Kia Noho Rangatira Ai Tātou

"To build a fully inclusive, fair and prosperous society, we need more people educated about a human rights approach to ensure people have the appropriate skills, values and commitment."
- Paul Gibson, former Disability Rights Commissioner, Human Rights Commission 

What is Kia Noho Rangatira Ai Tātou?

A unique education programme developed by Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui and the Disabled Persons Assembly that puts human rights for disabled people and the Disability Convention into a New Zealand cultural context.

The name Kia Noho Rangatira Ai Tātou expresses the right of all people to exercise self-determination to participate confidently in their whānau, community and world.

Our thanks to governance group member, Te Huia Bill Hamilton (Ngāti Kahungungu, Nga Rāuru, Ngāti Raukawa, Kotimana) for gifting the programme name.

System transformation

As we work towards transformation of the disability system, the concepts at the heart of this unique programme are fundamental and timely:

• disabled persons' rights
• self-determination
• citizenship
• belonging.  

“Nothing about me without me” 

Informed by human rights education best practice, the programme is developed and delivered by disabled people. 

“Nothing about me without me” is the basis of the programme’s philosophy.

The two day interactive programme has three main learning objectives:

• understand the meaning of human rights and the New Zealand human rights system
• learn about the Disability Convention
• apply practical knowledge of the Disability Convention. 

The programme includes a manual which provides a practical reference guide to applying the Disability Convention. 

The programme is offered separately to:

• disability support services (DSS)
• disabled people (DP). 

What have past learners said about the programme?  

“Excellent facilitators. Comprehensive, user-friendly manual.”

“Brilliant – beyond expectations.”

“Extremely relevant information that was engaging throughout”

“I have enjoyed the two days and now I know that when I am advocating I have more knowledge to share.”

“Excellent amount of information to apply to daily practice.