Who We Are

Our Purpose

Access Matters Aotearoa exists to help create a fully accessible and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand where disabled people and others with access needs can participate equally in all parts of life. 

We work to remove barriers and improve accessibility across society by bringing people together, influencing public policy and law reform, supporting research and innovation, raising awareness, and promoting practical solutions that improve everyday access and inclusion. 

Our Vision

We want to see an Aotearoa New Zealand where accessibility is universal, disability is valued, and everyone can participate fully in society. 

Our Reason

Right now, one in six New Zealanders face barriers that limit participation in work, education, transport, housing, communication, healthcare, and community life.

Disabled people feel this most in their everyday lives. Alongside disabled people, older people, parents with young children, and people recovering from injury also experience accessibility barriers. Many New Zealanders already understand barriers to access due to their caring roles with whānau.

Accessibility is not a “special interest” issue. It is essential infrastructure for a productive, inclusive, and socially connected nation. 

Aotearoa New Zealand continues to lack enforceable accessibility standards across many parts of public life. We believe that practical reform is both achievable and urgently needed. 

Accessibility benefits everyone.

Our Approach

We recognise that equality may require different supports and approaches to achieve fair participation and inclusion. 

We work constructively across political lines, grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, lived experience, and evidence.

Our work includes:

  • Advocating for better accessibility laws, standards, and systems in Aotearoa New Zealand

  • Supporting the rights, participation, and inclusion of people with access needs

  • Bringing together disabled people, communities, organisations, businesses, government, and other partners to work collaboratively on accessibility issues

  • Promoting accessible services, environments, products, information, and experiences

  • Monitoring and contributing to government policy, legislation, and public decision-making that affects disabled people and accessibility

  • Leading public awareness and social change initiatives, including the Access Matters campaign

  • Recognising and encouraging good accessibility practice through initiatives such as accessibility awards

  • Supporting research, innovation, and practical solutions that reduce barriers and improve inclusion

  • Raising and applying funding to advance accessibility and other charitable purposes connected to inclusion and participation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Our Accessibility Commitment

We are committed to:

  • Plain language communication

  • Accessible documents and events

  • Captioning, transcripts, and NZSL access where possible

  • Inclusive engagement and consultation

  • Meaningful participation of disabled people

Our Goal

We aim to help shift Aotearoa New Zealand from a system where accessibility is optional or inconsistent to one where accessibility is expected, planned for, and embedded across society.

Our Strategic Priorities

1. Influence: Drive Accessibility Reform

Key Priorities

  • Advance the proposed Accessibility Standards Bill

  • Promote the concept of a Whole-of-Government Accessibility Strategy

  • Build constructive cross-party political relationships and policy support

  • Position accessibility as an economic, social, and productivity issue

  • Develop partnerships with think tanks, researchers, business leaders, and sector experts

  • Produce practical policy proposals and rapid evidence reviews

  • Establish an Experts Group to support submissions, petitions, and policy development

  • Continue engaging with Select Committees and public agencies on accessibility issues

  • Explore strategic litigation opportunities with legal partners where appropriate

  • Support grassroots leaders and advocates to participate in policy discussions within their communities

Success by 2027

  • Accessibility reform becomes part of mainstream public and political discussion

  • Increased political engagement across multiple parties

  • Greater recognition of accessibility as a national productivity and participation issue

  • Recognition as a trusted national policy voice on accessibility

2. Educate: Build Public Understanding and National Conversation

Key Priorities

  • Deliver the Kōrero for Change webinar series

  • Publish accessible reports, summaries, proceedings, and policy insights

  • Translate community insights into practical advocacy and reform ideas

  • Share practical examples of accessibility solutions from New Zealand and overseas

  • Strengthen media engagement and public communications

  • Build stronger relationships with disabled people, whānau, community groups, and allies

  • Invite think tanks, researchers, and strategic partners to contribute to public discussion and policy development

Success by 2027

  • Greater public understanding of accessibility barriers and solutions

  • Increased participation across sectors in Access Matters Aotearoa events and discussions

  • Stronger national networks supporting accessibility reform

  • Increased visibility of accessibility issues in public and media conversations

3. Sustain: Build a Strong and Sustainable Organisation

Key Priorities

  • Secure multi-year funding partnerships

  • Strengthen governance, financial systems, and organisational policies

  • Maintain strong strategic partnerships and pro bono collaborations

  • Grow operational capacity through specialist contractors and advisors

  • Continue improving our digital presence and communications

  • Refresh and simplify our website and public engagement platforms

  • Continue developing grassroots giving and donor engagement initiatives

  • Build sustainable operational and policy capability over time

Organisational Development Priorities

  • Operations and Programme Management

  • Policy and Advocacy Leadership

  • Marketing and Communications

  • Community and Volunteer Coordination

Success by 2027

  • Multi-year funding secured

  • Stable operational systems and governance

  • Strong national reputation and trusted partnerships

  • Sustainable capability to continue long-term advocacy and systems change

Looking Ahead

From 2025 to 2027, Access Matters Aotearoa will focus on building practical momentum for accessibility reform in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We believe accessibility strengthens communities, improves productivity, reduces exclusion, and benefits everyone.

Real change is possible when disabled people, communities, decision-makers, businesses, and government work together toward a shared vision of accessibility for all.