Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill – call for submissions

The closing date for submissions is Monday, 07 November 2022

The Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill is aimed at addressing the accessibility barriers faced by disabled people, tāngata whaikaha, and others, so they can live independently and participate fully in all areas of life. The bill also aims to ensure that disability issues are front of mind in decisions by policy makers and the Government of the day.

The bill would do three main things:

• It would establish an accessibility committee. The committee would have up to 10 members, the majority of whom would be disabled. This committee would provide advice and make recommendations about accessibility to the Minister for Disability Issues. It would represent the voices of disabled people, tāngata whaikaha, and their families or whānau, and others with accessibility needs.
• It would enhance accountability and co-ordination across the Public Service and Government to progress accessibility issues. It would do this by creating clear responsibilities for the Minister for Disability Issues, the chief executive of Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, and the Accessibility Committee.
• It would build knowledge and awareness about the importance of addressing accessibility barriers.

This legislation will build on and support the work of Whaikaha—the Ministry of Disabled People, which was launched in July 2022.

For all the information about the bill, making a submission and to read accessible versions of the bill click here.