New Zealanders experiencing disability

In 2006, an estimated 660,300 New Zealanders reported a disability, representing 17 per cent of the total population.¹³

Disability increases with age. In 2006, the prevalence of disability ranged from 10 per cent of children (0–14 years) to 45 per cent of people aged 65 years and over.

For children with disabilities, conditions or health problems that existed at birth and disease or illness were the most common causes. Disease or illness, accidents or injuries and ageing were the most common causes of disability for adults.¹⁴

Table P5 Number and prevalence (%) of people experiencing disabilities (total population residing in households and residential facilities), by age group and sex, 2006

Source: Statistics New Zealand, 2006 Disability Survey

The total disability rate for Māori (17 per cent) was higher than the disability rate for Pacific peoples (11 per cent) but lower than the disability rate for Europeans (18 per cent). The Asian population had the lowest rate (5 per cent). Because Māori and Pacific peoples have a younger age structure than Europeans, disability rates should be compared by age group. In every age group, Māori had a higher disability rate than other ethnic groups.

Many New Zealanders experiencing disability face barriers to full participation in society. For example, only 60 per cent of 15–64 year olds with a disability were employed in 2006, compared with 80 per cent of non-disabled 15–64 year olds.¹⁵

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