Janine welcomed everybody to the first Online Update for 2024!

IHC and Accessible Properties Resignations                                                                                            

You would all have received an email last week from Tony Shaw, IHC Board Chair, advising Ralph Jones, IHC Group’s Chief Executive is retiring (not resigning) which will take effect on 30 September 2024.  IHC is commencing the process for a replacement and will appoint a specialist recruitment firm to lead the search.  The recruitment process will be quite intense.

Strategically from a business perspective, everything continues as is.  A new Chief Executive would likely spend the first six months looking at the current structure, get to know the organisation and meet with people.  It will be important for the new Chief Executive to have a clear understanding of not only IHC membership but also the Associations and the spending of fundraising monies in our communities. 

There is some speculation as to whether anybody internally will be applying for the Chief Executive position.

Accessible Properties Chief Executive, Greg Orchard has also resigned and will be finishing the end of June 2024.  Recruitment is also underway for a new Chief Executive with an Auckland based recruitment company.

IHC Board Update

The main topic for discussion was the resignations of both Ralph and Greg along with the confirmed date and venue for the IHC AGM.  The IHC AGM will be held in Wellington on Friday 1 November 2024 and will be a hybrid event, with people attending in person and having people join online.  Further details about the AGM will follow in due course.

Online Update Meetings

We know the current online update time of 12pm on the last Wednesday of the month doesn’t suit everybody so we thought we would put some feelers out as to the best time.  Danette will send email out via Doodle over the next week or so with some options for times and dates.  The time and date with the majority of votes would be the new trial time.

Orientation / Refresher for Association Chairs

Due to the lack of interest from Association Chairs in attending an Association Orientation / refresher at National Office, we are looking at a different way of sharing the information with you.  We are trying to meet the needs of everybody, but it’s a bit difficult so we are thinking one online session per fortnight relating to specific topic(s) – Association Portal, financial accounts, Association AGM requirements etc.  These sessions could be recorded and made available on the Association Portal so they can be watched at a later date.  These sessions would suit new Association Chairs and those that might like a refresher.  The sessions would be 30 to 45 minutes in length and we would try to schedule the sessions at different times for people to attend, however for those that were unable to attend, they could view the sessions online at a time that suits.

Association Expenses

Just a reminder that Associations can’t purchase and pay for alcohol using their Association Debit Cards without having the Chief Executive’s prior approval.  This includes purchasing alcohol for events, including Christmas events or Association celebrations.  If you would like to purchase alcohol for events, please contact Danette and she can obtain the necessary approval(s) for you.

Member Council

The first Member Council meeting for the year will be on Wednesday 19 March 2024.  Anne Gilbert has resigned from the Member Council and IHC will start the recruitment process over the coming months.  The Member Council will be looking for a minimum of one new Member Council member followed by two Self Advocates. 

We need to remind IHC members that the Member Council is there to support all members and not just the small portion of members associated with Committees. 

Association Administration Support

A reminder to Associations that IHC pays for ten hours of Association Administration Support per month.  The Associations can choose how they use the support, for example:

1.              Administrative duties – including the typing of minutes.

2.              Treasurer duties.

3.              Assistance with events.

Associations can have Administration Support for more than ten hours per fortnight, however this would be at the expense of the Association. 

If your Association is interested in Administration Support, please contact Danette.

Awhi Community (Family Response Fund)

An independent donor who has a sibling with an intellectual disability and realises the struggles families have at times, donated funding towards a family response fund; Awhi Community.   Awhi Community aims to support vulnerable individuals or families when they reach crisis point by having funding ready and available.  The programme allows for flexibility to meet the evolving needs of individuals or families who have children with an intellectual disability.   

Individuals or families can be recommended for support via IHC’s Associations, Family Whanau Liaisons, Volunteer Coordinators, Awhi Nga Matua, IHC Library or the Advocacy team etc.   Dependency is actively avoided by working with the family to ensure they access the long term supports and benefits they qualify for.

For an example we have assisted a mum with double bunk beds for her two children.  Not only was mum struggling with eh day to day of being a sole caregiver, sleeping problems and incontinency, the family were all sharing one bed.  Awhi Community provided purchased double bunk beds and mattresses so the young children could have their own space.  Not only were the children incredibly excited by this, but it has provided them with their much needed own space.

