Our history

Providing disability support services since 1974

Here is a brief history of Enable New Zealand and some milestones in our development.

1974

We started out as 'New Zealand Aids and Appliances' at Palmerston North Hospital. Our technicians designed and made equipment to help patients gain more independence.

1980s

We became 'New Zealand Disabilities Resource Centre (NZDRC)'. This reflected our nation-wide coverage and our community's need for more than just equipment.

1990s

• We established a national disability information bureau and library

• We won a Ministry of Health contract for equipment and modification services covering three health authorities

2000 to 2009

• New Zealand Disabilities Resource Centre changed its name to Enable New Zealand (2000)

• Enable New Zealand merged with SupportLinks, a NASC for older persons (2002 to 2011)

• Enable New Zealand becomes an operating division of MidCentral District Health Board (2002)

• WEKA disability information website launched at Parliament (2005).

2010 to 2019

• Palliative care equipment contract for Canterbury DHB starts (2011)

• Enable Online system launched for the Children’s Spectacle Subsidy service (2012)

• EASIE Living & Demonstration Centre launched (2016)

• Ministry of Health Hearing Aid Service contract won (2016)

• EASIE Living Mobile Van Service launched (2017).

• Firstport national disability information website replaced Weka website (2017)

• Mana Whaikaha Disability Support System Transformation Prototype starts (2018)

• EASIE Living customer advisory service starts (2019).

2020 to present

• EASIE Living sensory space opens (2020)

• EASIE Living equipment hire service starts (2020).

• Managed Rehabilitation Equipment Services contract with ACC starts (2021)

• Became a subsidiary of Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora: Enable New Zealand Limited (2022)

• Celebrated 50 years of supporting our disability community (2024)