# https://adhdinquiry.nz


## Posts

- [Anonymous](https://adhdinquiry.nz/anonymous-2/): I’m writing this on behalf of my 5 year old. He tells me his brain is too fast, and why can’t others just keep up? He tells me things move too slowly for him and he needs it to be faster. He is clever, kind and definitely misunderstood. He has been asked to do better multiple times by teachers at his school, he’s 5 years old. The principal said his behaviour looks bad for others, again he is 5 years old! When he is moving and following his interests (at home) he is cool, calm and flexible. He’s strong, an [&hellip;]
- [Fiona](https://adhdinquiry.nz/fiona/): I was diagnosed with autism first, and ADHD many years later.The contrast in how people respond to those two words has been eye-opening. When I mention autism, people are curious. They ask questions, they want to understand. When I mention ADHD, the reaction shifts — suddenly it’s about effort, parenting, or self-control. The empathy disappears, replaced by quiet judgment. Both diagnoses come with stigma, but they’re not treated equally. Autism has entered the public conversation in a way that ADHD simply hasn’t. I’ve found I’m much more comfortable disclosing my autism than my ADHD — not because I’m ashamed, but [&hellip;]
- [Jo](https://adhdinquiry.nz/jo/): I’m a teacher with ADHD. Nobody wants to say it out loud, but kids like me, kids with ADHD, aren’t “disabled enough” to get real support in school.I’ve seen it time and time again. A child finally gets their diagnosis. Their parent comes in, hopeful that this means some real help, maybe a plan, some understanding, maybe a bit of relief. But that’s not what happens. What usually happens is that the child goes from being a bit “difficult” to being managed. Every little thing gets noted, every interruption, every call out, every time they forget their book. The focus [&hellip;]
- [T](https://adhdinquiry.nz/t/): My son showed me the petition since I’m not on social media. I reckon it’s bloody great, but yeah, also pretty sad that it’s true, true about the lifetime of harm. It’s probably too late for me, but it gives me a bit of hope for my boy. If the people in charge actually listened to us, maybe they’d understand what it’s really like living with ADHD here. I know people who’ve packed up and left because there’s just not enough support. Would be nice not to see the eye rolls and sighs every time you tell someone you’ve got [&hellip;]
- [Maria](https://adhdinquiry.nz/maria/): I was diagnosed with ADHD in my late 30s, after one of my children was diagnosed. Since then, I’ve found myself starting to really loathe the school system. I can’t unsee the harm it has caused, not just for my child, but for me too. I feel like I’m stuck doing generational repair. It’s exhausting. My wider family doesn’t all “get it,” and as part of protecting my children I’ve moved them away (when family should mean support). It hurts when I hurt my kids with the same words that were used on me. Sometimes it slips out before I [&hellip;]
- [Rudi](https://adhdinquiry.nz/rudi/): I have ADHD, Bipolar Type 1 combined. The ADHD I have had my whole life, but the Bipolar started when I was 19. School was a living nightmare for me. I couldn&#8217;t remember things and I couldn&#8217;t write down what was on the board. I was punished for this and told I was lazy and needed to concentrate. Then they tried to expel me from primary school because they said I was backwards and they couldn&#8217;t do anything for me. I was punished at intermediate school every day for not paying attention and told I was a failure. I was [&hellip;]
- [Anonymous](https://adhdinquiry.nz/anonymous/): I’ve always felt like I was running on a different clock. Teachers called me lazy, but I was trying harder than anyone knew.
- [Leila](https://adhdinquiry.nz/leila/): Six months since my ADHD diagnosis, I’m still hiding it. My boyfriend doesn’t believe me, and I can’t bring myself to tell my family.