Further information can be found using the link below (this will also be added to the new Association Portal):

https://ihcnewzealand.eventsair.com/awhi-community---family-response-fund

Association Portal

Danette is currently working on a new Association Portal.  This will hopefully be up and running mid to late March 2024. 

75 Year Celebrations

National Office is leveraging off a number of events this year to celebrate IHC turning 75.  We will be hosting events around the following:

1. Art Awards.
2. Capture the moment photography competition.
3. IHC AGM.
4. Kapa Haka festival.

We have also commissioned a Christchurch photographer to curate a new exhibition celebrating 75 years of IHC over the decades.  This will exhibit in Wellington for four weeks from mid October to mid November and those attending the IHC AGM will have an opportunity to view this.  The exhibition will not only feature images but also memorabilia, video, interviews and stories etc.  We are also hoping to have an “electronic” version of the exhibition available online.

You would have received an email from Danette last week with the 75 year logo, this can be added to your email when sending Association related emails.  The Communications team is also working on an invitation which we will share with you (and added to the Portal) to use for your 75^th celebrations. 

Associations should start planning their 75 year celebrations – maybe look to host all events in October (when IHC turns 75) – this would also align with your Association AGMs (to be held before 31 October)?  The events are also an opportunity to reach out to some of your longer term members to ask them for their stories, the sharing of photos etc.  If you do you require historical information at all, the IHC Library can assist with this.  Danette is also available to assist with any of your event requirements.

The Communications team is working on an invitation template for Associations, this is to use for your 75 event celebrations.  You will be able to add the text etc you require.  This will be uploaded to the Association Portal when it becomes available. 

Just a reminder also that Dame Denise L’Estrange-Corbet is available to attend your events.  If you would like her attendance at anything, please email Danette with all the details.   

Sibling Events

We are looking to partner with other organisations, Parent to Parent, New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA), Carers NZ and Volunteer Student Army to facilitate / host events and / or camps for siblings. 

Siblings of people with intellectual disabilities are often later in life, guardians for their brother or sister so it’s important to support this group.  Janine was stopped in the street recently, where a mum advised how her daughter’s life had changed and the direction her life had taken by attending a sibling camp Janine has a leadership role in.  We need to be connecting with generation of people and want them to be interested in supporting IHC.

Danette is leading the project and to date we are looking at funding eight siblings workshops across the country with Parent to Parent facilitating these.  The workshops are day events with activities, four of which will be attended by the just the sibling and the remaining four workshops with the sibling and their brother or sister.  We are also looking to fund sibling leadership workshops as well as two sibling camps.

Research has proven very positive where siblings engage together.  After 12 months of supporting the sibling programme, we would look to get a Better Impact report done.

Questions

Lynne asked what should our formal “relationship” be with NGOs / Special Olympics, Sailability or RDA? 

Reason being is that Special Olympics, have set up their own branch in the Mana area where a lot of the people we support have been attending.  As this new branch has closed their enrolments, people leaving school / college will have to secure individual funding to participate in the activities or not participate at all.  Post COVID and with changes in day services, funding is drying up, with some areas having very little access to funding and some areas having more than ever.  In other areas, individuals are setting up services and contracting themselves to providers.

IHC doesn’t have a national strategy as an organisation to what organisations / providers we support or why.  In the last financial year, Associations spent just under $1 million supporting 55 other organisations / providers (Special Olympics, Riding for the Disabled etc) with Association donations.  More and more families and / or other organisations / providers will and are looking to IHC for funding.

There are large areas and groups of families throughout the country that aren’t supported by Associations, how do we support them?  What are other ways of connecting with families in these areas?

Date of next meeting is to be confirmed.

It is with considerable regret I am advising that I have received Greg’s notice of resignation.

Greg has decided that the end of June is the right time to step out of his role as Chief Executive for Accessible Properties to pursue other endeavours, and for someone else to take the organisation forward.

