The New Zealand National Party view in the 53rd Parliament's Social Services and Community Select Committee's Report on the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill states that the Bill is “fundamentally flawed and will therefore not be supporting the bill”. The National Party recommended “the bill be withdrawn, and a new bill drafted that aligns more closely with the expectations of the disability sector as expressed in the majority of submissions.”

It's time for us to come together and ask the National Party to follow through. 

Let's advocate for a more inclusive and accessible Aotearoa New Zealand. We, the undersigned, urge you to withdraw the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill, and draft a new bill that aligns more closely with the expectations of the disability sector.

Who is Impacted? 
One in four Kiwis, 24% of our population, has a disability. This means that accessibility is not just a matter of convenience; it's a necessity for a significant portion of our community. Every day, our friends, family and neighbours face barriers that limit their access to essential services, workplaces and public spaces. Accessibility benefits everyone, parents with prams, people with temporary injuries, seniors and children.

What is at Stake?
Without accessibility legislation, individuals with disabilities continue to  face discrimination, with limited access to education, health, employment and community activities. This also leads to barriers in public spaces and digital platforms. Accessibility legislation is not just a matter of inclusivity but a crucial step in ensuring equal opportunities and rights for all.

Having a good accessibility law with standards will grow the economy. Currently, businesses suffer losses when potential customers can't access their services. Workplace accessibility issues contribute to an annual loss of approximately $1.45 billion in gross domestic product. Our country is also losing out on the accessible tourism dollar. 

Global Comparisons
Aotearoa New Zealand is decades behind in terms of accessibility legislation. Countries such as Australia, Canada and Brazil have had an accessibility law for at least 20 years. These countries have demonstrated the benefits of robust accessibility laws with enforceable standards. We can learn from their successes and adapt their standards to create an accessible Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our Call to Action 
We call on everyone to sign this petition. It is time to unite as a community. In doing so, we will send a powerful message to the  Government that we must have a new bill co-designed with disabled people. A good accessibility law will deliver on the disability sectors' expectations as previously expressed in the majority of submissions to the Social Services and Community Committee. This means having minimum accessibility standards, establishing a regulator, implementing a barrier notification system, and offering a free dispute resolution process. 

To the elected officials of our country, we urge you to hear our collective voice. The current Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill falls short of what our diverse and vibrant society needs. We urge you to work collaboratively with disabled people to create legislation that truly reflects our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Let's Create a Truly Accessible New Zealand 
Together, we have the power to create lasting change. Sign this petition. Share it with your friends, family and colleagues. Let's make our voices heard and ensure that our government understands the importance of creating a truly accessible Aotearoa New Zealand.

Sign the Petition, Demand Change and Build a Better Future for All!

Image description: A group of Access Matters campaigners, made up of non-disabled and disabled people of different ages and disabilities - some in wheelchairs, some standing, and some with mobility aids - is gathered in front of the NZ Parliament. The group is around a large banner decorated with green and yellow balloons that reads “Access Matters!”. The banner message emphasizes the importance of accessibility and equal rights. 

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