops hosted by different networks. There are other ways to give input too ... the Government's short survey, or just sending a one line email submission. The consultation runs to 12 March. We'll be promoting your options in the coming weeks. For those who are a bit run down and don't want to see these consultation promotions, just snooze us for a month :) we understand!

26/01/2026

PSA: Mobility Parks

✔️ Permit = park
❌ No permit = keep driving

Mobility parks aren’t for shopping dashes, quick coffees, or “I’ll be back in a sec” moments. They are for access!

20/01/2026

We’re excited to host Aotearoa Disability Law for two important, free community workshops on Wednesday 18 February – designed for tāngta whaikaha/people with disabilities, whānau, carers, disability and community support services.
These workshops are all about empowerment through knowledge and understanding how the law can support your rights, safety, and decision-making.

💙 Completely FREE to attend
📅 Wednesday 18 February 2026
⏰ Workshop one: 10 am to 1.00 pm and Workshop two: 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
📍 Knox Presbyterian Church, Domain Road, Whakatāne
🍽️ RSVP required for catering and limited spaces

You are welcome to attend one session or both. RSVP required for catering, phone Naomi our Information Services Co-ordinator Phone: 0800 227 363 or Email: information@drct.co.nz

14/01/2026

💡 Quick Tip – Getting Ready for Health Appointments

Remember to ask for support if you need it. Your GP or specialist can refer you to services such as:

✔️ Home care support
✔️ Incontinence nurse
✔️ Disability or mobility equipment
✔️ Medical alarms

You don’t have to manage everything on your own, support is available, and referrals start with a simple conversation at your appointment.