Greg’s involvement with Accessible Properties started soon after its establishment, initially as an advisor, then an independent director, and finally taking on the role as our inaugural Chief Executive in 2017, leading the business following the successful purchase of the Tauranga portfolio.  He has been instrumental in our significant growth and success. Thanks to Greg’s superb leadership the organisation is in a strong financial position with a great team and strong culture.  The recent successful negotiation of the “case for change” has been a significant milestone of Greg’s time with Accessible Properties and leaves us positioned well for the future.  In addition to his role with Accessible Properties, Greg has contributed more broadly to the success of IHC as part of the IHC Executive Group, and as a member of both the IHC Group Audit and Risk Committees.

In recent months Greg has led discussions with the Board regarding our refreshed strategy, providing Accessible Properties with the opportunity to grow and deliver better assets and services. This strategy, together with a plan for a more deliberate and consistent way of working, has recently been approved by the board. The completion of this workstream will provide a greater focus on improving the quality of housing and care for our tenants as we continue creating places to belong and thrive.  The board believes what is proposed is the right thing to do and has asked that Greg and his leadership team maintain their focus on getting the organisation ready by 1 July.

We will make sure there is an opportunity for us to say goodbye and thanks before he leaves.

Andrew Evans
Accessible Properties Board Chair

Retirement of Ralph Jones, IHC Group Chief Executive

It is with a degree of sadness that I am advising you that Ralph Jones, IHC Group Chief Executive has given notice of his retirement to take effect on 30 September 2024. Ralph put Suzanne Win (Chair, IDEA Services Limited) and me on notice some time ago that he would be retiring in 2024, so his departure later this year was expected.

Ralph has had a long and distinguished career with the organisation having worked for IHC for over 33 years in various roles including General Manager Corporate Services / Chief Financial Officer, General Manager Disability Services in the Northern / Midland Regions, General Manager Human Resources, and Area Manager of the Wellington Branch. He has been IHC’s Group Chief Executive for the past 22 years and served as a Director of the IHC Board and its subsidiary companies over much of that time. Ralph is a past Trustee of the IHC Foundation and served on various international boards such as Secretary General of Inclusion International and Director of Workability International.

In my view (one that is shared I believe by all the Directors of Accessible Properties, IDEA Services and IHC), Ralph has been a wonderful Chief Executive of the organisation. His skills, experience, knowledge of the sector and above all his commitment to the philosophy and objectives of IHC are second to none. It will not be easy to find someone able to fill Ralph's shoes.

We are commencing the process to appoint a replacement. We will appoint a specialist recruitment firm to lead the search, and will consult widely with members, families, and people we support as part of the process.

In due course we will be farewelling Ralph in a manner that provides a wide cross-section of members an opportunity to farewell him.

Ngā mihi

Tony Shaw
Chair, IHC New Zealand Inc.

New prize for art studios

We are delighted to announce that The Holdsworth Charitable Trust is sponsoring a new prize for art studios this year.

‍(The definition of studio can be found in the Scholarship Terms and Conditions on the IHC website).

The other prizes, for first, second, third and the L’affare People’s Choice Award, are unchanged.

Studios can submit up to three artworks by different artists for The Holdsworth Charitable Trust Award. Any one of the three artworks submitted will also be eligible for first, second or third place in the L’affare People’s Choice Award winner.

The prize money is $5,000, and will go to the winning studio and not to the artists. It can be used at the studio’s discretion for materials, equipment or a contribution towards additional tutor salaries. 

30,000 miles from Auckland, New Zealand to Cork, Ireland on a Suzuki DR650. "Come Ride Across the World with Ray Urlich."

Join Ray on his epic road trip on his Suzuki motorbike from New Zealand to Ireland while raising money for IHC.   Ray is kicking off his trip on 1 March 2024.  For further information and to track Ray on his journey, please click any of the links below:   

Website  www.2wheels2everywhere.com 

YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@2wheels2everywhere22 

Jim Callaghan, Northland

Cindy Carson, Mid-Northland

Anna Wong, Auckland Central

Tiare Ahsin, South East Auckland

After days of pushing for a reassessment with NASC, a solo mum in South Auckland was able to double the amount of carer support subsidy she received, with the added bonus of having a chosen family member as their paid carer support.

Support letters, a very determined mum, good preparation with the family and the ability to share my own knowledge, meant this mum was able to provide an undeniably good case to the assessor. Mum is super happy and looking forward to getting back into employment as soon as the right job comes up.

Suzanne Downes, Levin

Donna Higgs-Herrick, Christchurch

Janine welcomed those attending to the last online update for the year.

