Six ridiculous things politicians said about disabled communities

“His brains could revolve inside a peanut shell for a thousand years without touching the sides”. This was an infamously harsh putdown by Labour MP Frank Langstone directed at a fellow MP in 1949.

In 1963, one unnamed MP described another as “having the energy of a tired snail returning home from a funeral”. Both of these comments were deemed “unparliamentary language” by the NZ Speaker of the House. While politicians can be cutting and even nasty with each other, they are supposed to represent every community within Aotearoa. However, sometimes they let their mouths run away without engaging their brain first. I appreciate everybody does this from time to time, but you would think the leaders of our country would know better than to misrepresent a marginalised community.

As members of disabled communities, we’d hope that people in power think about how their rhetoric impacts reality for us. Some politicians have made comments that clearly negatively affect the perception of disabled people and their whānau and carers. As someone who is disabled, it grinds my gears not just for myself but for our community as a whole. Perception is everything. When it comes to day-to-day life, if somebody sees or hears the comments that some politicians make, they are more likely to agree with them. Here is my take on the unhelpful comments some politicians have made in the last few years.

6. Penny Simmonds’ comments regarding the funding cuts in 2024

In March 2024, the Government made an announcement via social media that funding was going to be cut for equipment and modifications services and flexible funding. According to then disabilities Issues Minister Penny Simmonds, there was a budget blow out which led to “double the spend on flexible individualised funding.” She also commented that some carers had been using flexible funding for their own personal care, including “massages, overseas travel, pedicures, haircuts”. I don’t know about you, but my Mum cuts my hair (rather well, actually) and even does my nails! And let’s not talk about the overseas visit (courtesy of the bank of Mum and Dad) where my wheelchair was lost then found and eventually broken….While there might have been isolated incidents of funding misuse, the majority of carers do the right thing – and then suddenly, all disabled people were being penalised by having their budgets slashed because of a very small minority group’s actions. This did cause offence.

5. Winston Peters using derogatory language that demeans the disability community

On 23 July 2024, Winston Peters used the ‘R-word’ comment in parliament to refer to another MP. People in the disability community were appalled - and quite rightly - as this reinforces negative, derogatory labelling of intellectually disabled people. The IHC commented, “When an influential public figure uses this word in a derogatory manner, it reinforces stigma and negative stereotypes against people with intellectual disabilities.” Peters again repeatedly used the R-slur again earlier this year. In the 21st century, politicians should know that this language is offensive, although given Mr Peters’ remarks, I'm not 100% sure that the memo has gotten through.

4. Nicky Wagner putting her foot in it on Twitter

Tweeted on 18 June 2017, Nicky Wagner created a fire storm on Twitter and in public discourse when she shared: "Busy with disability meetings in Auckland - rather be out in the harbour!" This comment was received like a lead balloon by all sections of the public who commented.

"Oh my gosh. You're my MP. You told me disability was the most important thing to you. You lied to me," one person tweeted. Labour MP Grant Robertson “Oh. My. God. You are the Minister for Disabilities, show some respect. Actually, come to think of it, just resign and go and be on the harbour.” A helpful tip for any prospective disability issues Ministers: at least give the impression that you care about your ministerial responsibilities!

3. Nicola Willis “reached for the wrong metaphor”

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has a history of putting her foot in her mouth. In August 2023 she asked Grant Robertson “how big is his hole”? She forgot to say “fiscal” hole. A few months later she talked about the size of New Zealand’s sausage and how it’s delivered - another comment that gained world-wide coverage. These comments were funny and unplanned innuendos in Parliament and not meant to harm anyone.

However, in May 2026 she made a statement that upset many New Zealanders. While she later said she regrets saying those living in social housing had “effectively won the lotto”. For the 32% to 54% of people living in community social housing who are disabled, this is cold comfort. Once you open your mouth, you can't take it back - no matter how much you apologise. I would suggest that winning the lottery is actually easier than getting into social housing, given the amount of hoops I've personally had to jump through to get on the social housing register.

2. Across the ditch, Scott Morrison felt “blessed” not to have a child with a disability

In 2022, the Australian prime minister at the time Scott Morrison made a catastrophic error of judgement. He proceeded to comment in an election debate on live TV that he was blessed not to have a child with a disability. This comment drew condemnation from disability advocates.

Disabled person and Australian of the year at the time, Dylan Alcott, commented: "Woke up this morning feeling very blessed to be disabled — I reckon my parents are pretty happy about it too," he said.

To Scott Morrison: I feel blessed to wake up in the morning with a disability as it's given me a unique perspective on life.

1. And finally, who else but Donald Trump

Trump is arguably the most prominent politician in the world to have totally crossed the line and has faced widespread international condemnation for publicly mocking people with disabilities. In 2015, during a campaign rally in South Carolina, Trump mocked New York Times Reporter Serge Kovaleski (who has a congenital joint condition) by flailing his arms and contorting his hands. Disgusting! Later, Trump faced similar criticism for imitating the late Senator John McCain’s inability to raise his arm due to injuries sustained while a prisoner of war. More recently, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom has stated publicly that he is dyslexic. Trump called Newsom “dumb” and that people with learning difficulties should not be President of the United States. Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, correctly called Trump’s comments “Extremely ignorant and offensive”. And let’s not start on all his nonsense about autistic people.

As we lead into the upcoming general election, let’s hope that all political hopefuls engage their brains before opening their mouths! Their job is to represent us all, not insult us. So make sure you get out and vote for the party and candidate that aligns with your values - with the words they speak and actions they take!

You can also come along to the Disability Debate, hosted by The D*List and The University of Auckland Disabled Students Association, as the major political parties debate the issues that matter to Deaf and disabled communities.

Matty Bauernfeind is part of our Community Reporters Programme for 2026. This programme supports The D*List's commitment to nurturing the next generation of disabled storytellers in Aotearoa. You can read more about our Community Reporters Programme here.