About Us
History of NRPG
In the 1990’s, rehabilitation providers did not have a strong voice in the health and disability sector and were limited in their ability to influence change needed to improve rehabilitation in New Zealand. At that time, a siloed and inputs based approach to the design of rehabilitation services had occurred led by ACC as the principal funder. In response to rehabilitation providers wanting to positively influence rehabilitation services in New Zealand, the NRPG was formed as an informal group of rehabilitation providers with services located in the Northern region of New Zealand.
It soon became apparent that there was value in collaborating as a provider group. The NRPG met several times each year discussing and forming views on topical issues related to rehabilitation. ACC, DHBs and the Ministry of Health were keen to attend NRPG meetings, initially providing information and seeking advice as trust and confidence grew in the provider group as to their knowledge and expertise. Providers were also interested to share knowledge within the group to broaden its collaboration extending to learning forums for members and associations with consumer groups and universities in particular.
By 2017, the NRPG decided to formalise its status to become an incorporated society. This provided more impetus to further define the NRPG’s purpose and put more structure around how the group was operating. NPRG became an incorporated society in 2018. It has a chairperson, secretary, treasurer and executive committee representative of rehabilitation providers.
In 2020, the NRPG which had a membership of some multi-region and national organisations voted to become a national organisation changing its name and constitution. The Northern Rehabilitation Providers Group became the National Rehabilitation Providers Group.
NRPG Aims
The NRPG has three main aims. These are to:
- provide a forum for all providers of community and residential based assessment and rehabilitation services
- promote sharing of information among providers, in order to promote excellence in rehabilitation taking a person centred approach
- provide an independent voice for rehabilitation providers, facilitating the liaison and clear exchange of information with funders
Importantly, the NRPG does not limit or substitute any individual provider communications or negotiations with funders. Nor does it replace individual provider responsibilities to consult and involve consumer groups as part of service delivery.
Objectives
To achieve its aims, the NRPG has the following objectives. These are to:
- promote excellence of service delivery for all consumers of rehabilitation services
- identify barriers to service delivery and promote positive solutions
- review, discuss and promote service development, strategic direction and policy issues at a national level
- discuss contracting issues that may be causing difficulties for providers in delivering services to consumers
- build the field of rehabilitation and promote best practice among providers in New Zealand
- consult with representatives of Māori, Pacific Island and other groups, including how providers can best address equity, access and service design issues in the field of rehabilitation
Key liaison partners
The NRPG has formed good relationships with funders, other provider groups such as the NZRA, consumer groups, researchers and educators. The NRPG is a group recognised for its ability to influence and be influenced benefiting rehabilitation in New Zealand.
It has been a privilege that the NRPG has had audiences with the Deputy Director-General of Health, Health System Improvement and Innovation; Chief Executive of ACC; Clinical Leader of the Major Trauma National Clinical Network; Head of Health Intelligence and Insights, ACC; and Head of Provider Service Delivery, ACC. Through developing strong and productive relationships with these senior leaders, it has enabled the NRPG to contribute to some significant strategic developments, which will affect rehabilitation. In addition, the NRPG regularly has portfolio managers, relationship managers and service designers attend its meetings providing updates and receiving feedback.
The NRPG takes direction from its members representing the wider views of the NRPG to increase the visibility where there are common issues across rehabilitation providers. A recent example is developing a plan to strengthen workforce development in response to increasing difficulties to recruit, retain and develop certain professions who are in short demand. The NRPG meets regularly with ACC and other funders to assist the rehabilitation sector keep up to date with changes and to provide feedback on behalf of members.