What Is the Hāpai Access Card?

The Hāpai Access Card is a standardized, discreet way for people with disabilities to communicate their accessibility needs to participating businesses in New Zealand. Based on the UK Access Card model, it launched in New Zealand in 2020 and is aimed at bridging gaps between businesses and the disabled community.

How to Apply

1. Submit an application online via the official Hāpai Access Card website.
2. Provide evidence of your disability or barriers you face. Accepted documentation includes:
   • Benefit Entitlement Confirmation: A recent letter confirming your Disability Allowance, Respite/Carer Payment, or Flexible Funding Allowance from MSD (Ministry of Social Development).
     • It must clearly show your Name and Address.
     • For Respite/Carer or Flexible Funding, it must show the number of days or the total amount allocated.
   • A Letter from a Medical or 3rd Party Professional: A recent letter from a GP, specialist, therapist, or support worker who is aware of your needs.
     • It must be on official headed paper from their practice or organisation.
     • It must clearly state your diagnosis and, importantly, describe the impact of your condition and the access barriers you face.
   • Other Assessed Reports: The team may also consider other official documents such as:
     • Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments
     • Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) reports
     • Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding reports
     • Care plans or occupational health reports
   • What is NOT Accepted?
     • Standard MSD or ACC confirmation letters (unless they specifically detail your access barriers).
     • Disability Parking Permits (e.g., Mobility Parking Scheme badges).
     • Total Mobility Cards.
     • Kiwiable Leisure cards.
3. Upload a photo of your face.
4. Pay the fee: NZ $30 plus GST, valid for 3 years.
5. Get assigned a unique card number — it’s issued very quickly, often within under 24 hours based on our personal experience.
6. Card delivery takes around a week or two by post, but you can use the card—by quoting the card number—immediately without waiting for the physical copy.

Benefits of the Hāpai Access Card

• Reduced communication barrier – clear icons indicate your specific needs.
• Saves time & energy – reduces the stress and fatigue of constantly having to explain your condition.
• Better customer service – many businesses respond with accommodations tailored to your icons.
• Discounts and free carer entry – some businesses offer a discount or free entry for your essential companion when relevant icons are displayed.
• Universal recognition: Accepted across New Zealand and by partnered venues in the UK, Europe, and Australia.

The Icons: What They Mean

The card features up to eight different icons, each representing a common barrier:

Icon	Barrier Indicates
Standing and Queuing	You have difficulty standing for long periods or queuing.
Level Access	You require step-free, level entry access to a building (e.g., via a ramp or level pathway).
Walking Distances	You find it hard to walk long distances without a place to stop and rest.
Urgent Toilet Access	NYou have a condition that requires urgent, immediate, or guaranteed access to a toilet facility.
+ 1 Essential Companions	You require a essential companion (e.g., a support person) to access venues with you.
Accessing Visual Information	You are blind, have a visual impairment, or otherwise struggle to access visual information. You may require materials in large print, braille, or need staff to read information aloud.
Accessing Audible Information	You are deaf, have a hearing impairment, or otherwise struggle to access audible information. You may require a hearing loop, written instructions, or need staff to look at you directly when speaking.
Anything else	You have a condition that isn’t immediately visible but affects your access needs e.g. having photo-sensitive epilepsy, or needing to use a secure fridge for medication.

You’ll only have the icons that reflect your individual needs—making it discreet and personalized.

How to Find Participating Businesses

The network of participating businesses is growing every day in New Zealand and is vast internationally. To find venues that accept and understand the Hāpai Card:

1. Use the Online Directory: The Hāpai website offers a directory of registered partner businesses across NZ, including cafes, restaurants, leisure venues, and council facilities. You can browse by region.
2. Look for the Logo: Keep an eye out for the Hāpai Card logo on venue websites, at information desks, or on entrance doors. This logo is a sign that the staff are trained to understand your needs.
3. Ask Directly: The card is designed to start a conversation. Even if a business isn’t officially listed yet, showing them your card provides clear, professional evidence of your requirements, making it much easier for them to assist you appropriately.

Use in Europe

The Hāpai Access Card functions similarly to the Access Card in the UK, reflecting the same icon-based model. This means your card is not just for use in Aotearoa; it’s your key to a vast network of thousands of participating venues across the United Kingdom and Europe. The two schemes are fully partnered, meaning businesses that accept the UK Access Card are trained to recognise and understand the icons on your Hāpai Card. Always check the online provider map before you travel to find accessible venues at your destination.

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Ready to explore with greater ease and confidence? The Hāpai Card is a small investment for a huge return in independence and peace of mind. Click here to apply for your Hāpai Card now! Have you used your Hāpai Card on your travels? Share your experiences and tips with the roll2explore community in the comments below!