Access Matters: Further Together - October 2026

It has been a significant time for the Access Matters Aotearoa Trust, advancing accessibility further together in Aotearoa New Zealand.

From bringing people together at the Accessible Futures Summit, to launching the Kōrero for Change – Insights and Actions Report, and progressing the Accessibility Standards Bill, we have continued to work alongside disabled people, community organisations, researchers, businesses and decision-makers to identify and address the barriers that prevent people from participating fully in everyday life.

Accessible Futures Summit & Parliamentary Reception

In March, Access Matters Aotearoa hosted the Accessible Futures Summit & Parliamentary Reception, which brought together people from across the disability sector.

The Summit provided an opportunity for presentations, kōrero and robust discussion around what can and should be done to facilitate systemic change and improve accessibility in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Parliamentary Reception was hosted by Joseph Mooney MP and Jenny Marcroft MP, and saw the launch of the Korero for Change – Insights and Actions Report.

Speeches and a panel discussion at the reception expanded on the issues raised during the Summit and highlighted the importance of turning lived experience, research and community knowledge into practical action. The Parliamentary Reception was live-streamed.

Kōrero for Change

Access Matters Aotearoa has hosted multiple Kōrero for Change events, bringing together people to explore accessibility issues and identify practical solutions. Recent topics have included:

• Access to Goods & Services
• Banking
• Political & Democratic Processes
• Total Mobility Scheme & Cost of Living Crisis

Recordings and information from the Kōrero for Change series are available on the Access Matters website.

Accessibility Standards Bill

July marked an important development with the launch of the Draft Accessibility Standards Bill, by New Zealand First, a Member’s Bill in the name of Jenny Marcroft MP.

The consultation Bill was developed with support from Access Matters Aotearoa and law firm Russell McVeagh and provides a proposed framework for accessibility standards across areas of everyday life. Access Matters has described the Bill as a starting point for a broader conversation about how Aotearoa New Zealand can better identify, prevent and remove accessibility barriers.

Taking the Conversation to the Community

Since the Bill was launched, Access Matters Aotearoa has been working hard to encourage engagement and discussion around the proposed framework.

Accessibility is an issue for every parliamentary party. To date Access Matters has briefed five parties on the draft consultation Accessibility Standards Bill. Discussions with politicians have explored the proposed framework, the importance of accessibility standards and opportunities for further parliamentary consideration, including the potential for a multi-party approach to accessibility legislation.

Feedback from disabled people’s organisations highlighted the importance of ensuring the definition of disability reflects the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and explicitly includes people with intellectual and learning disabilities. Access Matters Aotearoa supports strengthening the definition to address these concerns.

Stakeholder feedback has also raised questions about the complaints processes, potential waiting times and the capacity of existing systems to respond effectively to accessibility barriers. These are significant considerations when developing a legislative framework that is practical and workable, and is an essential part of the consultative process.

Learning from International Approaches

Canada established Accessibility Standards Canada in 2019. The standards focus on enabling people to obtain, use and benefit from services without barriers, and emphasises consultation with people with disabilities in the development of accessible services.

International examples such as these can help inform the ongoing discussion in Aotearoa New Zealand about how accessibility standards might work in practice. During Access Matters' meetings with Accessibility Standards Canada in August, CEO Dino Zuppa described accessibility standards as a practical means through which countries could implement the majority of the UNCRPD’s provisions.

Consultation Continues

The conversation about the Accessibility Standards Bill is ongoing, with planned consultation and the encouragement of feedback, we are working together to consider how the proposed framework can be strengthened.

The aim is to establish clearer requirements for accessibility with a focus on preventing avoidable barriers rather than relying solely on individual adjustments after barriers arise. Access Matters Aotearoa is politically neutral and encourages constructive engagement across Parliament and the wider community as the discussion continues.

We Want to Hear From You

If you have feedback, questions or ideas about the Accessibility Standards Bill, please get in touch with Access Matters Aotearoa via [email protected]

You can also find further information and the latest updates on the Access Matters Aotearoa website.

Looking Ahead

There is plenty more happening at Access Matters as we look towards the end of 2026 and into the new year, 2027.

In Series Three of Kōrero for Change our next webinar will focus on Accessible Homes for All. Housing accessibility is an essential part of creating communities where people can live, participate and thrive. We look forward to bringing together a range of perspectives for this conversation, not merely to explore the issues but to see how we can create positive and enduring change for the future. The Accessibility Standards Bill is one part of this conversation

Access Matters is currently working with Access Advisors and other partners to plan the May 2027 Access Awards and Parliamentary Exhibition. These events will provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate people, organisations and initiatives that are leading the way in accessibility and helping create more inclusive communities.

2026 has – so far – been a year of connection, conversation and action, and we are excited about this mahi continuing and growing as we move into 2027.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their experience, contributed their expertise, attended an event, joined a Kōrero for Change, engaged with the Accessibility Standards Bill or otherwise supported the work of Access Matters Aotearoa.

 

Maha rawa wā tātou mahinga, te kore mahi tonu.

Tawhiti rawa tō tātou haerenga, te kore haere tonu.

We have done too much not to do more.

We have gone too far not to go further.

Tā Hemi Henare | Sir James Henare

 

Ngā mihi

The Access Matters Aotearoa Team

We’re a small organisation with a big mission. We rely on grants and donations to continue advocating for systemic changes that benefit people with disabilities and those with access needs. Your donation will help to build a more accessible and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.

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