The building and construction industry holds a pivotal role in helping to change the narrative around how disabled people are included. We will be calling on a disability expert to explain what ableism looks like in our urban landscape, and asking guest speakers,

"What is the role of housing and the built environment in the process of inclusion and belonging of people with disabilities?"

We will also be taking a closer look at robust accessibility legislation used in countries overseas.

Download the Webinar Transcript 

Date: Wednesday 19 June 2024

Time: 9am to 12pm

Where: Zoom

Speakers: Karen Billings-Jensen - Age Concern New Zealand; Katie Bourke - CCS Disability Action; Steve Jenkins - GJ Gardner Homes; Dr Kay Saville-Smith - Centre of Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment; Paul Gilberd - Community Housing Aotearoa; Gareth Ready - Signature Construction; Thanh Nguyen - Beca; Dr Lee Beattie - School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland; Helen James - Lifemark; Dr Claire Flemmer - School of Built Environment, Massey University; Glen Frost - TEAM Architects New Zealand; Hon Kieran McAnulty - Labour Party; George Weeks - Kāinga Ora; Tara Moala - Tāmaki Regeneration Company; Bruce Sedcole - Building Research Association of New Zealand; Len Salt - Thames-Coromandel District Council; Dr Rod Barnett - School of Architecture, Victoria University of Wellington.

Registration: Via Zoom

Attending: Anyone with the desire to see improved access and inclusion for all of Aotearoa New Zealand’s population.

Programme: Word Doc, PDF, Large Print, NZSL, Easy Read PDF, Easy Read Word Doc, Glossy Version

Contact: Kimberly Graham via [email protected]

Download the webinar transcript as a Word document.

We’re delighted to share with you the programme for our inaugural Kōrero for Change webinar on Media and Communication. We have a stellar line-up of panellists and speakers from across the media landscape, thought leaders from various universities, and mediators from within the disability sector to help steer the conversation.

The media holds a pivotal role in changing the narrative around people with disabilities. In this transformative event, we come together to delve into crucial discussions surrounding ableism and accessibility in this area. Together, we aim to foster dialogue, inspire action and drive positive change within the media industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Access the full Programme as PDF, Word Doc, Easy Read PDF, Easy Read Word Doc, Large Print, NZSL, Braille or Audio.

Kōrero for Change | Media and Communication | 9am-11am Wednesday 10 April 2024 via Zoom.

Access the full Programme as PDF, Word Doc, Easy Read PDF, Easy Read Word Doc, Large Print, NZSL, Braille or Audio.

We hope you’ll join us for Kōrero for Change | Media and Communication on Wednesday 10 April, 9am – 11am, and be a part of the conversation around the future of inclusion and accessibility in the media.

Noho ora mai

Juliana Carvalho for the Access Matters Campaign Team

Head of Advocacy - Blind Low Vision NZ

www.accessmatters.org.nz

Check out our X / Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new webinar series, Kōrero for Change - Courageous Conversations about Ableism.

At Access Matters Aotearoa, we're committed to tackling ableism head-on as a root cause of inequity and a significant barrier to passing meaningful accessibility legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

So, how do we drive this change? By initiating brave conversations with those who have the power to make a difference. That's why we're excited to introduce a series of webinars that will shine a light on the critical areas where people with disabilities face disabling experiences in our country.

These essential topics include Media and Communication, Housing and Built Environment, Employment, Education, Transport, Emergency Preparedness and Climate Change, and Digital and Information Systems.

Access Matters Aotearoa will be bringing together the Deciders, the Creators, the Thinkers, and the Doers of our society to explore their roles in fostering inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities. We're inviting heads of government, thought leaders, university heads of departments, professionals, and key members of the disability community to participate in these vital discussions.

Our journey begins with our inaugural webinar, focusing on Media and Communication, scheduled for Wednesday 10 April 2024. Save the date!

Media and Communication: Our conversation will kick off by examining the role of media and communication in shaping perceptions of people with disabilities. Media plays a crucial role in changing the narrative and breaking down stereotypes. We'll delve into how portrayal in media can either promote inclusion or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. We will also explore what accessibility standards for media and communication could look like.

We are pleased to have Hon Melissa Lee open the webinar. Minister Lee holds multiple portfolios as the Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Ethnic Communities, Minister for Media and Communications, and Associate Minister for ACC. With her extensive background in journalism, television production and business ownership, Minister Lee brings a wealth of experience to our discussion.

Register Now: Be part of this crucial conversation!

Register for Kōrero for Change - Media and Communication webinar.

