A disabled person applies for a card, providing evidence of the barriers they face when engaging in the community. Based on the application, a card is issued which shows the icons (pictures) that relate to the person's barriers. The card scheme has nine icons that cover the most frequent barriers.

The card costs NZ$45 plus GST for 3 years. 

By presenting their card the person can expect to receive a customer experience that reflects the icons on the card. In many participating businesses the cardholder can get a discount, and where the card shows that the cardholder needs a carer, the carer will get a free entry/ticket.

How to apply​​

We are here to help you, so if you have any difficulty with making an application, please call us (03 595 0577) or complete our contact form, and we will contact you via email or phone.  To make an application, you need supporting evidence about your access needs, but you do not need to have identification.

What you need

Supporting Evidence and documentation of your access needs, such as:

• A letter from MSD

• A letter from your doctor or the NGO that supports you in the community. 

• A Needs Assessment from your Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) service  

• You do not need ID (ignore this question on the application form)

Check out our registered partner NGOs to see if there is one that is listed that knows.  If you find one, they can help simplify your application by providing a Verification of Disability and Barriers (VDB)Form.  The VDB Form is all the supporting evidence you will need for your application.

Scan the documents as a single PDF file. If you need help scanning, please visit your local library. They can help with this. 

A Photograph for the Card

You will need a passport-type photo.  Most smartphones are able to take a good enough photo.  The photo needs to be your head and shoulders on a light background.  We recommend you leave some space above the head for adjustment. 

Making the online application​​​

There are three pages on the form:​

Page 1:  Complete your contact details.  If you are applying on behalf of someone you will need to provide the contact details where information about the progress of the application and future communications can be sent. 

Page 2: Brief explanations for the applicant's barrier(s)

Page 3: Upload the documents and a photo. Each upload button will hold only one document. 

• Box 1 - Your supporting evidence or any documents from medical professionals 

• Box 2 - Your ID such as a passport or drivers licence - Not required

• Box 3 - a photo of the applicant

• Box 4 - a photo of a validated Kiwiable Card (if you have one)

Press "Submit"

Payment​

There are three options to pay the NZ$45 plus GST. If you'd prefer to pay by internet banking or cash, close the browser. The application is stored safely. 

•  Credit/Debit Card - this is done via Stripe and is the last step in the online application.

•  Bank transfer to Westpac Bank 

  • Account Name:  Hāpai Foundation 

  • Account 03 0767 0054960 017 (Westpac) - please note the applicant's name as particular, the family name as a reference.​

•  Cash at our office: 21 Lodestar Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch​ (Mon - Fri 10 am - 3 pm) 

Please make an appointment before you come into the building. ​

You can find the businesses involved in this program here: https://www.hapaiaccesscard.org.nz/participating-businesses