Your rights to accessible information
Every Kiwi has the right to access their information in a way that can be understood.
Every Kiwi has the right to access their information, and everyone deserves information in a way that they understand.
The Official Information Act is one document that sets out how Government agencies should share information. In 2022 the Plain Language Act came into law, telling the same agencies and organisations owned by the Government, that they must communicate in a clear and accessible way for all New Zealanders.
Your right to access information in way you understand
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) started the Accessibility Charter, which a number of other Government agencies and organisations have committed to. It means they have all promised to make their information easy for everyone to access.
MSD share that information should be provided in alternate formats if any of these conditions apply to the communication:
It’s for disabled people
Your rights or responsibilities are affected
Your decisions or payments are affected
You're involved in consultations or surveys
Info is private, personal, or legal
You ask for information in a different way.
This means if you’re asking for information from a Government agency, you have the right to be able to get it in a way you can understand. These alternate formats are New Zealand Sign Language, Large Print, Braille (an organised pattern of bumps on a surface which our vision impaired community use to read), Audio and Easy Read (a picture-based language with simplified wording).
Read more about Accessible Communications with Firstport
Learn more about the charter on the MSD website.
Related info
Accessible communication formats
Easy read, sign language, braille: How do you best communicate with people with disabilities?