New Zealand Accessibility Survey Summary of Results
Q1 What is your age group?
Answer Choices Responses
15 - 24 5.56% (67)
25 - 44 34.44% (415)
45 - 64 48.63% (586)
65 and over 11.37% (137)
Total 1,205
Summary The majority of respondents are between the ages 45 – 64.
Q2 What is your gender?
Answer Choices Responses
Female 65.31% (787)
Male 34.02% (410)
Other 0.66% (8)
Total 1,205
Summary The majority of respondents are female. Q3 What is your ethnic group?
Answer Choices Responses
Maori 4.65% (56)
European 22.82% (275)
New Zealand European 64.81% (781)
Pacific Islander 1.83% (22)
Asian 2.66% (32)
Other 3.24% (39)
Total 1,205
Summary The majority of respondents are New Zealand European
Q4 What is your accommodation status?
Answer Choices Responses
I rent and live alone 6.14% (74)
I rent and live with flatmates/family 23.32% (281)
I live in a group home 1.08% (13)
I own my own home and live alone 9.96% (120)
I own my own home and live with flatmates/family 54.77% (660)
Other 4.73% (57)
Total 1,205
Summary The majority of respondents owns their home and lives with flatmates/family Q5 What is your labour force status?
Answer Choices Responses
I am an employer 3.82% (46)
I am employed full-time 45.23% (545)
I am employed part-time 14.77% (178)
I am self-employed 12.61% (152)
I am unemployed 4.40% (53)
I am not in the workforce 10.95% (132)
Other 8.22% (99)
Total 1,205
Summary The majority of respondents are employed full time.
Q6 What is your highest qualification?
Answer Choices Responses
I am still in school 0.59% (7)
I have NCEA Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3, or equivalent 10.89% (129)
I am currently studying towards an undergraduate degree (eg Bachelor’s 4.30% (51) degree) I have a tertiary qualification 45.15% (535)
I am currently studying towards an advanced tertiary qualification (eg 3.54% (42) Master’s degree, PhD) I have an advanced tertiary qualification 23.38% (277)
Other 12.15% (144) Total 1,185
Summary The majority of respondents have a tertiary qualification.
Q7 What is your annual income?
Answer Choices Responses
$0 - $9,999 4.81% (57)
$10,000 - $19,999 6.16% (73)
$20,000 - $39,999 12.24% (145)
$40,000 - $54,999 13.33% (158)
$55,000 - $69,999 12.91% (153)
$70,000 - $99,999 15.78% (187)
$100,000+ 15.61% (185)
I am on a benefit 5.74% (68)
I receive / have received support from ACC 2.95% (35)
10.46% (124) Prefer not to say Total 1,185
Summary Income of respondents is fairly evenly spread.
Q8 In which region of New Zealand do you currently live?
Responses
Northland 2.45% (29)
Auckland 42.28% (501) Waikato 7.76% (92)
Bay of Plenty 3.21% (38)
Gisborne 0.17% (2)
Hawke's Bay 1.01% (12)
Taranaki 1.43% (17)
Manawatu 2.53% (30)
Wellington 16.54% (196)
Tasman 0.68% (8)
Nelson 1.94% (23)
Marlborough 0.42% (5)
West Coast 0.25% (3)
Canterbury 10.80% (128)
Otago 4.81% (57)
Southland 1.77% (21)
Other 1.94% (23)
Total 1,185
Summary The majority of respondents live in Auckland.
Q9 Do you consider yourself religious? If so, how would you identify yourself?
Answer Choices Responses 55.19% (654) I do not consider myself associated with any religion 37.05% (439) Christian 0.51% (6) Muslim 0.59% (7) Jewish 0.17% (2) Hindu 6.50% (77) Other Total 1,185
Summary The majority of respondents do not consider themselves associated with any religion.
Q10 When you think of a person living with a disability, what first comes to mind [please choose only one]?
Answer Choices Responses
A person with a hearing impairment 3.11% (36)
A person using a wheelchair 41.78% (483)
A person with an intellectual impairment 9.95% (115)
A person with a visual impairment 4.41% (51)
A person with a mental illness 3.46% (40)
An aged/older person 2.16% (25)
Other 35.12% (406)
Total 1,156
Summary: The majority of respondents think of a person using a wheelchair and the fewest think of an aged/older person.
Q11 On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the access of those living with a disability in New Zealand to all areas of life? Areas include education, employment, transport, entertainment, travel etc.1 meaning people living with disabilities have no access to any of these aspects of life, 10 meaning people living with disabilities have excellent access to all aspects of life:
Answer Choices Responses
1 1.12% (13)
2 4.58% (53)
3 13.84% (160)
4 18.77% (217)
5 23.53% (272)
6 16.52% (191)
7 13.06% (151)
8 6.66% (77)
9 1.21% (14)
10 0.69% (8)
1,156
Summary The majority of respondents believe, on a scale from 1 to 10, that New Zealand is rated a 5/10 for access to all areas of life, followed closely by 4/10 and 6/10.
