A Personal Note from Ricky: Beyond the Sheep & Unicorn

​"I believe in doing what I can and simply getting on with life, while having a great time doing so."

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​Many of you know that I’ve lived with health challenges, including Parkinson’s Disease, for a number of years. For me, Down Wattle Lane isn't just a business; it’s a way to stay engaged, productive, and connected to the land I love. It’s a micro-business designed to work within my physical limits, covering its own costs and maintaining its existence, which is exactly where I want it to be.

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​However, as my Parkinson’s progresses, I’ve come face-to-face with a "Wellbeing Glitch" in our government systems that I can no longer ignore.

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​The Audit of Fairness

​Despite having worked and paid taxes as an individual for over 25 years, the moment I became unable to work full time 6 years ago, the state stopped seeing me as an individual.

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​Because my partner works a full-time job, I am ineligible for any government disability assistance. Even with a personal income of just $2,000 last year, I am denied even a Community Services Card for cheaper doctor visits, visits that are a non-negotiable part of managing my conditions.

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​Why I am Speaking Up

​I often wonder: Surely, I am not the only one? There are thousands of New Zealanders whose dignity and financial autonomy are being "coupled" to their partner's income. Due to a very low set threshold, it effectively offloads the state’s responsibility for disability care onto working families.

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​I’m not asking for a free ride; I’m asking for a fair one. I have started a parliamentary petition to Remove Joint-Income Testing for those living with life-long disabilities or chronic health conditions. It’s about ensuring that a disability doesn't automatically mean a loss of independence.

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​Find Out More

​If this resonates with you, or if you believe that healthcare and support should be based on an individual’s need rather than their partner's paycheck, I invite you to follow the journey:

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• ​Sign the Petition: NZ Parliamentary Petition

• ​Join the Conversation: www.facebook.com/DeCouple.NZ

• ​The Full Story: www.decouple.nz

​Thank you for supporting Down Wattle Lane, and for letting me share the "why" behind the work I do here.