From data to dignity 2026: health and wellbeing indicators for New Zealanders with intellectual disability
Publisher
Outcomes measurement
Performance reporting
Data
Intellectual and developmental disability
People with disability
Children with disability
New Zealand
Description
This report tracks more than 70 indicators across health, education, housing, justice and income, systematically using government data to examine outcomes for people with intellectual disability. The latest data shows inequities remain entrenched – and in some cases are worsening.
Key findings
- People with intellectual disability live on average 17 years less than the general population.
- High emergency department use and injury-related hospitalisations particularly among women with intellectual disability.
- A concerning rise in young people leaving school without qualifications.
- Greater exposure to housing pressure with rising placement on social housing waiting lists, particularly for Māori and Pacific children with intellectual disability.
The report calls on the government to deliver regular public reporting on outcomes; targeted action to address inequities for Māori and Pacific communities; and improved disability-aware health services.
The Visual Insights app on the website can be used to visualise the data by geographic location and various demographics.
Publication Details
Easy Read / Easy English:
Yes
Copyright:
The authors 2026
Access Rights Type:
open
Post date:
2 Jul 2026