It’s a hive of activity out in your communities with Associations purchasing Christmas hampers and organising events for people we support and those in your communities.  It’s great to see so many of you are working closely with your local IDEA Services offices. 

IHC AGM and Association Forum

The notes from the two Association Forum workshops prior the IHC AGM (Association activities and briefing to an incoming Government) will be circulated and will be available on the Association Portal later this week.  Please click here to read them.

Corporate Services are in the process of better categorising the coding for your banking and expenses so we can better see where your monies are being spent, both across Associations and the organisation.

This will also provide information on how things can be better supported.  We have received some funding to help support families in crisis which might alleviate some of the requests you might be receiving from Family Whanau Liaisons.

The messages for the incoming Government are being compiled by Tania Thomas.  While there were no surprises, its apparent people require further clarity around the role of Whaikaha.

Association Annual Plan and Information

It was recommended in the Association and Member Council Review, that an Annual Plan and Budget be developed and implemented for Associations so performance against the plan can be reportedly annually at your Association AGMs.

We have developed this, which Danette will circulate with these notes as well as pop this on the Association Portal under the resources tab.  Please click the links below to access these:

Association Yearly Work Plan Budget Information Sheet

Association Work Plan

Ideally, you would take this form to your first Association meeting in the New Year and prepare a calendar of events and budget and continue to add to this at each of your meetings throughout the year.  You can this use this to report on your events at your AGM.

Association Forum

We are looking to host an Association Forum for hopefully both new and current Association Chairs in March 2024.  We don’t have either a date or a venue yet, but we will keep you advised in the New Year. 

This will primarily be an orientation to new Association Chairs but could be used as a refresher for current Chairs as well.

Carolyn Pope, IHC Programmes Administration

Some of you may have noticed Carolyn isn’t online taking notes today, unfortunately Carolyn has left IHC for a new, exciting, and better paying position.  We will be recruiting for a replacement in the New Year but if you have any queries in the interim, please contact Danette.

IHC Media and Whaikaha

I know not all of you keep your eye on the media but there are some people out there that tend to notice when things are happening.  Recently (same day as the IHC AGM), Whaikaha released their report on IHC’s complaints processes, and we received some negative media in the New Zealand Herald.

Historically, when IHC has been in the media, people would contact us and cancel their donations but now we find its staff that are most effected, and it’s not great for staff morale, staff take it personally and feel saddened by accusations made. 

If you, your members or if anybody is asking about the media and / or Whaikaha or require some clarification, please contact us and we can provide an update(s) or pass it on to the Communications team.

The Member Council will discuss at their March 2024 meeting if there is any benefit to sharing any links with Association Chairs and Committee members to media stories, if and when they come out.

New Association Portal

The new Association Portal is underway and will be rolled out in the New Year.  This will contain the current information but also the Association Handbook.

It’s also an opportunity for you to let us know what you need to have on the Portal.

Just a reminder that you don’t require a login or password to access the Portal, you just need to save the link below in your favourites:

https://ihcnewzealand.eventsair.com/ihc-associations

Association Online Updates

The first online update for 2024 is Wednesday 28 February.  Danette will send out a calendar entry for this in the New Year.

At this meeting, we can discuss the timing of these and if they continue to suit.

Member Council members will also look to start facilitating these updates again.

National Office Christmas Closure

IHC National Office will be closing from midday on Friday 22 December and reopen on Monday 8 January 2024.

Sometimes, things come up; emergency advocacy issues, a family might be in crisis or funds are required quickly, anything that needs addressing urgently, please contact Janine over the festive season should anything come up.

Danette will be on leave from Monday 18 December 2023 and returning to the office on Wednesday 10 January 2024.  If you require assistance from Danette prior to Christmas, please ensure you get your requests in as early as possible.

General

IHC Board Meeting

There is an IHC Board meeting next week where pretty comprehensive updates from the Member Council and Programmes team, including Advocacy will be presented.

Benefit Update

There has been very little response from Whaikaha regarding the benefit update.  We will continue to progress with this in the New Year but may look at taking a different approach with the Human Rights Commission or the Ombudsman.

