Laura Fergusson Trust Incorporated was established by Lady Laura Fergusson and Lady Mary Caughey in 1967, to provide support services to disabled people.
Our founders’ vision was to assist and encourage disabled people towards achieving their full potential and independence in daily living.
For over 50 years this vision was realised through many evolutions in society, policy, medical knowledge, the growing use of technology and increasing understanding of disability. The way we look at disability in New Zealand has also changed significantly over this time.
New Zealand’s disability sector is undergoing a once-in-a-generation shift, driven by new policy underpinned by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensuring disabled people are involved in decision-making that impacts them.
To secure a strong financial future for the Trust, we must adapt to support disabled people in a way that reflects this sector transformation. This includes transforming LFT Auckland to a social investment agency model, led by people with lived experience of disability.
We will continue to build on our founders’ legacy through sustainable initiatives that remove barriers and create new opportunities for disabled people. Our vision is an equitable society for disabled New Zealanders.
You can read about our current initiatives here.
Watch a short video about our vision and purpose: