The New Zealand Disability Support Network
NZDSN is a Wellington-based non-profit peak body representing 175 disability support provider organisations across New Zealand, delivering tiered membership services, advocacy, regional networks, workforce training (including MSD Training Fund administration), and an annual sector conference.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersWellington, New Zealand
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The New Zealand Disability Support Network does
The New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN) is a Wellington-based non-profit peak body founded in 2010 that represents 175 disability support provider organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand. Its core function is sector representation and convening: NZDSN advocates on behalf of members with central government agencies (Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha), provides formal submissions to Parliament on legislation such as the Disability Support Services Bill, and coordinates collective responses on policy issues including pay equity and disability employment requirements. The organisation operates 14 regional networks spanning every region of New Zealand and hosts the annual NZDSN Conference, which features international and national keynote speakers.
NZDSN generates revenue through three streams: (1) tiered membership subscriptions ranging from $420 (micro providers, revenue under $500K) to $12,000 (large providers above $100M), plus associate and individual memberships; (2) administration of the Ministry of Social Development Training Fund, which distributes up to $4,500 per worker to MSD-funded Employment, Participation and Inclusion Disability Service Providers; and (3) annual conference registration, sponsorship, and exhibitor fees. Additional revenue is derived from partnership-driven services such as the Open Polytechnic Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership scholarship and the CSC Buying Group preferred-supplier arrangement.
Beyond advocacy and convening, NZDSN delivers the Provider Development Programme (workshops and communities of practice for leaders and frontline staff), workforce development initiatives, research and quality development projects, and a Providers Search Directory. The organisation employs 11–50 staff and is led by CEO Debbie Hughes (appointed March 2025) and Board Chair Samantha Lee. NZDSN's technology footprint is conventional — a content website, member portal, social channels, and email — with no proprietary AI, software products, or APIs disclosed.
The New Zealand Disability Support Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The New Zealand Disability Support Network
- Legal name
- New Zealand Disability Support Network
- Website
- https://nzdsn.org.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- NZDSN is a Wellington-based non-profit peak body representing 175 disability support provider organisations across New Zealand, delivering tiered membership services, advocacy, regional networks, workforce training (including MSD Training Fund administration), and an annual sector conference.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The New Zealand Disability Support Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Sector Membership Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Individual and Family Services (6241)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
Keywords
Where The New Zealand Disability Support Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Wellington
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
The New Zealand Disability Support Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Subscriptions: NZDSN generates revenue through tiered membership fees based on organizational revenue size, ranging from $420 to $12,000 annually for disability support provider organizations. Individual and associate memberships are also available at lower price points.
- MSD Training Fund Administration: NZDSN administers the Ministry of Social Development Training Fund on behalf of MSD, providing training funding up to $4,500 per person for eligible disability support workers. This fund is for MSD-funded Employment, Participation and Inclusion Disability Service Providers.
- Conference and Event Revenue: NZDSN hosts annual conferences (NZDSN Conference) that attract wide variety of international and national keynote speakers. Revenue generated through registration fees, sponsorships, and exhibitor fees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Large disability support providers (Revenue >$100M) |
| Subscription | Annual | Large disability support providers (Revenue $50M-$100M) |
| Subscription | Annual | Large disability support providers (Revenue $10M-$50M) |
| Subscription | Annual | Medium disability support providers (Revenue $5M-$10M) |
| Subscription | Annual | Medium disability support providers (Revenue $3M-$5M) |
| Subscription | Annual | Mid-size disability support providers (Revenue $1.5M-$3M) |
| Subscription | Annual | Smaller disability support providers (Revenue $1M-$1.5M) |
| Subscription | Annual | Small disability support providers (Revenue $500K-$1M) |
| Subscription | Annual | Micro disability support providers (Revenue up to $500K) |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Member - Non-provider organizations |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Member - Individual Friends of NZDSN |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Member - Individualised Funding holders/funded family caregivers |
| Subscription | Annual | Life Member |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
The New Zealand Disability Support Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NZDSN is the national peak body for disability support providers in Aotearoa New Zealand, delivering membership-based networking, representation, advocacy, training and workforce development to its 175 provider member organisations. Its core offer spans the Provider Development Programme (workshops and communities of practice), annual conferences, regional networks, workforce development initiatives and research/quality projects. It also administers the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Training Fund, providing up to NZ$4,500 per eligible disability support worker, and maintains a searchable Providers Search Directory for the sector.
Product overview
NZDSN is a national membership organization (not a technology product company) that provides networking, representation, advocacy, and professional development services to disability support providers in New Zealand. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected services including the Provider Development Programme (workshops and training), annual conferences, regional networking activities, workforce development initiatives, and research projects. NZDSN also administers the MSD Training Fund on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development and maintains a provider search directory for members. The core offering is membership-based access to professional development, sector representation, and peer networking rather than a software product or platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Membership Programme Tiered organisational membership ($420 to $12,000 annually based on revenue) plus associate and individual memberships ($100-$500/year) for disability support provider organisations, non-provider organisations, contractors, IF holders and funded family caregivers. Member benefits include subsidised access to conferences, regional networks, communications, working parties and partnership discounts; full membership requires NZDSN Board approval.
- Provider Development Programme A series of workshops and training events showcasing best/next practice and innovation, with two workstreams tailored for leaders and direct service staff. Includes communities of practice, leadership mentoring opportunities, and is informed by analysis of NZDSN member needs.
- NZDSN Annual Conference Annual conference attracting international and national keynote speakers and workstream presenters covering the latest developments and innovations within the disability support sector. Available with in-person and online participation options; revenue generated through registration fees, sponsorships and exhibitor fees.