Interviews and Timelines

Interviews are currently happening for the timelines.  We’ve recently had interviews take place in Waikato South and we’ve got some great stories.  Rangiora is next on the list.  Remember if you have characters in your community or people we don’t know, we would love to hear their stories.  If you could let us know their names, some background information and a contact number or email address, we can contact them and follow up.

Self Advocacy Hui

Geoffrey from the Cornwall – South East Auckland Association advised they are hosting a hui for Self Advocates tomorrow, Thursday 30 November 2024.

Association Facebook Page

Annette advised she thought the workshop at the AGM was a great way for Associations to discuss what they were all doing but thought it would be a great opportunity for Associations to also upload images of the events they are hosting to the Association Facebook page.   This is a great way for people to see what you are doing.  You can upload details about your events, images and perhaps your contact details so if people have any queries, they can contact you for further information.

Just a reminder that all Association Chairs and Committee members can request to join the Association Facebook page – you just need to be a current paid member to have access.  You don’t need to have a Facebook page, you can just join the Association page.  The link is:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1054672108753575

Rangitikei

Sharlene advised that several people from the Ohakea based Air Force came and cleaned out the exterior of one of the properties in the Rangitikei area.  The house residents thoroughly enjoyed watching them from their windows.

Stay safe over the festive season, take care and Merry Christmas to you all.

The next meeting will be 12pm on Wednesday 28 February 2024.

Family Care Magazine has a new issue out.  

To refresh your memory or if you are new to it – it is a gentle and uplifting read  for families who are caring for loved ones and those who are self carers. It is all free and NZ Carers are happy to supply copies to you for distribution amongst your networks. Please let me know how many copies you require and your best postal address and I can let them know.  

Please click here to read the digital versions of the magazine. 

Kia ora tātou

It was great to be able to see so many of you at the AGM in Wellington at the end of October. We had a great day and some great discussions.

We began the day discussing the review of the Member Council and Associations and heard about the process that had brought the working group to recommend the remits you all received.

We then discussed pressing issues to highlight for the new government. Suggestions included the new Ministry of Disabled People, Whaikaha, needing to be more than philosophical and be adequately resourced to properly fund what’s needed for a good life and address inequities.

In our afternoon session, Associations shared what they had been doing in the past year so that others could grab good ideas to try in their own communities, including a long list of events and partnerships with local schools and community organisations.

We had a strong attendance at the AGM itself and after opening the meeting we held a minute’s silence to remember those who had passed away during the year.

In my Annual Report I highlighted the economic and workforce pressures we were under with an organisation still dealing with the fallout of COVID-19 and weather events. I also talked about looking closely at the Member Council and Associations and acknowledged the hard work on this and our general business throughout the year.

Ralph Jones’ Chief Executive update looked to the future with broadening our support activities under Enabling Good Lives through Choices NZ and IDEA Services and executing our strategic priorities. He noted the importance of continuing to pursue service development that is modern, fit for purpose and meets the needs of an aging population, more complex disability issues and an increasing demand for people with autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. In our properties he talked about applying more resources to improving our homes and the work done to bring the conditions of our Accessible Properties contract in Tauranga more fairly in line with our competitors. He said the IHC Programmes team were focused on donor acquisition, building capacity in advocacy, telling good stories about how charitable money is spent and, of course, the direction and future of membership. Ralph also talked about our corporate services and the ongoing work of meeting the demands of the business for compliance, recruitment and financial stewardship but also talked about new initiatives and one-offs such as the new IHC Media platform and payments under the Holidays Act.

Euan Wright, our Chair of the Audit Committee talked about the strong performance of fundraising but that workforce shortages had been a driver in the IHC Group recording a surplus for the year. He also noted that IDEA Services funding increases from Whaikaha had been welcome but had not reached a level where subsidy from IHC, including some of the annual Accessible Properties dividend, were not required.

Naturally, Mark Campbell, Chair of the Risk Committee also highlighted the impact of workforce shortages and also talked about the complexity of balancing compliance and health and safety obligations with an individual’s right to make their own choices.

Lynne Renouf, Chair of the Member Council, keenly spoke of her involvement in the working groups looking at the Member Council and Associations and particularly highlighted the Member Council’s intention to work more closely with services and champion self-advocacy. Lynne also talked about the fact that, more often than not, caring for a person with an intellectual disability is a lonely business and too many people are doing it solo with only a little support. She said that’s why IHC is so important as it heads into its 75th year in 2024 and that she hopes those who paved the way can still feel proud that this organisation is still strong.

