Te Kaupapa Nekeneke Total Mobility Scheme

In March 2002 Cabinet agreed to a review of the scheme, which Transfund New Zealand carried out later in 2002 as part of the Passenger Transport Social Services Review. We extended the review in September 2004 when the Minister of Transport agreed to new Terms of Reference for identifying options to improve the scheme’s services.

The major focus of the extended review was to support and strengthen the scheme’s policy foundation, and find ways to improve the services it offers. As part of the review we developed a profile of the scheme, identified key issues and potential improvements.

How we carried out the review

Our initial policy analysis identified the scheme’s 6 fundamental components:

• purpose
• eligibility
• entitlement
• assessment services
• administration
• transport operators.

We held a series of meetings with regional council transport managers and scheme coordinators around the country that clarified the issues with each component and identified potential improvements. These consultations and the associated analysis informed a consultation document.

The consultation process included launching the consultation document at meetings with national disability sector representatives and officials from other government agencies. We also held a series of 16 consultation meetings in 6 cities around New Zealand.

We received over 400 submissions in response to the consultation document. The subsequent report presented an overarching policy framework for the Total Mobility Scheme, with 35 recommendations. Waka Kotahi worked with regional councils to put most of the recommendations in place.

The report also noted that:

• in its present form, the scheme can never meet the transport needs of all those who may depend on its services, and
• there remains an outstanding need to develop a wider public transport policy framework for improving access and mobility for all New Zealanders.

Total Mobility around New Zealand - user guide(external link)

Total Mobility Scheme - a guide for local authorities(external link)

The scheme’s goal was to increase mobility for people with serious mobility constraints, encourage participation in society, provide for personal independence, reduce pressure on caregivers and allow people to continue to live for longer in their own homes.

The scheme was not intended to be a substitute for transport services that are the responsibility of other government agencies or rest home providers.