Community Law South Auckland

02/06/2026

Kia ora 👋 Disabled people, families, whānau and carers are being invited to help shape further improvements to Disability Support Services (DSS).

We want to improve services in key areas that the disability community has told us matter most to them.

We are building on what the community has told us over the past two years. This feedback has already helped shape some important changes across DSS, and we know there is more to do.

Now we want to know what good support looks like.

From 8 June to 31 July, DSS will be running a community consultation focused on key areas including:
💬 Outcomes that matter, including how supports make a difference in disabled people’s everyday lives and safety
💬 Earlier, proactive and planned support as people’s needs change over time
💬 Feedback and complaints processes that make it easier to speak up about DSS services
💬 Better options for carer respite, making it easier for family, whānau and carers to take a break
💬 More choice and control in services, including more flexibility in supports funded outside of flexible funding
💬 Improved information and advice to make supports and services easier to access

We are seeking feedback from people who receive DSS funding, and people who support or advocate for those who do.

From today, you can read the consultation documents and register for workshops ahead of the consultation officially opening on 8 June.

You can take part in a way that works for you, including online and in-person workshops, written or recorded submissions, and an online survey. Workshops will be running throughout June and July.

Your input will help shape the next improvements to services and supports.

Visit the DSS website below to read the consultation documents, learn more about the consultation, and register for upcoming workshops 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/have-your-say-on-further-improvements-to-services

This consultation is separate from the Disability Support Services Bill and is focused on improvements to DSS-funded supports and services.

The Bill is a separate Parliamentary process that sets the legal framework for DSS.

26/05/2026

FREE ONLINE LEGAL EDUCATION

If you are an organistion in South Auckland that would find legal education in the following areas helpful, we would love to hear from you!

We offer FREE community legal education and recently have started sharing our sessions online. These are interactive sessions with 10 or more people, can be done from your own working-from-home environment or in a conference room with your team in your office. Whichever suits you!

Previous organisations have included teams of social workers, youth workers, not-for-profit practitioners and just everyday people who have had their own share of personal experiences with these matters and want to level up their knowledge and understanding.

If you have any questions about what legal education sessions can look like for you or your organisation, please feel free to email [email protected] or send us a message here on Facebook.

25/05/2026

King’s Birthday is coming up soon on Monday 1 June 2026.

Here’s what you need to know about our services over King’s Birthday weekend.
📍Our service centres and contact centres will be closed on Monday 1 June.
📍If you’re normally paid on Tuesday 2 June, you’ll be paid on Saturday 30 May.
📍There will be no other changes to payments.
📍You can still access our online services through MyMSD and our service express line.

Check out the Work and Income website below for more info 👇
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/kings-birthday.html

25/05/2026

The Minister of Immigration announced today changes to English language requirements for some AEWV holders will come into effect from 1 June 2026.

Read more about this change on our website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/english-language-requirements-extended-to-aewv-skill-level-3-roles/

22/05/2026

Welcoming a new baby or child into your whānau? 👶
You may be eligible for Paid Parental Leave — giving you time to care for your little one without the stress of missing income.

✅ Up to 26 weeks of payments
✅ Available to employees and self-employed parents
✅ Payments are made directly to your bank account every fortnight
✅ You can even transfer leave to your partner (if they qualify)

Whether you're giving birth, adopting, or caring for a child under 6, we’re here to help you claim your full entitlement.

To learn more, visit our website - ird.govt.nz/paid-parental-leave

20/05/2026

20/05/2026

MEET OUR TEAM AT CLSA

Today's staff profile features one of our lawyers, or solicitors as they are also known, Eden Manga.

Get to know the faces of our whānau and a bit about them. We have two offices in Ōtara and Papakura that service South Auckland from Ōtahuhu to Pukekohe. Our whānau of friendly and approachable team members come from all walks of life, most of them probably have a lot in common with the community we serve, as you will see.

If you require legal assistance or have a question about the services we offer, please get in touch with Reception on 09 274 4966.

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

Registrations for the 2026 Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota closed on 30 April.

Registrations submitted before the closure are currently being processed. If you registered in time and your registration is approved, you may receive your ballot registration number over the next two weeks.

All ballot registration numbers will be issued before the draw on 20 May 2026.

15/04/2026

From 30 April 2026, income and sponsorship thresholds will increase for the Pacific Access Category, Samoan Quota, Parent Category Resident Visa, and Parent Boost Visitor Visa.

These are routine updates to reflect changes in wages, benefit settings, and living costs in New Zealand.

If you’re applying, or planning to apply, check the updated requirements on our website to see how this may affect you.

👉 Find out more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/income-thresholds-to-increase-for-pacific-and-parent-visa-categories/