Enabling Good Lives

💬 What is Enabling Good Lives? (EGL)

Enabling Good Lives is a new way of supporting disabled people and their families in Aotearoa. It focuses on what a good life looks like for your child, and puts your family at the centre of the planning. 

Instead of fitting your child into a system, EGL asks:
👉 What does your child need to live a good, ordinary life, just like anyone else?

🌟 What It Means for You as a Parent

• You and your child have more choice and control
  You get to decide what kind of support works best — and when and how to use it.

• Support is flexible and tailored
  Whether it’s help at school, support for joining community activities, or preparing for work, the support is built around your child’s interests and goals.

• You can get help from a Connector (or Navigator)
  These are people who walk alongside you, help you plan for the future, and connect you with funding or services.
  
  
  

❤️ The 8 Principles of EGL 

• Your child is in charge (with your support, depending on their age/needs)

• Start early – the sooner the support starts, the better the outcomes

• It’s all about your child and whānau – not a one-size-fits-all plan

• Everyday life is the goal

• Use mainstream options first – like schools, clubs, workplaces

• Respect and dignity always

• Easy systems – less red tape, more time for your child

• Relationships matter – friends, whānau, and community are key
  
  
  

🧭 What This Could Look Like?

Instead of being told what your child can access, you can:

• Create a plan together with a Connector

• Use individualised funding to pay for things that support your child’s goals

• Choose support people who suit your family

• Focus on building a full, meaningful life — not just managing needs

• Your child is in charge (with your support, depending on their age/needs)

• Start early – the sooner the support starts, the better the outcomes

• It’s all about your child and whānau – not a one-size-fits-all plan

• A normal life is the goal

• Use mainstream options first – like schools, clubs, workplaces

• Respect and dignity always

• Easy systems – less red tape, more time for your child

• Relationships matter – friends, whānau, and community are key
  
  

Waitaha School starts using the Good Life Plans from Year 9 and the school will refer your young person to EGL. 

Waitaha School is committed to working in collaboration with the young person, whanau and EGL to ensure our young people have the best life after school.