Individualised Funding
This year has been a period of change, growth, and achievement for the Individualised Funding team. With the appointment of a new Team Lead and the introduction of a dedicated Pasefika Liaison role, the service has continued to strengthen how it responds to disabled people and their families across a changing disability sector.
The Individualised Funding Team in 2026
Client numbers have grown steadily, increasing by around 33 percent in the last year, with an average of eight to ten new clients each month since February. This growth has created opportunities to expand the team’s capacity, refine processes, and improve how support is delivered. A key development has been the implementation of a new record management system, which will streamline the way coaches work and, in time, provide clients with online access to statements and timesheets.
The Pasefika Liaison role has also strengthened engagement with Pasefika communities and organisations, particularly in South Auckland. This role is helping disabled people and their families better understand, access and navigate the services and supports available to them. It has responded to a clear need for more information, guidance and advocacy, especially as whānau face changes to disability funding and support systems.
The Pasefika Liaison role strengthens engagement with Pasefika communities.
Throughout the year, the team has continued to build strong partnerships across the sector through expos, workshops, networking events, and collaboration with community and disability organisations. These connections have helped the team share knowledge, increase visibility, and better support people to access the right information at the right time.
One example of this impact came when our Pasefika Liaison met a mother at a South Auckland community event who was struggling to navigate the system for her disabled child. After offering practical guidance, our Pasefika Liaison helped the mother prepare information for an assessment. A few days later, the mother called back in tears to say her child had been approved for funding support.
This is the heart of Individualised Funding: walking alongside disabled people and their families so they can access support with greater confidence, clarity
and agency.
