Participation improves lives.
The Access Project (TAP) is a New Zealand initiative designed to remove practical barriers that prevent disabled people, especially those with complex needs, from participating in events, outdoor experiences, travel, and community life.
83%
of disabled people with complex needs are dissatisfied with their ability to participate in events or activities.
93%
of disabled people with complex needs said they would attend more often if the right supports were in place.
94%
of organisations had no specialised outdoor equipment or only partial access to what was needed.
83%
of organisations said they would include more people with complex needs if appropriate equipment and support were available.
Why does New Zealand need The Access Project?
The right equipment exists — but people can’t access it
Specialist equipment like beach wheelchairs, all-terrain chairs, and portable hoists make participation possible, but they are expensive and hard to find when and where they’re needed.Disabled people and their supporters are left to solve access on their own
Participation often depends on personal effort and putting themselves in unsafe situations, extensive planning, and limited resources. If it’s too hard, too risky, too expensive, or too uncertain — people simply don’t go.Access is inconsistent and fragmented
Some councils and organisations provide equipment, but it’s often tied to one location and difficult to discover. There is no simple, flexible way to access it.People with complex needs are still being left out
When access is difficult or expensive, people with higher support needs are the first to miss out on everyday experiences others take for granted.Small changes can unlock real participation
With the right equipment and planning, many barriers can be removed — making participation possible, not just theoretical.
Where do we start?
Changing systems and developing infrastructure takes time. So we’re starting with the first achievable step — making specialised equipment more accessible through short-term hire.
This is just the beginning. TAP is a social enterprise with a long-term vision for meaningful change, shaped by real experiences, needs, and stories from the disability community. We’ve heard the same challenges again and again — and we’re committed to building practical solutions that makes participation easier, not harder.
⚠️ The Reality ⚠️
“Our community life revolves around the location of four changing place toilets. Can you imagine an able person being ok with only having four toilets to use in an entire city?”
- parent of a teenager with complex needs
💡 What would make a difference 💡
“Having equipment available at key locations would make a huge difference. We need accessible bathrooms with hoists and proper change tables.”
- parent of a teenager with complex needs
⚠️ The Reality ⚠️
“I generally don’t even bother trying to attend events anymore. It’s too exhausting to try.”
“I don’t feel safe or welcome in many spaces. I get very lonely and sad now.”
- disabled adults with complex needs
💡 What would make a difference 💡
“We need better planning and understanding from organisers. If something is provided, it should be provided in a way that works for everyone. Access to equipment needs to be available and affordable, so people can actually take part”
- disabled adults with complex needs
🔭 The Access Project Vision 🔭
“Ultra accessible destinations or events that provide detailed information, mobility paths, viewing areas, bathrooms with hoists and change tables, quiet spaces to regulate or cool down; and access to specialised equipment to enable participation.”
- informed by the voices of disabled people and their whānau
⚠️ The Reality ⚠️
“We discovered a local walk, we made it all the way around, only to not be able to get through the final gate and had to turn back. The stress from the almost flat chair battery and looming weather ruined the entire experience.”
- parent of a teenager with complex needs
⚠️ The Reality ⚠️
“We arrived at school to find the entire class ready for a local bush walk. My daughter was sent to the new entrants class instead.”
- parent of a child with complex needs
💡 What would make a difference 💡
“Access to an all terrain chair or powered hiking cart, and portable hoist would mean we could find walks further afield and start using our beach chair again.”
"If schools had equipment to hire, then they would have no excuse to leave disabled kids behind."
- parent of a teenager with complex needs
- parent of child with complex needs
🔭 The Access Project Vision 🔭
“Simple and affordable access to short-term hire of specialised equipment to make outdoor recreation easily achievable.”
- informed by the voices of disabled people and their whānau
⚠️ The Reality ⚠️
"Grass and gravel events are a no-go with a manual wheelchair.”
"Boardwalks are accessible, but steps at the end stop us from continuing.”
“A single step or kerb can completely block access.”
- disabled adults and parents of a children with complex needs
⚠️ The Reality ⚠️
"Our council just opened a new walk. The website tells us if we can take animals, drink, smoke or light fires, but does not tell us if its suitable for a wheelchair.”
- parent of a child with complex needs
💡 What would make a difference 💡
“Knowing in advance what is accessible is key. We don't have capacity to scope locations in advance.
"Small things like portable ramps or ground matting at events would make places usable.”
- parents of children with complex needs
🔭 The Access Project Vision 🔭
Detailed access information and locations of specialised equipment, to make planning faster and simpler. Tools for providers to identify and implement simple fixes, like portable ramps, ground matting and identified mobility paths.
- informed by the voices of disabled people and their whānau
Your story matters and drives change
At The Access Project NZ, progress is built on real experiences. Sharing what matters to you is the first step in growing a meaningful advocacy project New Zealand communities can believe in. We’re here to help you tell your story—with care, with clarity, and with the goal of connecting real people.