Introducing Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Disability Issues

Priyanca Radhakrishnan is the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Disability Issues, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, as well as Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment and Associate Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety. She is the first person of Indian origin to become a Minister in New Zealand.

“Since coming into the role I've wanted to listen, to meet disabled people, organisations that support them and really get my head around the various issues because there are challenges.”

Priyanca has lived and worked overseas, and in New Zealand. She was born in India, went to school in Singapore, and then moved to New Zealand to further her education. She has a Master of Development Studies from Victoria University and chose to make New Zealand her home.

She has spent her work life advocating on behalf of people whose voices are often unheard – survivors of domestic violence, and migrant workers who have been exploited. She has also worked as a policy advisor to former Labour MP, Hon Phil Goff. Priyanca has worked with diverse communities across New Zealand. She is committed to ensuring that their voices are heard in Parliament and that they’re supported to thrive.

For Priyanca, politics is about choices. She believes that decision-making should be community-led and should lead to better outcomes for everyone, not just the privileged few.

Priyanca strongly believes that everyone – regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality or socio-economic status – should have the opportunity to live with dignity. That means equitable access to affordable housing, quality education and decent, secure work. It also means that everyone should feel safe both in their homes and on the streets.

Priyanca is a proud union member. She is also a member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, National Council of Women (Auckland) and UN Women.

Priyanca lives in Auckland with her husband and two lovely rescue dogs. Issues concerning animal welfare are also close to her heart and she’s a strong supporter of dog-friendly spaces.

Disability issues

Priyanca’s appointment as Minister for Disability Issues comes at a time of transformational change for the community, following the recent establishment of Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People. The following are statements from Priyanca about her appointment to Whaikaha and her experience with disability:

“I don’t have a disability myself and I am acutely aware of the value of change that is led by those with lived experience. I hope to be a strong ally, which means making space for and hearing the voice of disabled people. It speaks to the ‘nothing about us, without us’ approach."

“My closest experience is watching my mother who had Parkinson’s, struggle with numerous barriers. I saw very quickly after her diagnosis, someone who had excelled in a society and in a system, being completely excluded from it. I am committed to doing what I can to contribute to creating a non-disabling society."

“The inequities facing disabled people are obvious. I have an opportunity now, as the Minister for Disability Issues, to play a role in creating positive change. I’m excited to continue the open dialogue with the disability community and continue to learn from those with lived experience.”

Content and photo courtesy of the Press Secretary to the Office of the Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan