The Power of Supported Decision-Making
Do you ever feel like life’s biggest decisions are sometimes made for people rather than with them?
That’s exactly what Supported Decision-Making (SDM) aims to change.
A very recent initiatives by Disability support services (DSS) in New Zealand was the launch of Support My Decisions (Whaimana) to assist tangata whaikaha maori – people with disability, families (whanau), and caregivers to understand how SDM works — and why it’s an essential part of a more inclusive and respectful society.
What Is Supported Decision-Making?
Supported Decision-Making means helping people make their own choices — even when they need more support than most.
This can include individuals living with:
- dementia
- brain injuries
- learning disabilities
- mental distress
- or being neurodivergent (thinking differently)
It’s not about taking control away. It’s about helping someone understand their options and decide based on their wishes.
Whether it’s small daily choices (what to eat, what to wear) or big life decisions (where to live, who to spend time with), people should be supported — not sidelined.
In Hamilton and the wider Waikato region, Aroha Care works to ensure that rural communities have access to this kind of person-centred support.
Why Supported Decision-Making Matters
1. Respect for Rights and Dignity
Everyone has the right to decide for themselves. SDM upholds that right and recognises each person’s voice as valuable.
2. Aligned With New Zealand Laws and Values
Supported Decision-Making aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and New Zealand’s Enabling Good Lives (EGL) principles promoted by Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People.
3. Builds Confidence and Well-Being
When people are supported to make their own choices, they feel greater ownership and confidence. Mistakes may happen, but that’s part of learning and living. Everyone deserves the right to grow through experience.
How to Support Someone in Decision-Making
According to Support My Decisions (Whaimana), these are key steps for effective SDM:
- Choose a trusted decision-supporter – someone patient, respectful, and understanding.
- Understand what helps – communication styles, timing, and information formats differ for everyone.
- Acknowledge culture and Māoritanga – decisions should reflect a person’s identity, culture, and heritage.
- Provide accessible information – use plain language, Easy Read, visual aids, or NZSL.
- Explore options together – there’s rarely just one right path.
- Let the person decide – your role is to support, not to decide for them.
- Review and reflect – check in after decisions. What worked? What can improve next time?
Through these steps, Supported Decision-Making builds confidence and autonomy in ways that respect cultural context and personal preference.
Barriers and Challenges in New Zealand
Even with strong principles, challenges exist:
- Attitudes and Stereotypes – assuming someone lacks capacity or autonomy.
- Lack of accessible tools – missing Easy Read or NZSL resources.
- System barriers – outdated policies that prioritise guardianship over supported autonomy.
Addressing these barriers requires collaboration across communities, especially in rural areas, where access to services and information can be more limited.
FAQs: Supported Decision-Making in New Zealand
Who can use Supported Decision-Making (SDM)?
Anyone who needs extra help understanding choices — including people with disabilities, dementia, or neurodivergence — can use SDM to make their own decisions.
Is Supported Decision-Making recognised in New Zealand law?
Yes. It aligns with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the UN CRPD, and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) — key frameworks upheld by Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People.
How is SDM different from guardianship?
Guardianship transfers decision-making power to someone else.
SDM keeps the decision with the individual — while offering the support they need to choose confidently.
Where can I find Supported Decision-Making services near Hamilton?
Community organisations like Aroha Care Hamilton work with people and families across rural Waikato to help them make informed decisions and live independently.
Aroha’s Commitment to Supported Decision-Making
At Aroha Care, we believe every person deserves the right to make their own choices — no matter where they live or what support they need.
We’re proud to stand with Support My Decisions (Whaimana) and Whaikaha in promoting Supported Decision-Making throughout Hamilton and rural Waikato.
By listening, adapting, and empowering, Aroha helps people with disabilities steer their own lives — with dignity, confidence, and care.
