The Ministry of Disabled People funds a range of Disability Support Services to assist those living with a disability.  Access to most Ministry of Disabled People funded supports is via the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination agency (NASC).  In Auckland the NASC is Kaikaranga (previously known as Taikura).  Anyone with a disability living in Auckland, under the age of 65yrs can self-refer to Kaikaranga for a free Needs Assessment whereby their eligibility for funded disability supports is assessed and appropriate services may be co-ordinated.   Sometimes a GP or Paediatrician will refer the family to Kaikaranga.

The Kaikaranga (previously known as Taikura) website is https://kaikaranga.org.nz/  or phone 278-6314.  Referral forms are available on their website.

Some examples of  Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha funded Disability Support Services include:

• Carer Support Subsidy
• Respite Care (can now be accessed via Individualised Funding once entitled to this funding)
• Home & Community Support Services (ie: Household Management and Personal Cares) Individualised Funding may be applicable to these two supports
• Behaviour Management
• Community Residential Support
• Supported Independent Living
• Equipment and Modification Services

The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha and Kaikaranga use the following NZ Government definition of disability:

“A person with a disability is someone who has been identified as having a physical, intellectual, sensory disability, autism (or a combination of these) which is likely to continue for a minimum of six months and result in a reduction of independent
function to the extent that ongoing support is required”.  Reference – Whaikaha

NB: In order to access these funded supports the person with a disability must meet the NZ definition of disability and also meet eligibility criteria for those supports.  Further information re eligibility is available from Kaikaranga.