Chris Bunny – Deputy Chief Executive, Disability Support Services
Role and responsibilities
Chris heads our Disability Support Services group, whose people began transferring to MSD from the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha in August 2024 following the findings of the Independent Review of DSS. This followed an announcement from the Minister for Disability Issues, Louise Upston, on 15 August that Disability Support Services, and policy and quality assurance functions related to DSS services and other supporting functions, would move from Whaikaha to MSD.
Chris has been responsible for setting up a Taskforce to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review. The Taskforce is reviewing policy and operational settings for DSS eligibility and guidance, with an aim to improve fairness, prioritise those with the highest needs, and reduce regional variability in how DSS and Enabling Good Lives operate around New Zealand. The goal is to ensure disabled people and carers have support services that are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable.
DSS provides essential support to around 50,000 disabled people and their whānau, as well as equipment and modification services for approximately 100,000 New Zealanders. Disability support recipients access services through providers, Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC) or Enabling Good Lives (EGL) contacts.
DSS staff are located in Auckland, Waikato, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Background
Chris came to MSD in August 2024 from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi where he was the Group General Manager of System leadership. Chris was already known to many of us at MSD because of his previous role in our Policy group. Previously, Chris has worked at MBIE and Treasury.
Chris has a strong financial management background and experience running large complex systems and services. Not only is Chris an experienced leader, but as a parent of a child with a disability he understands the challenges you face and the importance of support.
