Source: Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Pānui Special Edition
27 Here-turi-kōkā August 2026
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has launched a new set of resources to support more inclusive emergency preparedness, response and recovery across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Developed in collaboration with disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori, the resources are designed to guide conversations among disabled people, whānau, communities, emergency management agencies, councils and service providers about what inclusive emergency management looks like in practice and how Te Tiriti and human rights help us get there.
The set of resources include:
- An animated video encouraging conversations about inclusive emergency management.
- A Call to Action Conversation Guide in English and te Reo Māori, which sets out how a Te Tiriti and human rights approach in emergency management leads to a stronger and fairer system we can all rely on.
- A Call to Action Evidence Guide, which provides specific recommendations and provides more detailed evidence about the effectiveness of an inclusive and participatory approach.
- A case study about the community of Whirinaki in Hokianga, which illustrates positive results of an inclusive, hapū-led approach.
- Accessible formats include Braille, large print, Easy Read, audio and NZSL.
Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker says inclusive emergency management is a human rights issue and requires systems to recognise tangata whenua and disabled people as rights-holders, leaders, experts and decision-makers.
“Emergencies can expose and intensify barriers that already exist. These resources support communities and emergency management organisations to remove those barriers, uphold dignity and mana, and make sure disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are actively involved in planning before, during and after emergencies,” said Walker.
The Commission is encouraging emergency management agencies, councils, community organisations and service providers to actively engage with disabled people and use the resources to guide preparedness conversations, hui, workshops, staff meetings and local planning processes and to share them in their networks.
Everyone can contribute to building a stronger emergency management system that considers, plans for and responds to our diverse needs.
Share the resources and let your local emergency management agencies and councils know that inclusive approaches are important to you.