Almost one quarter* of New Zealanders identify as having a disability. There are a range of disabilities that people live with: physical, sensory, neurological, psychiatric, intellectual, sight, and hearing.
This rises to over half of those over 65 years having at least one disability (59% in 2013). Waitaha Canterbury has a higher proportion of over 65s in the population compared to Aotearoa New Zealand. High numbers of disabilities are hidden, meaning they aren’t visible.
Disabilities are associated with an increased likelihood of living in poverty, facing discrimination, and experiencing numerous barriers to accessing health care. People with disabilities face a higher prevalence of developing chronic diseases such as asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and stroke. Disabled Aotearoa adults visit their general practice about twice as frequently over a year, than those who are non-disabled.
* 24% in the 2013 NZ Census.
Primary care and disability
Primary care is at the forefront of addressing the health needs of people with disabilities.
- General practice and pharmacy interact with, and care for, high numbers of disabled patients, especially given that their volume of visits is double that of non-disabled patients.
- Pegasus Health aims to create inclusive and positive health care for those with disabilities.
- Disabled people are identified as a priority population to reach and support in the Pegasus Health Equity & Population Health Strategy 2022-30 (PDF, 8 MB).
Booking an New Zealand Sign Language interpreter
For deaf patients, you can book a sign language interpreter through iSign – you can easily book by sending a text message to 3359, emailing bookings@isign.co.nz or calling 0800 934 683. For more information on the support available, visit Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People website.
Book an interpreter online – iSign Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People