News

We are very excited to release our Community Report of the Let’s Play/MoSAIC research! This first-of-its-kind research evaluated two programmes for early identification and support of autistic/takiwātanga tamariki. The results underscore the value of these programmes: Early identification and interim support are essential for whanau wellbeing. Read the community report for the detail or check out… Continue Reading Community Report – Let’s Play/MoSAIC Research

Autism NZ Newsletter June 2025 In this edition, you’ll hear about our upcoming events across the country these school holidays including a fabulous LEGO event at Te Papa (Wellington) a spotlight on one of our incredible funders, and a full calendar of enriching workshops coming your way! Plus, get up to speed on our advocacy… Continue Reading June/July Newsletter 2025

In addition to our Social Investment Announcement from a past article, we have put together an FAQ page which you can access below. Social Investment Agency Funding FAQ (1)  

Kia ora koutou, We are very excited to announce that the Social Investment Agency has partnered with Autism New Zealand to fund a new pathway of early identification, diagnosis, and support for preschool-aged tamariki in Wellington. For years Autism New Zealand has been advocating to government for improved services for the autistic community. We continually… Continue Reading Social Investment Agency Announcement

Release 24.4.24 Whaikaha to Fund Sensory Items for the Autistic Community 1

Autism NZ is pleased to be taking over the delivery of early support service Raupī te Raupō from 2025. Raupī te Raupō is a free, world-leading and neuro-affirming programme for young children who are autistic or showing signs of autism, and their families. To date, the programme has been delivered by Victoria University of Wellington… Continue Reading Autism New Zealand to deliver Early Support Service in Wellington

Below are transcripts of Beth Noble and Joanne Dacombe’s talks, given at the 2025 Autism Acceptance Month Parliamentary Breakfast. World Autism Day Parliamentary Breakfast 2025  

Since the release of the Independent Review of Disability Support Services of the 5th of August, Autism NZ has been gathering information, hearing feedback from the community and considering the most productive way forward for the autistic and wider autism communities. Autism NZ has supported and advocated for autistic people since its beginnings in 1969,… Continue Reading Press Release: Disability Rights in Retrograde: The Disability Support Services Review and Autistic People

Our aim was to evaluate the needs of Autism NZ’s newest service within the Autism Resource Centre – the Autism Diagnostic Service. A mixed method survey and interview research project was implemented to identify the needs of tāngata whaitakiwātanga/autistic people and whānau at different stages of their autism diagnostic journey and navigating the services that… Continue Reading Getting it Right – Provision and Access to Timely and Appropriate Supports for the Tāngata Whaitakiwātanga/Autistic Community Before, During, and After Diagnosis

Whaikaha’s Purchasing Rules Changes are Disabling the Autistic Community: The changes to purchasing rules and EMS services, announced by Whaikaha early this week, are destroying the plans, goals and mental health of many members of the Autistic and wider Autism communities. Autism NZ has reached out to both the Whaikaha staff and the Minister for… Continue Reading Press release: Whaikaha’s purchasing rules changes are disabling the autistic community