A society where all citizens lead good lives.
We are proud that our Principles reflect and endorse the Vision and Principles of Enabling Good Lives.
The Federation’s core Principles are:
Our objective is to provide impartial information and advisory services, through a network of independent community Centres nationwide that operate according to established National Standards.
The Federation holds formal working protocols with the following strategically associated organisations, in order to network and overcome perceived funding and service overlaps.
These relationships also assist in identifying service gaps and opportunities, as does the Federation’s facility of consistent New Zealand wide service statistics.
Collectively, our Centres service over 450,000 client enquiries each year for generic disability information needs.
Lisa is the Director of Complex Care Group, a national organisation. Complex Care Group provides information and support for family's and carers who are provideing an intensive level of care for a disabled child/young adult. Lisa is the proud mother of a 24yr old man with autism and intellectual disability. She has a particular interest in the support needs of those with high and complex needs.
Previously working in accountancy and passionate about people Julie was able to transfer her skills to charity when she started with The Disabled Persons Centre Trust T/A Aspire Canterbury in 2019. Julie says "The New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centres is extremely important to me. There is strength in having a national footprint, allowing a greater reach for the people we serve to experience information, products and services. An ability to assist all the people that contact us regardless of age, gender, race or disability."
Bron has been the Chief Executive Officer for the Disabilities Resource Centre Trust for the past twenty four years. She has served on the Chamber of Commerce for sixteen years with two tenures as President. A former Federation President and a Life Member, Bron has over 24 years of governance and senior management experience. As a recognised leader she is regularly asked to be an advisor to government on health and disbility matters. Bron is dedicated to supporting and enhancing our Members ability to continue to deliver exceptional services.
Scott Arrol MBA (Dist), MinstD has been involved as a senior leader in the health sector for more than 20 years with much of that time in areas such as community care, home-based care, disability and mental health services, and the digital health sector. He has a broad range of experiences, skill set, and network drawn from across for-purpose/NFP, charities, associations, NGO, and for-profit organisations including large corporates through to smaller national charitable care and service providers. Scott has always been a strong advocate of the important work and services provided by disability information centres. He says that “he feels privileged to be able to join the Executive Committee to serve the members who are at the coal face of providing crucial support to people with disabilities”. Scott’s governance, management and health sector knowledge is where he sees being able to provide value to already good work of the Federation and the membership.
Rochell's 14-year journey in the Health and Disability Sector showcases a commitment to making a positive impact. Starting as a Midwife, she transitioned to Health and Disability Advocacy, advocating for consumers' rights. In 2017, Rochell joined Disability Information Service, now Livingwell Disability Resource Centre, to pioneer the Mobile Service in the Otago Region. Currently, as Service Manager at Livingwell, Rochell values the opportunity to contribute her skills and passion to the Federation's Executive team to enhance making a positive impact to our disabled community.
Chris is CEO of Aspire Canterbury, the disability information and advisory service for the Canterbury Region. Chris joined Aspire in 2024, coming from a role as GM South Island with Stroke Foundation. Chris has worked in leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector for many years across a range of health, disability, social services, education and development organisations. These roles have been with Stroke Foundation, Ngai Tahu, Graeme Dingle Foundation and World Vision. Chris sees the Federation of DIAS centres as incredibly important for helping people to navigate a complex and often confusing health and disability sector.
Carol Wood, MInstD, Dip.SCWk, has been involved with the Federation since 2003. She was an Executive Committee Member, serving as Treasurer, Vice-President and President. She has worked in women's health and mental health, and was the General Manager of DRC Southland and DRC Queenstown for 13 years. Carol is an Executive Director of Management Services NZ Ltd. In 2012 Carol became the Executive Officer for the Federation. Carol is committed to ensuring Federation Members have access to information and resources that they can use to provide high quality services to their communities. In 2016 Carol was made a Life Member of the Federation.
Noel has worked in the disability sector for all of his adult life. He was initially introduced to this sector when he first left school as a Psychiatric Assistant to work in Tokanui Hospital during the 80s. His outstanding work as Chief Executive of Northable Matapuna Hauora for 19 years saw the organisation grow significantly. At national level Noel is really proud to be a former Federation President. He was also a President of the NASCA Exec team. Noel is now the National Coordinator of our Pathfinder Facilitation services where his experience of DIAS and NASC has been well utilised.
Being a Member of the Federation gives you exclusive access to a range of opportunities that will help to enhance your service provision and strengthen your business capabilities.
An affiliate membership with The Federation will enable you to tap into a range of organisations and experience across the country that will allow you to:
