The Establishment Unit for the Ministry for Disabled People has launched an online engagement platform AmplifyU.
AmplifyU invites the community to have a say on a range of topics in the lead up to the new ministry going live in July, as well aiming to provide two way engagement. New conversation topics will be added as the Establishment Unit work progresses.
The website includes a 'Ministry ideas wall' where people can share their hopes, dreams, aspirations and ideas for the new ministry, and then discuss each other's ideas through comments.
You can also have your say on the new ministry's name. The new ministry will be the first government agency to have a name that includes three parts: Te reo Māori, English and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
Tāngata whaikaha Māori and Māori leaders are coming together to find the pūrākau (story) that will lead to a reo Māori part of the new ministry’s name. The Deaf community are leading work on the NZSL name, through the New Zealand Sign Language Board.
Two English name options are suggested: Enabled Aotearoa and Ministry for Disabled People. People are invited to share their thoughts on these and ideas for other names that could be used.
You can find out more and join the conversation at AmplifyU. There is also an AmplifyU Facebook page.