The Electoral Commission has reopened the Election Access Fund for disabled people wishing to run for Parliament.

The Election Access Fund Te Tomokanga – Pūtea Whakatapoko Pōtitanga first opened in October 2022 for the 2023 General Election.

The fund can be used to pay for disability-related costs during candidate selection or campaigning.

“We’ve reopened the Election Access Fund as candidate selection gets under way for the 2026 General Election. This fund is a first for New Zealand – and there are few like it in the world. It seeks to reduce barriers for disabled people wanting to enter Parliament,” said Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne.

“We’re happy to accept applications from people who meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants might need funding to pay for a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter at a party selection meeting, or a portable ramp to make attending events easier. The commission is available to talk through an applicant’s needs and answer any questions.”

The Electoral Commission is responsible for running the Election Access Fund under the Election Access Fund Act 2020.

In 2022, the commission sought input from disabled people and disabled people’s organisations on how to operate the fund.

Information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply for funding is available online and in alternate formats at elections.nz.

The fund is not available for local body elections.

Find out more by emailing electionaccessfund@elections.govt.nz, calling 0800 36 76 56 or visiting elections.nz.