- Regional Networks Regional networking activities providing opportunities for information sharing across regions including Auckland, Taranaki/Manawatū/Wairarapa, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Northland, Nelson/Marlborough, Canterbury/West Coast, Otago/Southland and Wellington, ensuring providers are well-connected.
- Workforce Development Initiatives to develop and improve qualification pathways within the disability workforce, including advocacy for fairer remunerations.
- Research and Quality Development Projects Includes the development of practice guidelines and policy research to advance quality standards in the disability support sector.
- MSD Training Fund A training fund managed by NZDSN on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development. Employees of MSD-funded Employment, Participation and Inclusion Disability Service Providers can apply for industry-specific qualifications and training up to NZ$4,500 total (GST inclusive) across all rounds. Applications normally take 14 business days to process.
- Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership A scholarship programme in partnership with Open Polytechnic for disability support provider staff wishing to complete the Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership. NZDSN individual members receive a 10% discount on all Open Polytechnic course fees.
- Providers Search Directory A searchable directory of disability support providers across New Zealand, filterable by disability type, region and service category.
Quantifiable outcome
- 175 member organisations represented across New Zealand
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The New Zealand Disability Support Network
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The New Zealand Disability Support Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The New Zealand Disability Support Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Ministry of Social Development (MSD)coreNZDSN manages the Ministry of Social Development Training Fund on behalf of MSD. The fund allows employees of MSD-funded Employment, Participation and Inclusion Disability Service Providers to apply for industry-specific qualifications and training up to $4,500 per person.
- Open PolytechniccoreNZDSN and Open Polytechnic have established a scholarship for disability support provider staff wishing to complete the Graduate Diploma in Disability Sector Leadership. NZDSN individual members receive a 10% discount on all Open Polytechnic course fees.
- CSC Buying GroupminorCSC Buying Group is a preferred supplier for NZDSN members, offering not-for-profit group purchasing with exclusive discounts on everyday business costs including vehicle maintenance, appliances, technology, and outdoor activities. CSC Buying Group donates to various charities and organisations under camping, disability, and poverty & children's services.
- Workforce Futures Fund | Tahua Rāngaimahi AnamatacoreNZDSN is involved in supporting the Workforce Futures Fund which will open for applications to disability sector workforce development projects. $15m is available across the life of the fund to support workforce development in eight specified industries.
- My Life My VoiceminorWith support from the Workforce Futures Fund, My Life My Voice developed an AI use policy template free for any organisation to use. NZDSN facilitates access to this resource for members.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The New Zealand Disability Support Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- People First New Zealand: NZ self-advocacy organization led by and for people with learning disabilities. Operates in a similar advocacy space to NZDSN but from a rights-holder perspective rather than provider-side; co-signed joint DSS Bill statement.
- Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand: NZ's national disabled people's organization focused on advocacy and rights-based representation. Complements NZDSN's provider-side representation with consumer-side advocacy; co-signed the joint DSS Bill media statement.
Broad incumbents
- Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui: New Zealand's workforce development center for mental health, addiction, and disability sectors. Comparable workforce development and training mission, with broader health/mental health focus than NZDSN's disability support remit.
Direct peers
- National Disability Services (NDS) Australia: Australia's peak body for disability service providers, the closest international analogue to NZDSN. Operates a similar membership, advocacy, workforce development, and policy submission model for the Australian NDIS provider ecosystem.
- Inclusion New Zealand: New Zealand disability advocacy and inclusion organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Comparable in NZ focus area, advocacy orientation, and constituent base to NZDSN's mission.
- Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG): UK membership body for voluntary sector disability and social care providers. Closely comparable model: tiered membership, sector representation, workforce development, and policy advocacy for nonprofit disability providers.
- Home and Community Health Association: New Zealand's peak body representing home and community support services providers, including those serving disabled and older people. Closely comparable membership/advocacy model within a partially overlapping provider ecosystem.
- ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources): US national membership association for disability service providers, with comparable advocacy, training, and policy functions. Represents hundreds of provider organizations across the United States serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The New Zealand Disability Support Network social profiles
Digital presenceThe New Zealand Disability Support Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The New Zealand Disability Support Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
The New Zealand Disability Support Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The New Zealand Disability Support Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The New Zealand Disability Support Network
What does The New Zealand Disability Support Network do?
NZDSN is the national peak body for disability support providers in Aotearoa New Zealand, delivering membership-based networking, representation, advocacy, training and workforce development to its 175 provider member organisations. Its core offer spans the Provider Development Programme (workshops and communities of practice), annual conferences, regional networks, workforce development initiatives and research/quality projects. It also administers the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Training Fund, providing up to NZ$4,500 per eligible disability support worker, and maintains a searchable Providers Search Directory for the sector.
Is The New Zealand Disability Support Network a public or private company?
The New Zealand Disability Support Network is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The New Zealand Disability Support Network founded?
The New Zealand Disability Support Network was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The New Zealand Disability Support Network based?
The New Zealand Disability Support Network is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does The New Zealand Disability Support Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are MSD Training Fund Administration and conference and Event Revenue.
Who are The New Zealand Disability Support Network's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are People First New Zealand and Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand. Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are National Disability Services (NDS) Australia, Inclusion New Zealand, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG), Home and Community Health Association and ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources).
Does The New Zealand Disability Support Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for The New Zealand Disability Support Network.
What industry is The New Zealand Disability Support Network in?
The New Zealand Disability Support Network's product category is Disability Sector Membership Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support. Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.