Accessibility Standards Bill Lodged for Parliamentary Ballot
Access Matters Aotearoa is pleased to share that the Accessibility Standards Bill has taken an important step forward, with a Notice of Proposal lodged with Parliament for the Members’ Bills Ballot.
A Member’s bill can be selected through the ballot or introduced directly if it gains the required support from MPs. There is also the potential for accessibility legislation to be progressed on a cross-party basis, including as a multi-party bill where MPs from different political parties agree to work together to advance it.
For Access Matters Aotearoa, this is an important milestone after years of advocacy by disabled people, people with access needs, organisations, campaigners and supporters working towards a more accessible Aotearoa New Zealand.
Dr Rebekah Graham, Co-Chair of Access Matters Aotearoa, says:
“Too often, disabled people are expected to adapt to systems, environments and services that were never designed to be accessible. Stronger accessibility standards can help prevent barriers before they arise and provide clearer guidance about what accessibility looks like in everyday life.”
Through the Kōrero for Change webinars, Accessible Futures Summit, research and engagement with lived-experience leaders and organisations, Access Matters Aotearoa has heard consistently about the need for a more systematic approach to identifying, preventing and removing accessibility barriers.
The Accessibility Standards Bill provides a starting framework for reform. It is intended to begin a broader conversation about how Aotearoa New Zealand can better address accessibility barriers.
Access Matters Aotearoa recognise that the Bill can be strengthened and refined, and welcomes constructive feedback from disabled people, people with access needs, Disabled People’s Organisations, community organisations, businesses and other stakeholders.
Access Matters Aotearoa is politically neutral, and wants all political parties to engage constructively with accessibility reform. Access Matters Aotearoa welcomes opportunities for MPs from across Parliament to work together to strengthen and progress accessibility legislation. Lasting change will require broad political and community support.
Access Matters Aotearoa wishes to acknowledge Jenny Marcroft MP, in whose name the Accessibility Standards Bill has been lodged, for progressing this opportunity for accessibility legislation.
Jenny Marcroft MP, Mathias Bridgeman and Joseph Mooney MP launching the Kōrero for Change Insights and Actions report at the Accessible Futures Parliamentary Reception, March 2026
Access Matters Aotearoa's goal is to help build broad support for legislation that is inclusive, practical and robust, and that delivers lasting change for disabled people, people with access needs, older people, families, carers, businesses and the wider community.
Access Matters Aotearoa would value your feedback on the Bill as the conversation continues and the proposed framework is strengthened and refined.