A resource for assisting local, regional and national community leaders to promote the Enabling Good Lives approach (EGL) when interacting with political parties and local candidates Posted by Posted by Jade Farrar on 28 May 2026 Posted on: 28 May 2026

Clear, concise and consistent is key.

Some important points

• Enabling Good Lives (EGL)[1] was developed by disabled people, families and allied providers in 2011

• EGL is grounded in New Zealand’s cultures and communities and reflects how the Crown can practically and successfully respond to the stated needs and aspirations of the community

• EGL describes how key aspects of the UNCRPD can be realized in a New Zealand context

• Elements of the EGL approach have been trialed and evaluated since 2013 and there is consistent evidence this approach works

• EGL is one of the two approaches the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care explicitly stated the Government should should prioritise and invest in work to support” (Recommendation 115)

• EGL has established and experienced national community leadership and regional community leadership networks are expanding

Additional points and material

What Enabling Good Lives is

EGL is a principles‑based approach that shifts decision‑making to disabled people and their whānau, focuses on ordinary life outcomes, and prioritises mainstream supports before specialist services.

 What the evidence from NZ shows

• Pilot results: Demonstration projects in regions showed improved quality of life, greater choice and control, and higher engagement from tāngata whaikaha Māori and Pacific disabled people compared with the previous system.

• System features linked to outcomes: Connectors (local facilitators), person‑directed funding, and cross‑government coordination were central to positive results.

 Why is EGL better for New Zealanders

Enabling Good Lives (EGL) is better for Aotearoa because it gives disabled people more choice, control, and connection to their communities, which leads to better life outcomes, less reliance on complex services, and fairer use of public resources.

 Why EGL works

• People are in charge of their own lives. EGL treats disabled people and their whānau as experts about what they need, not as passive clients. This means plans match real goals like work, friends, and a home.
• Supports are simpler and easier to use. Instead of many separate programmes and forms, EGL gives clear entry points, a Connector to assist, and flexible ways to get support. That reduces stress and confusion for individuals and families.
• It focuses on ordinary life, not institutions. EGL helps people live in everyday places, use mainstream services first, and build natural supports (neighbours, clubs, work), which improves wellbeing and inclusion.

 Tangible benefits for New Zealand

• Better outcomes for people. Demonstration projects showed improved quality of life, more social connection, and higher engagement from groups who were previously underserved.
• More equitable access. EGL increased take‑up among tāngata whaikaha Māori and Pacific disabled people, helping reduce long‑standing gaps.
• Cost effectiveness over time. When people get supports that match their goals, they need fewer crisis services and less emergency intervention, which can save public money and reduce harm. This is supported by pilot evaluations.
• Rights based and culturally appropriate. EGL’s principles (self‑determination, mana enhancing, person centred) align with Te Tiriti obligations and human rights approaches, making services more respectful and culturally safe.

 What changes for everyday people

• You can choose supports that fit your life rather than fitting your life around services.
• Families get help earlier and more practically, so children and whānau avoid crises later on.
• Communities become more inclusive, because EGL prioritises mainstream access and relationship building.

 Bottom line

EGL shifts power to disabled people, simplifies the system, and focuses on real life outcomes — which makes New Zealand fairer, healthier, and more efficient.

 How community leaders can use this resource

• Inform, don’t campaign: Share the EGL vision, principles, and pilot evidence as factual background for discussions.
• Ask for measurable commitments: Encourage parties to be specific about their commitment (timelines, budgets, and independent evaluation) when they reference EGL.

Elevate lived experience: Recommend parties involve established community leadership networks in design, governance, and monitoring.