Accessibility Advisory Group
We are setting up an Accessibility Advisory Group to help guide our Accessibility Work Programme. The group will provide advice and ideas on different projects and initiatives and how to deliver them.
We are looking for 10 people from the disability community, tangata whaikaha Māori, and their whānau and families who have a deep understanding of accessibility. They will bring their lived experience and ideas to help find ways to make New Zealand more accessible.
Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest for the Accessibility Advisory Group are open.
Applications close on 3 November 2025.
We encourage Expressions of Interest from:
- Tāngata whaikaha Māori
- Turi Māori
- Disabled people
- Pacific disabled peoples
- Deaf people
- Neurodivergent people
- Parent, family, carers, and whānau
- People from diverse backgrounds, regions, age groups, genders and identities.
We are looking for people who support:
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi
- The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- The Human Rights Act (1993)
- Our Strategic Intentions.
How to apply
Download and fill out the Expression of Interest form (DOCX 166KB)
Alternate formats
Audio: Expression of Interest form (MP3 3.3MB)
Braille: Expression of Interest form (BRF 7KB)
Easy Read: Expression of Interest form (PDF 2.4MB)
A Word version of the Easy Read Expression of Interest form is available on request. Please email outreach@whaikaha.govt.nz
Email your completed form to outreach@whaikaha.govt.nz
Or post your form and any additional documents by Freepost (no stamp needed) to:
Outreach and Innovation Group
Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha
Reply Paid: 262204
PO Box 1556
Wellington 6140
You can also apply with a video. Please email a link to outreach@whaikaha.govt.nz.
What’s involved
The group will meet four to six times a year.
Members will be paid for their time and preparation. Supports such as NZSL interpreters, captioning, meeting assistance, note-takers, and travel costs will be provided.
More information about the Accessibility Advisory Group
Expressions of Interest – Join the Accessibility Advisory Group (DOCX 164KB)
Alternate formats
Audio: Expressions of Interest – Join the Accessibility Advisory Group (MP3 2.4MB)
Braille: Expressions of Interest – Join the Accessibility Advisory Group (BRF 5KB)
Easy Read: Expressions of Interest – Join the Accessibility Advisory Group (PDF 2.2MB)
A Word version of the Easy Read Expressions of Interest – Join the Accessibility Advisory Group document is available on request. Please email outreach@whaikaha.govt.nz
Large Print: Expressions of Interest – Join the Accessibility Advisory Group (DOCX 161KB)
Draft Terms of Reference
The draft Terms of Reference set out:
- the role of the Accessibility Advisory Group
- its membership
- how members are selected and paid
- expected conduct
- how meetings will be run.
Terms of Reference (DOCX 161KB)
Alternate formats
Audio: Terms of Reference (MP3 3.4MB)
Braille: Terms of Reference (BRF 8KB)
Easy Read: Terms of Reference (PDF 2.8MB)
A Word version of the Easy Read: Terms of Reference is available on request. Please email outreach@whaikaha.govt.nz
Our selection process
Whaikaha will chair a panel of community representatives who will review all Expressions of Interest, using agreed criteria.
The panel will make sure Te Tiriti principles are reflected in the selection process. They will focus on equitable outcomes for tāngata whaikaha Māori and Turi Māori.
Next steps
- Monday 3 November 2025 – closing date to send in your Expression of Interest form.
- Friday 14 November 2025 – we plan to contact everyone who has sent in an Expression of Interest.
- Friday 28 November 2025 – we plan to confirm appointments.
- Friday 12 December 2025 – we plan to hold our first meeting (in-person, in Wellington).