Q12 On a scale of 1 to 10, what level of improvement is needed for disabled people to access all areas of life (education, employment, transport, entertainment, travel etc)?1 meaning no improvement necessary, 10 meaning everything needs improvement:
Answer Choices Responses 1 0.35% (4)
2 1.38% (16)
3 4.50% (52)
4 3.81% (44)
5 9.69% (112)
6 7.53% (87)
7 15.22% (176)
8 25.52% (295)
9 12.72% (147)
10 19.29% (223)
Total 1,156
Summary The majority of respondents believe on a scale from 1 to 10, that an 8/10 level of improvement is needed for disabled people to access all areas of life.
Q14 If you were to rate New Zealand today in terms of being accessible for all New Zealanders (ensuring equal accessibility opportunities for disabled people) would you say it rates:
Answer Choices Responses
5% - New Zealand is not currently accessible in areas including 5.76% (61) education, employment, transport, entertainment, travel etc. 38.05% (403) 20% - Some areas in New Zealand are accessible for all, but not enough in areas including education, employment, transport, entertainment, travel etc. 35.03% (371) 50% - Around half of public spaces and experiences in New Zealand are accessible for all New Zealanders in areas including education, employment, transport, entertainment, travel etc.
20.30% (215) 75% - Most public spaces and experiences in New Zealand are accessible, but there is more to do in areas including education, employment, transport, entertainment, travel etc.
100% - New Zealand's accessibility is second to none in areas 0.85% (9) including education, employment, transport, entertainment, travel etc. Total 1,059
Summary The majority of respondents believe New Zealand currently rates about 20% accessible for all. Only 0.85% believes New Zealand is 100% accessible.
Q15 Do you think New Zealand has the potential to become the most accessible country in the world for disabled people to live, work and travel?
Answer Choices Responses
Yes 80.45% (852)
No 19.55% (207)
Total 1,059
Summary The vast majority of respondents believe that New Zealand has the potential to become the most accessible country in the world.
Q16 Would you like to help New Zealand become the most accessible nation in the world? Answer Choices Responses
Yes 92.26% (977)
No 7.74% (82)
Total 1,059
Q17 In the past 12 months, has you or your workplace…
Yes No N/A Total
Employed a disabled person? 38.68 28.50% 32.82% (403) (297) (342) 1,042
Given to a charity for disabled people? 68.33% 17.95% 13.72% (712) (187) (143) 1,042
Invested to make your business 34.36% 23.51% 42.13% accessible? (358) (245) (439) 1,042
Helped make your neighbourhood, 43.38% 36.47% 20.15% community accessible? (452) (380) (210) 1,042
Helped make local schools accessible? 18.81% 47.12% 34.07% (196) (491) (355) 1,042
Befriended, mentored or otherwise 70.63% 18.71% 10.65% offered support to a disabled person? (736) (195) (111) 1,042
Paid more tax to improve New Zealand’s 8.35% 49.71% 41.94% 1,042 accessibility? (87) (518) (437)
Have you, or would you, appoint a 80.33% 4.41% 15.26% 1,042 disabled person to a Board or leadership (837) (46) (159) role?
Summary The majority of respondents has or would appoint a disabled person to a Board or leadership role.
Q18 Which country do you think is the best in the world for disabled people? Answer Choices Responses
Ireland 0.48% (5)
Finland 3.55% (37)
Switzerland 2.88% (30)
Netherlands 4.80% (50)
New Zealand 4.99% (52)
Sweden 10.75% (112)
United Kingdom 2.59% (27)
Norway 2.59% (27)
3.45% (36) Denmark
Belgium 0.00% (0)
France 0.38% (4)
Canada 2.11% (22)
Germany 0.86% (9)
Austria 0.19% (2)
0.77% (8) Australia
Luxembourg 0.00% (0)
Iceland 0.38% (4)
Cyprus 0.00% (0)
Spain 0.10% (1)
Italy 0.00% (0)
United States 4.51% (47) Costa Rica 0.00% (0)
Malta 0.00% (0)
0.00% (0) Chile
Japan 0.67% (7)
China 0.10% (1)
0.00% (0) Kenya
Singapore 0.19% (2)
Guatemala 0.00% (0)
Slovenia 0.19% (2)
Greece 0.00% (0)
49.62% (517) I don't know
3.84% (40) Other
Total 1,042
Summary The majority of respondents didn't know which country is the best in the world for disabled people, and Sweden was the next choice.
Q19 Following on from your answer above, why do you think it's the best country in the world for disabled people to live?
Answer Choices Responses
Welfare system 12.48% (130)
Legislation 7.87% (82)
Built environment 8.06% (84)
Leadership and innovation 12.67% (132) I don't know 49.81% (519)
Other 9.12% (95)
Total 1,042
Summary After “I don't know”, the majority of respondents believed leadership and innovation was the reason their chosen country was the best in the world for disabled people to live in.
Q20 Can you name one famous New Zealander who lives with a disability?
Answer Choices Responses
No 27.82% (286)
Yes (please state) 72.18% (742)
Total 1,028
Summary The majority of respondents could name one famous New Zealander who lives with a disability.
