The Campaigner’s Bootcamp Sunday 16 April 2023 was a big success. The turnout was fantastic, demonstrating the will of the people to strengthen the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill, and ensure we get effective and comprehensive accessibility legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you missed the action – don’t worry, you can easily watch the Bootcamp recording online.
Campaigners and presenters alike had a lot of fun at the Bootcamp. The kōrero with Jan Logie MP, David Lepofsky and Fletcher Tabuteau was particularly insightful.
Breakout room sessions gave advocates an opportunity to practice their new skills, reinforcing what was learned. Now our Access Matters campaigners are ready to take the message to Aotearoa New Zealand's political leaders.
If you would like join the mission, then be sure to watch the Campaigner's Bootcamp video, and read on ...
Next Steps
Everything you need to take your next steps is in this email.
We suggest you connect with other Campaigners who live in the same electorate as you, and go together to meet with your local MP, so that you can support one another.
If you want us to connect you with other local Campaigners just let us know at [email protected]
When you meet with your MP, try to discuss the following points:
1. Share your story about why removing access barriers matters to you.
2. Explain why the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill needs these four ingredients:
- enforceable accessibility standards
- the establishment of an independent regulator
- a barrier notification system
- a disputes resolution process.
3. Ask your MP to speak with their political party colleagues about strengthening the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill.
4. Recommend that strengthening the Bill should be a policy commitment in their party’s pre-election manifesto.
5. Tell your MP you will contact their office again in two weeks time, to find out how they got on with these requests.
Remember, this is an election year! So your voice and your vote really matters.
Here are some handy online resources:
- Template letter to your local MP requesting a meeting to discuss strengthening the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill
- Template letter to the Minister for Disability Issues requesting a meeting to discuss strengthening the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill
- Tips to help make the most of your MP meeting
- Learn more about why accessibility standards are so important for effective access laws.
Remember to speak from your heart. Ask for a Bill with teeth. And be sure to request a photo with your local MP.
Upload your photo to social media and make sure to tag the Access Matters Campaign handles ( @AccessForAllNZ #AccessMattersNZ #AccessLawRightNow #MakeAccessibilityRealNZ #AccessibilityForNewZealandersBill ) and also your local MP’s profile.
Don’t have social media? Just contact the Access Matters Campaign Team and we can help share your photos and news online for you.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa.
Let us keep close together, not far apart.
Ngā mihi nui
Juliana Carvalho for the Access Matters Campaign Team
Head of Advocacy - Blind Low Vision NZ
