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