Date: Wednesday 10 April 2024

Time: 9am – 11am NZT

Programme: PDF, Word Doc, Easy Read PDF, Easy Read Word Doc, Large Print, NZSL, Braille or Audio.

Location: Zoom webinar

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the webinar.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a more inclusive future for all.

Noho ora mai,

Juliana Carvalho for the Access Matters Campaign Team

Head of Advocacy - Blind Low Vision NZ

www.accessmatters.org.nz

It is incredible what can be achieved when passionate individuals and committed organisations come together for a common goal. The March to Parliament this time last week was a huge success, and we want to celebrate our collective achievements with you:

• 2,290 signatures collected during the petition campaign
• 100 individuals attended the march
• 14 Members of Parliament present at the petition delivery
• 2 media articles
  • RNZ 'Group calls on government to withdraw Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill'
  • The Post 'Capital Today 7 March'
• Meeting with the Minister for Disability Issues and other stakeholders

Check Out the March Photos and Speeches!

Curious to witness the passion, determination and unity that define our movement? Check out the photos that capture the essence of our March to Parliament and watch the video featuring speeches by:

• Hon Penny Simmonds – Minister for Disability Issues
• Juliana Carvalho – Access Matters Lead Campaigner
• Lisa Seerup – President of Hearing NZ
• Takutai Tarsh Kemp, MP for Tamaki Makaurau, Te Pāti Māori
• Nīkau Wi Neera – Councillor, Wellington City Council
• Joanne Dacombe – President of Disabled Person’s Assembly
• Lew Findlay – Grey Power
• Katrina Matich – Balloon Decor With A Twist
• Sean Prenter – Co-President of the National Disabled Students’ Association
• Kahurangi Carter – Green Party List Member and Disability Issues

MP Attendance – Advocacy in Action!

National Party

• Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for Disability Issues
• Carl Bates, MP for Whanganui
• Dr Carlos Cheung, MP for Mt Roskill
• Tom Rutheford, MP for Bay of Plenty

ACT Party

• Laura Trask MP

NZ First Party

• Tanya Unkovich MP
• Andy Foster MP

Labour Party

• Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Disability Issues Spokesperson
• Helen White, MP for Mount Albert
• Shanan Halbert MP

Green Party

• Kahurangi Carter MP, Disability Issues Spokesperson
• Darleen Tana MP
• Scott Willis MP

Te Pāti Māori

• Takutai Tarsh Kemp, MP for Tāmaki Makaurau

Next Step – Keeping the Momentum!

Talk to your local MP and share with them why accessibility is important. If your local MP is one of the attendees, send them an email thanking them for coming along and ask for a meeting.

Keep the passion alive, advocates! Let's continue breaking barriers for a more accessible Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ngā mihi nui

Juliana Carvalho for the Access Matters Campaign Team

Head of Advocacy - Blind Low Vision NZ

2024/25 Kōrero for Change Online Webinar Series

What is Kōrero for Change?

Kōrero for Change spans one year (April 2024 - March/April 2025) and consists of seven online panel discussions, held every two months. Each discussion is themed around a key area of life where individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand encounter disabling experiences.

They are education, housing and the built environment, employment, transport, media and communication, digital and information systems and emergency response.

The key elements for our Kōrero for Change will include:

• Fostering courageous conversations about ableism and inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand with key stakeholders, government, and disabled people. By addressing these issues directly, we aim to stimulate new thinking, awareness, and action.
• Empowering panelists to share their knowledge and experiences, bridge the gap between assumptions around disability, encouraging innovative and out-of-the-box thinking to address inequity. The approach is crucial for finding practical solutions to accessibility challenges.
• Utilising international accessibility standards as thought-provoking case studies to inspire participants to envision an accessible and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand. This practical approach can help participants reimagine the standard and methods that can be employed to achieve accessibility within the next decade.
• Transparency and knowledge sharing by making recordings and summary notes from the panel discussions readily available to the public via our website.

Kōrero for Change is presented with thanks to funding from the J R McKenzie Trust and Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People.

Watch the March to Parliament speeches on Facebook!

Tomorrow our communities March to Parliament together. Our hearts are full, and we can’t wait to demonstrate the strength and beauty of our communities with you. Here is what you can expect at the March:

Meeting and Departure Points

1. Midland Park

We will be gathering in Midland Park from 12pm, setting off at 12:30pm. There will be a band playing alongside us the whole way to keep our spirits high!

The distance from Midland Park to Parliament grounds is approximately 600 metres.

2. Bunny Street

We will be gathering at 33 Bunny Street, in front of Rutherford House, Victoria University, from 12pm, setting off at 12:30pm.