## Pages

- [Requests for Government Information](https://adhdinquiry.nz/requests-for-government-information/): Why these information requests matter We are submitting a coordinated set of 36 Official Information Act (OIA) requests to understand how ADHD is recognised, resourced, and monitored across Aotearoa New Zealand’s public systems. There are about 280,000 people with ADHD in Aotearoa, yet there is no national strategy, no cross-sector oversight, and no consistent approach across agencies. As a result, access to assessment, support, equity protections, and pathways varies widely across health, education, employment, justice, and community systems. These OIAs aim to build a clear picture of: Updates will be added as agencies respond. Master Table of All OIAs Number [&hellip;]
- [Email your MP](https://adhdinquiry.nz/emailmp/): Stories don’t just describe systems. They change them. Changes often start with conversations. When you email your local MP, you’re letting them know that an ADHD inquiry matters, and sharing a bit about why it’s important to you. Where systemic harm can show up You might want to share about harm you’ve experienced or seen, whether personally, as a parent, or through your work.That harm can show up in many different systems, for example: It can also happen in quieter ways — through inaccessible government forms, teacher or employer misunderstandings, or the daily exhaustion of navigating systems not built for [&hellip;]
- [Our Stories](https://adhdinquiry.nz/our-stories/): These are the lived experiences of people with ADHD in Aotearoa. Each story highlights the harm caused by misunderstanding, exclusion, or lack of support — and why systemic change is urgently needed. These stories are just the beginning. If you’d like to add your voice, you can share your story directly through our Your Story Matters page. You can also share your experiences on social media and tag us — so that more people see the reality of ADHD in Aotearoa.
- [Contact Us](https://adhdinquiry.nz/contact-us/): If you have a question, media enquiry, or want to help in some way, use the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We’re self-led volunteers working behind the scenes, so replies may take a day or two — thanks for your patience. The petition is now live on the New Zealand Parliament website. We hope that people with ADHD, allies, advocates, teachers — anyone who understands what’s at stake — will sign and share it, adding their voices to build hope and pressure for real change. This website is not run by Parliament [&hellip;]
- [Your Story Matters](https://adhdinquiry.nz/your-story-matters/): Share Your Story — Anytime We’re building a collective picture of how ADHD-related harm shows up in real life — in schools, workplaces, families, healthcare, and silence. You can also read some of the stories already shared here. If you’ve lived it, you’re welcome to add your voice here at any time. You can share your story or thoughts with your name, under initials, or completely anonymously. Your words will join others in showing why ADHD reform matters, and help build visibility with the public and Parliament. Some people share now. Others wait until the time feels right. Either is [&hellip;]
- [Petition Media Kit &amp; Supporting Statistics](https://adhdinquiry.nz/media-kit/): About This Kit This petition media kit was created by an individual — a late-diagnosed adult with ADHD and parent — to support the call for a public inquiry into systemic harm to people with ADHD in Aotearoa. It’s not exhaustive, and it doesn’t claim to speak for everyone. But it offers a clear starting point for conversation, reporting, and action. This is a grassroots, non-partisan effort. Its goal is to open space, not to own it. National and Global Evidence Summary A plain-English overview of why a public inquiry into systemic harm is urgently needed — backed by key [&hellip;]
- [FAQs](https://adhdinquiry.nz/faqs/): You&#8217;re not the only one with questions. ADHD can be hard to understand from the outside. Even people who live with it still get new questions every day — from teachers, friends, family, workplaces, and systems that don’t always make space. This FAQ page exists because one question often leads to another. And because too many people have been told the wrong thing for too long. We’re here to explain — clearly, respectfully, and without shame. Top FAQs The most common things people ask — from the curious, the skeptical, and the undecided. The Questions People Don’t Always Ask Out [&hellip;]
- [The system is failing people with ADHD. It doesn’t have to be this way.](https://adhdinquiry.nz/): A petition has been lodged with Parliament to investigate systemic harm and push for real change. There are about 280,000 people with ADHD in Aotearoa New Zealand. That&#8217;s 280,000 reasons to sign today. This petition is officially hosted on the New Zealand Parliament website.Clicking ‘Sign the Petition’ will take you directly there. Every signature helps push for urgent ADHD reform. About the Petition Parliament requires one person’s name to lodge a petition, unless you are part of an organisation.This one began with one voice, but it’s built from many voices across Aotearoa.The aim has always been to open another pathway [&hellip;]
- [Privacy &amp; Data Policy](https://adhdinquiry.nz/privacy-policy/): Last updated: 3 August 2025 We’re a volunteer-led campaign. That means we take your trust seriously — and we keep things simple. This page explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, and how it’s handled. Who we are Our website is: https://adhdinquiry.nzWe are an independent, volunteer-run campaign advocating for a government inquiry into ADHD in Aotearoa. What information we collect (and why) We only collect the personal information you choose to give us — like: We use this information solely to: We do not sell or share your data for marketing or advertising purposes. Cookies Our site [&hellip;]


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