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Wheelchair users

How many people in NZ are suffering from mobility impairments? How many people in NZ rely upon powered wheelchairs to get on with their activities of daily Living? How many people are not prescribed powered wheelchairs at all, either because they are physically unable to control the chair using a conventional interface, or because they are deemed incapable of driving safely?

The University of Waikato is considering to develop a prototype of mind controlled wheelchair and we would like to know the actual demand for this type of rehabilitative device.


Response from Statistics New Zealand

Data does not exist

Data does not exist

5 Comments

  • Madalene Frost

    Moving on to 2013, and the change rationalisation of polling places. The alt place for me has a steep drive which few people without electric wheelchairs could safely negotiate. I have a crook knee which collapses on sloping ground. I use a crutch. There were few parking spaces and from the road I couldn't see any disabled parking signs. There were people who appeared to be waiting to go down in cars on the road above. This place is 11 kms away.
    The previous polling place is on the flat with plenty of parking near the building. It is 5kms away. I chose to go into town, a 70km round trip. And there are many more people in my scattered rural ccommunity who live much much further out on narrow gravel roads. The cost of this penny pinching on voters one chance every three years for 'democracy' is not fit for that purpose. I intend giving
    the electoral commission feedback.

    If you are similarly. affected you may wish to also.

  • Glennis Bason

    I am trying to find the best electric wheelchair for my husband and am keen to find what is available and particularly the safest you recommend

    Thank you
    Glennis Bason

  • Dean Edwards (Statistics New Zealand)

    Hi there ,

    Your question relating specifically to the following: "Can someone help me find the stats in which any type of wheelchair is used in our current New Zealand population?"

    Information not available and is not collected from the Disability Survey.

    • The Disability Survey did not collect detailed information on the use of assistive devices

    Here is the question from the Disability Survey:
    Do you use special equipment for moving around
    1 Yes
    2 No
    Do you have an unmet need for special equipment for moving around
    1 Yes
    2 No


    Some of these other government agencies below might be able to help you with your question.
    Other resources:

    Below is the link on disability support services for equipment
    https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/disability-services/contracting-and-working-disability-support-services/equipment-and-modification-services

    • Health and Disability Commissioner
    • https://www.hdc.org.nz/

    • Living with disability in New Zealand – a Ministry of Health report
    • https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/living-disability-new-zealand

    • Ministry of Health – Disability services
    • https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/disability-services

    • Office for Disability Issues
    • https://www.odi.govt.nz/

  • Julia Donaldson

    Hi there ,

    Can someone help me find the stats in which any type of wheelchair is used in our current New Zealand population , temporarily or permanently ?

    Thank you

  • Kevin Aldworth

    I am trying to get stats on people in Nz using electric chairs.
    Could you please let me know how many people in NZ use powered wheel chairs.

    Thank You Kevin Aldworth

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