There are accessible toilets near the Bunny Street location, at the Wellington Station Bus Interchange. This is also the easier spot to get to via public transport.

The distance from Bunny Street to Parliament grounds is approximately 240 metres.

3. Parliament Grounds

We will arrive at Parliament grounds in front of the Seddon Statue by 1pm, in time for the speeches to begin. You’re welcome to meet us at the end of the March, at Parliament grounds, if you prefer.

Watch out for our marshals in orange hi-vis jackets at the meeting points. We will also have orange ‘accessibility’ balloons with us to give out at both Midland Park and Bunny Street.

Speeches at Parliament

From 1pm – 2pm we will gather in front of the steps of Parliament and hear from the following speakers:

• Juliana Carvalho – Access Matters Lead Campaigner and Lisa Seerup – President of Hearing NZ
• Hon Penny Simmonds – Minister for Disability Issues will receive the petition and is our first speaker
• Debbie Ngarewa-Packer – Member for Te Tai Hauāuru and Co-Leader Te Pāti Māori
• Nīkau Wi Neera – Councillor, Wellington City Council
• Joanne Dacombe – President of Disabled Person’s Assembly
• Lew Findlay – Grey Power
• Katrina Matich – Balloon Decor With A Twist
• Sean Prenter – Co-President of the National Disabled Students’ Association
• Kahurangi Carter – Green Party List Member and Disability Issues Spokesperson

The speeches will be NZSL interpreted.

Please note that due to a late cancellation, we will only have an NZSL interpreter for the 1pm speeches and not during the March itself. We’re very sorry for the inconvenience.

The speeches will wrap up at 2pm, but we’ll keep the demonstration going until 3pm.

Livestream and Social Media

If you’re joining us via livestream, please tune in from 1pm on our Facebook live event page.

Please post about the March to Parliament on your socials before and during the day! Use the hashtags #WeAreMore, #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs and #AccessMattersNZ and tag us at @accessforallnz on all platforms.

Change your profile photo or Facebook cover photo to our logo to show your support! You can download the Access Matters Aotearoa social media assets.

What to Bring to the March:

• Your best orange outfit
• Your placard or sign
• Props representing your disability – whether it be a white cane, a sunflower lanyard, or a white cat pin, let’s make ourselves as visible as possible!
• A water bottle
• Wet weather gear – you never know!

Sunscreen and facemasks will be provided. We encourage you to wear a facemask for the safety of all our communities, especially those of us who are immunocompromised. Please note that no smoking or vaping is permitted on Parliament grounds.

If you have any questions about the March, please reply to this email or call Isabelle on 022 089 4497.

See you tomorrow!

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.

Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.

Juliana Carvalho for the Access Matters Campaign Team

Head of Advocacy - Blind Low Vision NZ

www.accessmatters.org.nz

Follow us on X / Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook

Watch the March to Parliament speeches on Facebook

Check out the March to Parliament photos

When: Thursday 7 March, 12pm – 3pm

Where: Departing from either Bunny Street or Midland Park, Wellington Central, and arriving at Parliament at 1pm

Who: Supporters of strong accessibility legislation that covers all areas of public life in Aotearoa New Zealand

Why: To encourage the Government to listen to disabled voices in their consultation process when reviewing the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill

RSVP: Now!

Event Overview

The March to Parliament aims to leverage World Hearing Day (3 March 2024) to ensure the voices of disabled people and those with access needs are heard by the New Zealand Government. We will emphasise the importance of being seen, heard and having our voices acknowledged.

Key Objectives

1. Advocate for the removal of barriers affecting our communities.

2. Advocate for a rewrite of the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill with enforceable standards, a regulator, a barrier notification system and a robust dispute resolution process.

3. Showcase the resilience, vibrancy and diversity of our communities.

4. Deliver to Parliament the petition calling for the drafting of a new Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill.

RSVP today!

Marchers, Display Your Message on a Balloon!

Our March to Parliament promises to be a vibrant display of our resilience and tenacity. We're excited to announce the participation of the amazing Katrina Matich, a talented vision impaired balloon artist!

Now, we want to know: would you prefer a balloon bracelet, a balloon hat or a balloon baton? Your choice will add to the colourful spectacle of our united cause. Each balloon design will have a white heart balloon attached to it, designed to be written on with a short message of 3-4 words.

To order your balloon, please RSVP with your balloon choice or contact Isabelle by Thursday 22 February.

Please wear something ORANGE on the day, and don't forget to bring a water bottle. Sunscreen and masks will be supplied courtesy of Hearing New Zealand.

Download the Access Matters Aotearoa shareable social media logos and show your support online!

We look forward to seeing you at the March.