Local consultation key in next steps for EGL sites

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has released new information about how upcoming changes to disability support services may apply to Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites.

This follows the recent announcement about reforms to NASC-based supports, including the removal of restrictive purchasing guidelines and the introduction of consistent assessment and funding processes.

EGL has long been held up as the future of disability support in Aotearoa – a person-directed, whole-of-life approach that puts disabled people and whānau at the centre. Yet more than a decade after its launch, EGL remains limited to a small number of pilot sites.

The MSD announcement signals a potential shift – one that could bring EGL sites into closer alignment with national reforms.

What’s changing for EGL sites?

At this stage each Regional Leadership Group is being asked to work with their community to decide whether to adopt the new approach – including removing the purchasing rules introduced in March 2024.

The proposed changes include:

• Standardising personal plans and assessment questions to inform funding decisions.

• Replacing existing funding allocation tools with a nationally calibrated model.

• Aligning budgets to previous spend (June 2023 – June 2025), which may result in reductions for some.

• Introducing tiered support for budget management.

• Strengthening feedback loops to ensure future allocations reflect outcomes.

• Removing purchasing guidelines from 1 April 2026.

Site-specific changes that are expected are:

• EGL Christchurch will automatically adopt the changes, as its budgets are already allocated via NASC and hosted under the new system.

• EGL Waikato and Mana Whaikaha meet most of the requirements already but would need to adopt a new funding allocation tool and make some operational adjustments if their communities choose to proceed.

Mel Smith, CE: An opportunity to introduce greater equity

Mel Smith, Chief Executive of CCS Disability Action says the announcement is a move toward greater consistency and fairness – but also raises important questions.

“Enabling Good Lives has been promised for national rollout for over a decade, yet it remains limited to a handful of sites. This announcement suggests that the principles now being applied across NASCs are guiding the way forward – and that’s a step in the right direction when it comes to removing the current postcode lottery.”

However, she also cautions that the changes may result in budget reductions for some individuals.

“Any reduction is support will undoubtedly be hugely challenging for disabled people and their families. I’m hopeful that this isn’t about cost saving, but it instead creates an opportunity to reduce waitlists and support other people who have yet to access a budget from the system.”

What happens next?

Each EGL site will now engage with its community to decide whether to adopt the changes or retain the current system. Decisions must be communicated to DSS by 12 September 2025.

“We welcome the leadership of disabled people and families in these communities and are pleased to see DSS’s commitment to consult in a meaningful way. These decisions must be shaped by those most affected – each community must have the opportunity to make the choice that best reflects their values, needs, and aspirations,” says Mel.

We will continue to work closely with our partners across the sector to ensure disabled people and whānau hauā receive fair funding allocations. We will also keep advocating at a government level for increased investment – and for broader access to disability support that better reflects real need.

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for further updates.