We then went through each remit recommended from the working group and answered questions. It was resolved that the Constitution Rules are amended as per the remits as below:

• That Rule 15.2 be changed from “The Member Council shall comprise of no fewer than eight (8) and no more than twelve (12) members” to “The Member Council shall comprise of no fewer than eight (8) and no more than twelve (12) members, of which two (2) members shall be people with an intellectual disability.”
• That Rule 16.3.3, be changed from “Undertaking local fundraising projects and deciding how the proceeds will be applied” to “Undertaking local fundraising projects”.
• That Rule 16.3.5 “Monitoring service quality through contribution to the area’s audit programme and receiving reports on action taken in consequence of such monitoring” be removed.
• That with the removal of Rule 16.3.5, Rule 16.3.6 “Promoting and supporting the activities of Self-Advocates” be renumbered to Rule 16.3.5.
• That an additional Rule 11.2 be included that states: “General Meetings may be held by those participating:

• 11.2.1 being assembled together at the time and place appointed for the meeting; or
• 11.2.2 by means of audio, audio and visual, or electronic communication; or
• 11.2.3 by a combination of both the methods listed in this Rule 11.2.”

Full minutes of the AGM will be made available in due course.

Following our AGM, our guest speaker Paula Tesoriero, Chief Executive of Whaikaha, outlined some of her vision for our sector. She talked about inheriting some issues from the Ministry of Health but that the new Ministry was born out of advocacy and people wanting their own ministry. She talked of moving from models where it is no longer about being driven by government funding but rather individual purchasing need. She also outlined a large number of working groups tasked with examining current models and considering new ones. It was clear to me that, while there is high participation from people with disabilities (including 42 percent of Whaikaha staff), people with intellectual disabilities are not well represented.

IHC Board Update

The AGM followed our IHC Board Meeting earlier in October where much of our discussion looked at ongoing operations and preparations for the AGM.

We had updates from across the organisation and discussed the IHC Programmes Strategy that continues to track IHC’s systemic, community, family and individual measures. Janine Stewart, General Manager IHC Programmes, also talked about the reduction in volunteering hours and Associations and how we can continue to ensure we are supporting people throughout the country. Janine also noted the performance of fundraising that seems to be bucking the trend with 23,000 people donating in one month and us nearing our 2025 targets very early.

Our services update included the news that Whaikaha is looking to roll out Enabling Good Lives in in Gisborne and Northland, which the Choices NZ team is well-placed to offer options under the model.

Ngā mihi

Tony Shaw
IHC Board Chair

Tēnā koutou katoa

Firstly I would like to echo Tony’s words and say that I very much enjoyed seeing those of you that were at the AGM and forum. It was a good day with lots of issues and information on the table.

The IDEA Services Board had had a big year with the lag of COVID-19, workforce shortages and weather events all impacting support across the country.

At the October Board Meeting we had a presentation on the IDEA Services Strategy. This is an important piece of work that will take us into this new era under Whaikaha. We continue to provide a quality and trusted service where we have great staff providing great support – often 24/7. For many, a good home is key to that support and for everyone it is important that people are following their interests and able to do the things that are important to them with the people they like. We are committed to supporting people to be active participants and contributors in their own communities and, of course, make their own decisions. Once this work is completed it will be shared with you all and will sit alongside the refreshed Accessible Properties and IHC Programmes Strategies and new Choices NZ Strategy.

At the meeting we talked about some of the issues in the media relating to IDEA Services. Most of the coverage that we get is positive and highlights and celebrates individuals’ achievements and issues that are important to them. We also talked about the upcoming report on complaints being considered by Whaikaha and noted the work being done to better manage complaints and to ever strive for quality service provision. Work to respond to feedback, both positive and negative, and to improve our services will never be complete as we will always want to keep trying to do better. I know that the team loves getting positive feedback, but if they haven’t done what’s wanted then it’s even more important that they know.

Suzanne Win
IDEA Services Board Chair

From time there are stories in the media that are critical of the work that we do and that’s hard to take for individuals, families, members, volunteers and staff who are so committed to making life good for people we support.

