Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill

The Government introduced its 'Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill' to Parliament on 28 July 2022, claiming it would establish "a new legislative framework that addresses systemic accessibility barriers that prevent disabled people, tāngata whaikaha and their whānau, and others with accessibility needs from living independently and participating in all areas of life."

The 'Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill' had its First Reading 2 August and was subsequently referred to the Social Services and Community Select Committee, a group of nine MPs that will examine the bill in more detail and hear submissions from the public.

We can do better

Access Matters Aotearoa believes that the Government's 'Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill' - in its current form - falls well short of the accessibility legislation all Kiwis deserve, and need, to be able to fully participate in society, have the opportunity to learn, to get a job, and to take part in community and social life. 

The Select Committee needs to hear YOUR VOICE on the 'Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill', and how the current bill can be amended to create an Act of Parliament that will implement an accessibility legislative framework focused on the prevention and removal of new barriers, to ensure everyone can participate and access the same opportunities on an equal basis with others.

It only takes 5 minutes

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get this legislation right, so we have provided an easy - yet unique - Select Committee Submission form below that only takes five minutes to complete. You can help make real change in Aotearoa New Zealand, so make your submission today!

What to know more?

Read the Government's proposed 'Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill' and Auckland Disability Law's initial response to the bill. Check out Access Matters Aotearoa's <<analysis>> of the Government bill and our alternative <<Example Bill>> for recommendations on how we can improve accessibility legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Also see our Submission Guide for more information about making a Select Committee submission, plus ideas and themes you may wish to include in your submission.

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Write your submission below

If you would like help completing the Select Committee Submission form, or simply don't know what to write, please contact Taryn Banks on [email protected] or 022 016 2571. We're here to help! NZSL video and captioned calls are available. 

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