MEDIA RELEASE 05 November 2026

Accessibility Standards Legislation announcement an important step – organisations call for cross-party commitment

Three national disability and accessibility organisations have welcomed New Zealand First's announcement yesterday that it intends to introduce legislation establishing legally recognised accessibility standards, describing it as an important opportunity to turn longstanding advocacy into practical change.

Access Matters Aotearoa (AMA), the Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand and Kāpō Māori Aotearoa (KMA) say the announcement brings renewed attention to the need for a consistent, accountable approach to removing the barriers that prevent disabled people and others with access needs from participating fully in everyday life.

Announced by New Zealand First on 4 November, the proposed Accessibility Standards Legislation would establish a framework for developing sector-specific accessibility standards covering services, facilities, infrastructure and public-facing organisations.

The proposal includes requirements for consultation, provisions for accessibility plans, accessible feedback processes and a formal complaints pathway through the Human Rights Commission.

The three organisations say these measures represent an opportunity to move Aotearoa New Zealand from responding to accessibility barriers after they arise towards preventing them through better design, planning and accountability.

A practical response to longstanding barriers

For many New Zealanders, accessibility remains inconsistent and too often depends on where they live, which services they use or whether they have the resources to challenge barriers.

These barriers affect access to education, employment, transport, housing, healthcare, public services, communication and community life.

The 2023 Household Disability Survey identified approximately 851,000 disabled people living in New Zealand households, representing 17 percent of the household population. Many more New Zealanders encounter accessibility barriers as they age, recover from injury or support family members.

The organisations say clear national standards could provide greater certainty for disabled people and their whānau, while helping businesses, service providers, designers, developers and public agencies understand their responsibilities.

Building accessibility into new facilities, infrastructure, services and digital systems from the outset can also reduce the need for costly modifications and help create environments that work better for everyone.

Access Matters Aotearoa welcomes progress

Access Matters Aotearoa has advocated for practical accessibility legislation and enforceable standards, working alongside disabled people, disability organisations, legal experts, industry representatives and political parties.

AMA Co-Chairs Dr Rebekah Graham and Amy Hogan say today's announcement is an important development in the longstanding effort to establish clearer expectations and greater accountability for accessibility in New Zealand.

“For me, accessibility comes down to whether people can participate in everyday life with dignity and choice. Can you get into a building, use a service, understand the information you need and have your voice heard. Clear standards would help turn those expectations into everyday practice,” says Dr Rebekah Graham, Co-Chair, Access Matters Aotearoa. “We call on every party to commit to progressing Accessibility Standards Legislation as a multi-party commitment and explain how they will turn that commitment into action. We welcome this commitment and invite every political party to build on it. Accessibility needs sustained action that endures across successive governments.”

“What matters to me is that people can get on with their lives without having to keep asking for access. Every barrier removed opens possibilities – to work, study, spend time with friends and family, or contribute to your community. That is what we want this legislation to deliver,” says Amy Hogan, Co-Chair, Access Matters Aotearoa. “Disabled persons and tāngata whaikaha Māori knowledge and leadership are essential to getting this right. We want a framework that responds to their experiences and delivers lasting improvements.”

Cerebral Palsy Society welcomes commitment to meaningful change

The Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand supports people with cerebral palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi – and their families and whānau.

The Society sees firsthand how inaccessible environments, services and systems can limit opportunities for education, employment, independence and community participation.

It says the value of accessibility legislation will ultimately be measured by the practical improvements it delivers in people's lives.

“We need legislation that delivers real, measurable improvements in accessibility, rather than continuing to rely on voluntary action,” says Daniel Clay, Chair, Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand. “Accessibility Standards Legislation provides a useful starting point, and we look forward to contributing to its further development to ensure the legislation is effective and delivers meaningful change for people with disabilities.”

Kāpō Māori Aotearoa emphasises equitable access

Kāpō Māori Aotearoa brings an important tangata whaikaha Māori perspective to the development of Accessibility Standards Legislation.

Kāpō Māori Aotearoa acknowledges New Zealand First’s commitment to Accessibility Standards Legislation. AMA trustee and Kāpō Māori Aotearoa Chief Executive, Chrissie Cowan ONZM says this is opportunity to lead transformative change.

“Many of the systems we work within are not inclusive. New legislation offers the opportunity for political parties to work together with AMA, Māori, the disability community, families and whānau to define what accessibility looks like in Aotearoa. New Zealanders want legislation that is measurable and focused on reducing inequities.”

“Accessibility Standards Legislation must reflect our diversity. It is about people, it is about dignity, it is about belonging, it is about our wellbeing.”

The organisations recognise the importance of ensuring that new standards are informed by disabled people and tangata whaikaha Māori, reflect their experiences and aspirations, and support equitable access to services and opportunities.

ENDS

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Media contact

Dianne Rogers | Strategy, Policy and Development Lead

Access Matters Aotearoa Trust

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 027 316 2211

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About Access Matters Aotearoa (AMA)

Access Matters Aotearoa Trust is politically neutral and advocates for an accessible and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand. It brings disability leadership, community experience and cross-sector collaboration together to advance practical change. AMA’s support for accessibility legislation does not constitute endorsement of any political party.

About Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand

The Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand is a member-based organisation supporting people living with cerebral palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi and their families and whānau. Through programmes, grants, information and advice, it helps enhance independence, wellbeing and quality of life.

About Kāpō Māori Aotearoa (KMA)

Kāpō Māori Aotearoa is an indigenous, national tāngata whaikaha Māori led charity that is kaupapa Māori governed and operated. Whānau and family inclusive, KMA works within Te Ao Māori health and wellbeing models that focus on and support the ‘whole person’ to live the life they choose. Through their core business of peer support, advocacy, eye health and wellbeing support KMA strives to assist tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau to attain Mauri Ora – improved wellbeing, independence, connection and participation.