Kōrero for Change - Banking

Access to Banking

Our next kōrero in the series focuses on Banking. We recognise the urgent need to examine how disabled people experience banking systems — from opening accounts and verifying identity, to accessing online platforms, ATMs, loans, financial advice, and everyday transactions.

Banking is an essential service. Yet too often, systems are designed without disabled people in mind. Digital-only platforms can exclude those who are blind or have low vision. Phone authentication processes can create barriers for Deaf people. Inaccessible branches, complex paperwork, rigid identification requirements, and assumptions about capability can prevent equitable access to financial independence.

This webinar will explore how ableism shows up in banking practices, policies, technology, and culture. We will hear lived experiences, identify systemic barriers, and discuss practical changes that banks, regulators, and policymakers can make to ensure financial services are accessible, inclusive, and dignity-affirming for all.

Join us as we work toward a banking system that recognises disabled people as valued customers, decision-makers, and economic participants — not afterthoughts.

Date: 15 April 2026

Time: 9 am to 11 am

Where: register with Zoom

Master of Ceremonies: Dr Rebekah Graham, Co-Chair Access Matters Aotearoa Trust

Speakers: Bruce Maguire, Lead Policy Advisor, Vision Australia; Neil Jarvis, Digital Accessibility Consultant; Dr Rachelle Martin, Senior Lecturer, DipPhys, MHsc (endorsed in Rehabilitation), University of Otago Wellington; Nicola Sladden, Chief Executive Officer, Banking Ombudsman; Steve Wiggins, Chief Executive, Payments NZ; Peter Harrison, Managing Director, Kaiwahakahaere Matua; Tania Reed, Head of Accessibility, Westpac New Zealand; Jared Hutcheson, Programme Manager Financial Wellbeing, Westpac New Zealand; Annette Rotherham, Senior Speech Language Therapist, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora; Jake Lilley, Senior Policy Advisor, FinCap

Moderators: Neil Jarvis, Digital Accessibility Consultant; Callum McMenanim, Director, Open Access

Registration: via Zoom

Attending: Anyone who wants to gain insights, share experiences, and be part of the movement toward improved access to banking systems in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Programme: Word, Large Print, PDF Glossy, Braille, NZSL, Audio, EasyRead.

Contact: Kimberly Graham via [email protected]