Access Activator

Whaikaha, in collaboration with Creative HQ, is piloting Access Activator to find, fund and grow accessibility solutions from across New Zealand.

We are seeking ideas that improve access for Deaf and disabled people, Turi Māori, tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau.

The main areas we are seeking ideas for are:

transport
digital and information
the built environment
emergency management.

Examples might include:

solutions for better digital experiences
improved communication
new ways for people to engage with and participate in their community.

Types of funding and support available

Idea stage – up to $25,000

For early concepts ready to build a prototype and test quickly with users.

Scale stage – up to $100,000

For solutions already tested and working, with a credible plan to expand adoption and impact.

Successful applicants will receive mentoring and project support from May to June 2026.

There will be a progress showcase in late June.

Key dates

Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 29 March
Shortlisting: early April
Decisions: late April
Mentoring and delivery support: May to June
Showcase/reporting: late June to July

Who can apply

Anyone can apply. We want to encourage a wide range of ideas that improve access for Deaf and disabled people.

We will consider relevant lived experience as part of each application.

We invite:

disabled‑led groups and collectives
Māori organisations and iwi entities
NGOs
social enterprises
startups/small and medium enterprises
partnerships that combine lived experience with delivery capability.

Individuals can apply with a fundholder (a legal entity that holds the grant).

Private companies can apply if they are a legal entity and meet contracting requirements.

How we assess applications

Applications are assessed on:

lived experience and equity — involvement of Deaf/disabled people/Turi Māori/tāngata whaikaha Māori — and clear outcomes
problem clarity and evidence — a real, defined need supported by insights
feasibility — a realistic plan, team capability, and delivery by 30 June 2026 (with final reporting by 31 July 2026)
impact and value — measurable benefits for users and a pathway for adoption or scale.

Note: our Accessibility Advisory Group helps guide our Accessibility Work Programme and is providing advice on the Access Activator project. The group does not have a decision-making role.

Accessibility Advisory Group

How to apply

First, complete an Access Activator application form.

Each question has a maximum word count, but you do not need to write that much. You are welcome to write shorter answers as long as they include the information we need.

Idea stage application form

The idea stage is for funding up to $25,000.

Idea stage application form (DOCX 2MB)

Alternate formats

Idea stage application form - audio (MP3 1.7MB)

Idea stage application form - Braille (BRF 4KB)

Idea stage application form - large print (DOCX 2.1MB)

Scale stage application form

The scale stage is for funding up to $100,000.

Scale stage application form (DOCX 2MB)

Alternate formats

Scale stage application form - audio (MP3 1.7MB)

Scale stage application form - Braille (BRF 4KB)

Scale stage application form - large print (DOCX 2.1MB)

Sending us your application form

Next, email your application form by 11:59pm, Sunday 29 March 2026 to outreach@whaikaha.govt.nz

Applicants will be contacted by the end of April about the outcome of their application.

Getting support to apply

If you need support or want to apply in another format, email us or call 0800 WHAIKAHA (0800 942 452). If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, speech‑impaired or find it hard to talk, you can use the New Zealand Relay Service.