Following little sneaks and previews, it is finally time to announce the full launch of the Hāpai Access Card.
We are so proud and excited to announce the launch of the Access Card in New Zealand on 17th November 2020 at The Court Theatre. The CredAbility Access Card has been adopted and adapted by The Hāpai Foundation, who will be promoting their own Hāpai Access Card to provide a unique scheme for disabled people in New Zealand.
The Hāpai Foundation is a New Zealand-based organisation that focuses on providing awareness and support for disabled people, particularly people with different learning disabilities. The Hāpai Access Card will be a great edition to the fantastic work that the organisation already does.
The Hāpai Access Card will have a similar format to that of the UK- based scheme, in terms of having individual symbols on the front of the card to communicate a person’s access requirements. Card holders will be able to present their cards to venues and attractions, either in person or through the internet, to indicate the different access requirements that they may have.
Like the Access Card UK, the Hāpai Access Card has created an exclusive Facebook Group for Hāpai Access Card Holders to share their experiences of using their cards and highlight the venues and attractions that they have had a positive experience at. As well as Hāpai Access Card Holders, we have also welcomed a few CredAbility Access Card Holders to the group, to share advice and information from their experiences of using the scheme.
Foreword from our Managing Director
I am beyond thrilled to be able to formally welcome a new country to the Access Card family in the form of the Hāpai Access Card.
Working in partnership with the charity The Hāpai Foundation, we are able to extend the amazing work pioneered here in the UK by our core team and bring the benefits of the card to disabled people and our Social Enterprise model to the Charity.
Kia ora Hāpai!
Martin Austin MBE, Managing Director of Nimbus Disability & Creator of The CredAbility Access Card
Foreword from Hāpai
The Access Card is unlike anything that currently exists in our country to support people with disabilities. What this Card will provide for Kiwis who struggle with barriers is opportunity, inclusion and access in a way that respects them as valued members of our community.
Bob Shearing, Chairman of The Hāpai Foundation
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Just like the Access Card UK, the team behind the Hāpai Access Card has been working around the clock to raise awareness about the scheme and contact potential businesses to get involved and integrate the Hāpai Access Card into their own individual Accessibility Schemes.
By doing this, venues and attractions will gain a greater understanding of the different access requirements a disabled person may have and how they can, as a business, accommodate for these requirements, where possible.
As a result, we are proud to introduce the Hāpai Access Card’s first group of national providers, for which there is already a great range of different venues & attractions to choose from.
For more information, including how to apply for the Hapai Access Card, please see below.
Hidden in Christchurch’s suburb of Addington is New Zealand’s largest theatre company. In its post-earthquake refuge – an old grain shed – is a magical world of happiness, laughter, drama and intrigue.
Laser Strike is an amusement center and is in the business of selling FUN to people of all ages and all abilities.
Freedom Mobility Vehicle Rentals is a specialist mobility vehicle hire company with an extensive range of rental cars and vans specifically adapted to meet the needs of disabled drivers and disabled passengers.
The Isaac Theatre Royal is the spiritual heart of Canterbury’s arts scene; an iconic theatrical venue that has played host to spectacular shows and spellbound audiences for more than a century.
Waimakariri Aquatic Facilities
Waimakariri Aquatic Facilities operate swimming pools in the Waimakariri area with access changing rooms, hoist, wet changing/shower bed, wet wheelchair, ramp access and hoist access into spa pool (Rangiora only).
Bouldering, Gym, Yoga, Studio and Cafe
Designed, built and run by a team of Kiwi climbers and yoga teachers, Uprising is home to a huge bouldering gym, yoga studio and a fitness gym all under one roof. There’s even a café serving our own signature blend of locally roasted coffee, and a pro shop for apparel and gear adapted to meet the needs of disabled drivers and disabled passengers.
In 2014, Bink Bowler, our founder, arrived in Christchurch with a vision to build a new series of “coffee shops” for a new city. Like everything in the city, they would keep the idea of ‘the future’ in mind. Luke Bowler, brother to Bink and Reuben Thorne, Canterbury’s son got involved and in late 2014 the first Black & White Coffee Cartel began to build.
Portershed Speciality Cafe & Store
“At Portershed Specialty Cafe & Store, we have a passion for sharing our love of food and life with everyone we meet. Since we first opened our doors in July 2017 we’ve been devoted to offering the highest-quality kiwiana style vegan deliciousness and making it accessible to all.”
Driving Miss Daisy – New Zealand
“Driving Miss Daisy provide a safe, reliable and friendly companion driving service offering more than just transportation. Our service is an opportunity for you or your family to stay connected to the community and maintain important interests and activities…”
Care Transport Limited Trading as Freedom Drivers
“We are a Companion Driving service. Our personal driving service is great for anyone who wants extra thoughtfulness and perhaps a little bit of extra help and support at either end of the journey…”
“For over three decades Black Cat Cruises has been recognised nationally and internationally with numerous tourism awards and are recognised as New Zealand’s first true eco-tourism operator. Based on Banks Peninsula, close to Christchurch we operate from both Akaroa and Lyttelton harbour…”
Academy Gold Theatre – the Colombo
“In 1976, the Academy Cinema was opened in the old Boys High Gymnasium in the Arts Centre in Christchurch. The Auditorium held 220 seats and became a centre for “art-house” film in Christchurch…”
Visit The Hāpai Access Card’s website for the latest news and activity.
Apply for your Hāpai Access Card today!
