About Your Application

Thanks for applying for a Hāpai Access Card.

In the next pages, you will be asked some questions about your specific access requirements.

It is important to be aware that our decision-making is based on principles of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and local legislation, and we help you communicate the types of reasonable adjustments you should be legally entitled to.

This is not the same as other decision-making systems you may be used to such as claiming disability benefits.

Sometimes we may not award the access requirement that you might expect - for example:

• Not all people that need a level of support reach the threshold of legally being entitled to adjustments such as free/reduced rate companion tickets
• Not all people that use an accessible toilet will qualify for the WC symbol
• Not all assistance dogs reach the threshold of evidencing an appropriate level of training to say that they can perform their jobs in otherwise hostile environments
• People that can stand and queue but face other barriers that might otherwise make queuing difficult might find their needs represented with symbols and adjustments other than the standing and queuing symbol

For this reason, the threshold for making decisions is high and each adjustment we consider must have an appropriate description of need and supporting evidence.

It is essential that you read the guidance notes against each symbol before submitting an answer and give a good description of your need.

There is also guidance to ensure that the supporting information you upload is enough to back up the needs described in your application.

Still, we recommend that you submit what you have and the team can follow up for more information after your application has been submitted if needed.