We don’t get everything right and we think it’s quite right that when we don’t get it right people can have their say.

But sometimes we don’t get it wrong either and we can’t talk about an individual case because of privacy rules and even more importantly respect. For example, we won’t say that a person we support has it wrong or criticise family members when sometimes support and relationships are very complicated.

Recently there was a media story about a Whaikaha-commissioned report into managing complaints related to us. The report repeated details of complaints without our side of things and without confirming which complaints had even been resolved. That influenced the media and Whaikaha did little to acknowledge that at least half the report’s recommendations were actually for them. There are lots of recommendations for us too, and I want to be upfront and acknowledge that. We have already made some changes, but we will keep working on it.

A few months ago, there was another report in the media about a person we supported in Hawke’s Bay. There were quite a few upsetting accusations in the article.

We commissioned an independent report that found none of the accusations in the article were correct, and so we would like you to know that – and that we know it is really tough when we read such articles, particularly for those of you who have to answer questions from individuals and families.

Our team in Tairāwhiti has also had a tough time in the media over the last year – in a couple of cases there too we were accused of neglect or taking people away from their homes where our own investigations found our team had worked really hard to support people well and had actually done the right things.

Again – I want to say that it is really tricky and that we need to be, and choose to be, very careful about what we say.

We almost never talk about an individual – even if they are talking about themselves, we try hard not to disagree with the opinion of individuals with intellectual disability in the media. People are entitled to have their own opinion and, in fact, we stand up for that. But we also try to clarify that what they may be saying may not actually align with our processes or way of doing things.

From 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023, independent analysis recorded 280 mainstream media mentions for IHC Group and found that 19 percent were critical or unfavourable in some way. But 67 percent of them were positive and 14 percent were neutral. When I talk to our staff, I ask them to keep doing a great job and remember all the good that we do.

Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to again thank all of our staff, volunteers and members who work so hard to provide quality services and to make people’s lives better. Where there are negative stories we should always front up and see what we can learn but when there are great media stories (as most of them are) we should celebrate.

Ralph Jones
IHC Group Chief Executive

The IHC Advocacy team are hosting Self Advocacy Forums in both New Plymouth on Monday 4 December and Christchurch on Monday 11 December 2023.

At the Forums, attendees will learn about Self Advocacy, how to speak up, hear from People First and be able to join and listen to other Advocates from the Health and Disability Advocacy Service.

The forums are free and lunch will be provided.   Registration is essential.

To download the flyers, please click on the links below.  Please distribute the below flyer to your Committee members, friends, family and throughout your networks.

New Plymouth Self Advocacy Forum

Christchurch Self Advocacy Forum

Click here for the newsletter template, you can also find this on the resources tab.

If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact Danette. 

The Programmes team have been working on timelines covering IHC's history and the Advocacy one is ready to go.  The timelines show important moments and documents what the Advocacy team and people we support have achieved throughout IHC’s history. 

The first link below is to the timeline and the second link is for a feedback form in case you notice anything we need to amend or if there is something you would like us to add .

We will be releasing the remaining timelines for the Arts, Self Advocacy and Volunteering over the coming months.   If you would like to submit a story or information to any of these, please contact Lily at lily.wilson@ihc.org.nz and she can forward you a submission form.

https://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/1803704/Advocacy/

https://forms.office.com/r/5NHjPXqgd3

Facebook pages for Associations are now available for those of you keen to give this a go.  The Communications Team have suggested Associations may find a Facebook page useful for sharing events and information in your community.  They keep an eye on social media trends etc and find that Facebook is still a useful tool for that kind of community engagement.

Facebook pages will be set up by the Communications team for interested Associations and will also have a member of the Communications team as an extra Administrator in case it’s useful or someone can’t get in etc.  However, the plan is definitely the Associations page to post content and engage etc.  For further information about the Association Facebook pages, please click here.

Below are links for a Facebook Request Form to request a Facebook page and Digital Media Consent forms if you are wanting to share in individual’s story or image.

Facebook Request form for Associations

IHC / IDEA Services Digital Media Consent form

IHC / IDEA Services Digital Consent form - Easy Read format

The Communications team can be contacted via email by clicking here.

Please let them know what works and what doesn’t and continue to send them information about great things going on that can be shared on IHC national channels.