New Zealand First Introduces Accessibility Standards Bill to Reduce Barriers for Disabled New Zealanders

In July 2026, New Zealand First introduced the Accessibility Standards Bill, a Member’s Bill that would establish uniform standards for physical and digital accessibility across public infrastructure and services.

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The 2023 Census showed 17 percent of New Zealanders identify as disabled, with prevalence rising sharply with age. New Zealand currently lacks a comprehensive accessibility framework, unlike the United States (Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990) and Australia (Disability Discrimination Act, 1992).

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Health and Disabilities spokesperson Jenny Marcroft leads the bill for New Zealand First. Access Matters Aotearoa (AMA), a national disability-advocacy network, is co-chaired by Amy Hogan and Dr Rebekah Graham, both of whom have publicly welcomed the legislation.

Accessibility Standards Bill creates opportunity for more accessible New Zealand

Seventeen percent of the population reported a disability in the 2023 Census. Closing the disability employment gap could add roughly NZ$578 million to gross domestic product.

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Improved accessibility is projected to increase labour-force participation among disabled New Zealanders and could add roughly NZ$578 million to GDP, while also reducing social exclusion.

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New Zealand First says the bill will “identify, prevent and remove barriers in a practical and sustainable way” and frames better accessibility as both a social benefit and an economic driver. AMA describes the proposal as a step toward “prevent[ing] barriers before they even happen” and calls for clear guidance for agencies, businesses and community organisations. Both emphasise the need for cross-party collaboration.

Accessibility Standards Bill creates opportunity for more accessible New Zealand

• “New Zealand First believes that all New Zealanders deserve to participate and contribute to society in a meaningful way. The Accessibility Standards Bill will identify, prevent, and remove barriers in a practical and sustainable way,” — Jenny Marcroft, Health and Disabilities Spokesperson, New Zealand First

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• “When a school, hospital, transport hub, public building, social housing development, civic space, footpath, park, community facility or digital public service is being designed from scratch, accessibility can be built in from the beginning. This is when standards do the most good and cost the least,” — Jenny Marcroft

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• “AMA Co-Chair Amy Hogan says disabled people and those with access needs deserve accessibility planned from the outset, rather than relying on goodwill, exceptions and workarounds.” — Amy Hogan, Co-Chair, Access Matters Aotearoa

Accessibility Standards Bill creates opportunity for more accessible New Zealand

• “Too often, disabled people are expected to adapt to systems, environments and services that were never designed to be accessible in the first place.” — Dr Rebekah Graham, Co-Chair, Access Matters Aotearoa

Accessibility Standards Bill creates opportunity for more accessible New Zealand

The bill now proceeds to parliamentary debate, where it must gain sufficient support to become law. AMA urges all parties to engage with the draft, and the sponsor has signalled openness to feedback from disabled communities, businesses and government agencies. The timetable will depend on committee review and any subsequent amendments.

Accessibility Standards Bill creates opportunity for more accessible New Zealand