Aotearoa Disability Law

25/09/2026

Voting is easier when you know what to expect ✅

Join one of the Electoral Commission's accessible online information sessions to learn about:

- what's different this election
- how to enrol
- how to vote
- support available for disabled people.

These sessions are designed for Deaf and disabled people, carers, whānau, and community.

You'll also have the chance to ask questions and get the information you need to feel confident about taking part in the election.

All sessions will include captioning, and an NZSL interpreter will be present.

Find out more and register for a session by heading to the link in the comments 🔗

Electoral Commission NZ

Image description: A purple graphic with a yellow banner across the top that reads “2026 General Election”. In the centre is a white text box with black text that says: “Questions about enrolling or voting? Join an online session for practical information to answer your questions.” Underneath, smaller text says “Find out more”, followed by “vote.nz” and the phone number “0800 36 76 56”. Beside the text, the Electoral Commission’s Orange Guy character points towards the message. The Electoral Commission logo appears in the bottom left corner of the graphic.

25/09/2026

✨ Online session alert ✨

Taking part in the 2026 General Election feels easier when you know what to expect.

If you are disabled, a caregiver or a support person, then you may have questions about the accessible options available to enrol and vote.

Join one of our online sessions to get practical information and ask the questions that matter to you.

1️⃣ Session 1 - Wednesday 30 September from 1pm - 2pm - https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jpy7zMxAX/

2️⃣ Session 2 - Thursday 15 October from 6pm - 7pm - https://www.facebook.com/share/1KETCKDvWA/

3️⃣ Session 3 - Tuesday 20 October from 6pm - 7pm - https://www.facebook.com/share/1HDV2imZXs/

NZSL interpreters will be present at the online events.

Find out more and register here: https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/resources/information-in-accessible-formats/accessible-online-information-sessions

25/09/2026

25/09/2026

📢 Our General Election 2026 webpage is now live!

The 2026 General Election is coming up, and we've created a dedicated webpage with information to help Deaf people get ready to enrol and vote.

Find key election dates, NZSL resources, accessible events, NZSL-interpreted leaders' debates, and information from the Electoral Commission all in one place.

Visit the webpage: 🔗 https://www.deaf.org.nz/general-election-2026/

🗳️ Get informed, get enrolled, and get ready to have your say.

V/D:
Graphic promoting the 2026 General Election in NZSL. A yellow banner at the top contains the text “2026 General Election”. Overlapping a large white panel is the text “in NZSL” in bold black lettering. On the right, the Orange Guy character is shown with black eyes and an upward-curved black mouth, wearing the Electoral Commission logo on the chest and raising one hand. The background is light purple.

16/09/2026

We want all New Zealanders to take part in democracy and have their say. To help do this, we have a plan to deliver accessible services in the upcoming election.

We’ve published Access 2026 today - an action plan listing the accessible services available to support Deaf and disabled people, tāngata Turi, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and their whānau, carers and communities to take part in the 2026 General Election

Access 2026 has information about what we’re doing this year to support people to work at the election, get election information, enrol, vote and stand as election candidates.

Ngā mihi ki a koutou and thank you to all those who provided feedback and advice to develop Access 2026.

Find out more at https://elections.nz/access2026

09/09/2026

Congratulations to Chris Blum, ADL's National Community Educator, receiving the Health and Wellbeing Award at the Disability Connect Enabling Good Lives Awards Ceremony yesterday.

The ADL team are incredibly proud to see Chris's hard work, dedication, and commitment recognised in this way. This award is a testament to the positive impact he makes through his work and the difference he creates for the people and communities he supports.

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.