Q21 What percentage of people in New Zealand do you think have access needs?
Answer Choices Responses
Under 10% 4.96% (51)
20% 22.47% (231)
20 - 30% 35.31% (363)
30 - 40% 20.72% (213)
More than 40% 16.54% (170)
Total 1,028
Summary The majority of respondents believe 20 – 30% of people in New Zealand have access needs. Q22 If there were five quick and easy things you could do today to improve the lives of disabled New Zealanders would you do them now?
Answer Choices Responses
Yes 64.20% (660)
No 0.88% (9)
Probably 34.92% (359)
Total 1,028
Summary The majority of respondents would do five quick and easy things to improve the lives of disabled New Zealanders.
Q23 Do you have a disability?
Answer Choices Responses
Yes 43.14% (443)
No 56.86% (584)
Total 1,027
Summary The majority of respondents did not have a disability.
Q24 If you answered yes to the previous question, is your disability:
Answer Choices Responses
Physical 39.22% (171)
Sensory 21.33% (93)
Intellectual 2.29% (10) Developmental 0.92% (4)
Nonvisible 11.70% (41)
Mental Illness/Health 8.94% (39)
Other (please specify) 15.60% (68)
Total 436
Summary The majority of respondents have a physical disability.
Q25 How long have you had your disability?
Answer Choices Responses
My whole life, I was born with it 29.68% (130)
For the majority of my life 39.73% (174)
It is a recent development 30.59% (134)
Total 438
Summary Most respondents have had their disability for the majority of their life.
Q26 Do you feel that people sometimes treat you differently because of your disability?
Answer Choices Responses
Yes 73.74% (323)
No 26.26% (115)
Total 438
Summary Most respondents feel that sometimes they are treated differently because of their disability.
Q27 If you answered Yes to the above, do you dislike being treated differently? Answer Choices Responses
Yes 53.20% (233)
No 15.98% (70)
N/A 30.82% (135)
Total 438
Summary Most respondents dislike being treated different because of the disability they have.
Q28 What is the best thing about living with a disability?
Answer Choices Responses
Greater empathy for others 36.30% (159)
Ability to be flexible, problem-solve 20.09% (88)
A different experience of life 25.34% (111)
Other (please specify) 18.26% (80)
Total 438
Summary The majority of respondents believe the best thing about living with a disability is greater empathy for others.
Q29 If your disability has opened doors, how has it done that?
Answer Choices Responses
It has not opened doors 57.91% (249)
It has opened doors by: 42.09% (181)
Total 430
Summary The majority of respondents said that having a disability has not opened doors.
Q30 If your disability has closed doors, how has it done that?
Answer Choices Responses
It has not closed doors 33.56% (147)
It has closed doors by: 66.44% (291)
Total 438
Summary The majority of respondents said that their disability has closed doors.
Q31 In your view, what is the hardest thing about living with a disability?
Answer Choices Responses
Others’ limiting beliefs; 24.37% (106)
Your own limiting beliefs; 9.89% (43)
Reduced employment opportunity; 17.01% (74)
Reduced education opportunity; 0.69% (3)
Reduced relationship likelihood; 3.45% (15)
Reduced standard of living; 13.10% (57)
Fewer friends; 2.53% (11)
Fewer social opportunities 5.06% (22)
Other (please specify) 23.91% (104)
Total 435
Summary The most respondents said others limiting beliefs were the hardest thing about living with a disability, closely followed by ‘other’. Q32 What is the one thing that would make the greatest difference in your life if it were made more accessible?
Answer Choices Responses
Websites 2.53% (11)
Information 11.49% (50)
Travel and tourism 8.28% (36)
Education 5.98% (26)
Employment 20.00% (87)
Community facilities such as art galleries, sports facilities 3.68% (16)
Democratic process, voting 1.38% ( 6)
Built environment 11.95% (52)
Welfare 7.59% (33)
27.13% (118) Other (please specify)
Total 435
Summary The majority of respondents believe that employment would make the greatest difference in their life if it were made more accessible.
Q33 Does public attitude:
Yes No Maybe Total
Think disabled people need more help? 54.40% 9.20% 36.40% (550) (93) (368) 1,011
Feel sorry for disabled people? 56.97% 11.67% 31.36% (576) (118) (317) 1,011 Think disabled people cannot work? 36.10% 27.20% 36.70%( (365) (275) 371) 1,011
Think they cannot have a family? 27.00% 37.39% 35.61%( (273) (378) 360) 1,011
Think they need charity? 40.16% 20.28% 39.56% (406) (205) (400) 1,011
Think they have extra powers or abilities? 9.89% 69.44% 20.67%( (100) (702) 209) 1,011
Think they can contribute to society / 24.53% 44.41% 31.06%( economy to the same degree that a disability- (248) (449) 314) 1,011 free person can?
Think they can be leaders (including company 25.62% 40.45% 33.93%( CEO or PM? (259) (409) 343) 1,011
Summary In general the response shows belief that there is a negative public attitude