Aotearoa Disability Law

26/08/2026

Accessibility and inclusion is everyone's business.

Can you access information, use public spaces and facilities, or have your say on local issues?

QLDC wants to hear from disabled and neurodivergent people, people with access needs, their whānau, carers, supporters, and anyone with an interest in accessibility and inclusion.

Your experience will help us understand what’s working well, where barriers exist, and what improvements could make the biggest difference.

• Survey open until 20 September
• Takes around 10–20 minutes
• Need support to participate? Alternative participation options available.

Head to our Let’s Talk page (see comments) to find out more and have your say.

25/08/2026

For some disabled people, standing for Parliament can come with extra costs that others don't face.

The Election Access Fund helps reduce disability-related barriers for disabled people seeking selection or standing as candidates in parliamentary elections.

The Fund supports disabled people who are:

- seeking selection as a candidate
- campaigning as a candidate
- standing for a parliamentary general election or by-election.

Funding may be available for things like NZSL interpreters, support workers, accessible transport, adaptive technology, and other disability-related supports.

Learn more about the fund by visiting the link in comments 🔗

Electoral Commission NZ

Image description: A pale yellow graphic with the text “Election Access Fund 2026”. To the right of the text are three abstract shapes: a purple and a blue square with one curved edge, and a mustard-coloured circle. The shapes are grouped together on the right-hand side of the graphic.

25/08/2026

We are looking for our next cohort of summer interns. Meet Lottie, one of our interns from last year and see what she has to say about the internship experience at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Are you keen to serve New Zealand and ensure fairness for all? Apply for one of our four internship positions, including the Kiingitanga and Lived Experience of Disability streams.

Visit the website to learn more and apply: https://nz.seek.com/job/94158794

09/08/2026

Despite having legal access rights, some disability assist dog handlers are still questioned or refused access to public places, businesses and public transport.

05/08/2026

09/06/2026

Without alternate formats, many disabled people miss out on important information and the chance to take part in decisions that affect them.

We manage the all-of-government process for providing information in alternate formats.

We were pleased to support Reserve Bank of NZ to make the ‘Keeping Cash Local’ consultation information accessible to more people.

It’s about keeping basic cash services available to everyone, and you can now access the information in a format that works for you.

Have your say by 31 July – link in comments. 🔗

Image description: graphic with a white background and a heading that says “Alternate formats for Keeping Cash Local consultation available now.” A hand is holding a New Zealand $50 note across the lower half of the image. At the bottom, a pink banner lists the alternate formats: Easy Read, Braille, Large Print, Audio and NZ Sign Language.

Image credit: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

23/04/2026

Applications are now open for vacancies on the Te Rōpū Kaiārahi Hauātanga, the Ombudsman’s Disability Advisory Panel.

Te Rōpū Kaiārahi Hauātanga Panel plays an important role in providing lived experience and professional disability right advice, insight and guidance to support the Ombudsman Office’s work. Panel members contribute their knowledge, perspectives, and expertise to help ensure our work remains grounded in the communities we work with.

We are seeking people who are passionate about contributing their lived experience to influence meaningful change. If this sounds like you, we would love for you to apply. You can find the application details here: https://careers.ombudsman.parliament.nz/jobs/OMB-1915761

We’ve also made information available in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and alternative formats here: https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/resources/te-ropu-kaiarahi-hauatanga-panel-advertisement-april-2026

Please contact us to get the job description and advert in Braille.

Applications close on: 11th May 2026