Search studies, brands and more…⌘ KExplore research

Evidence · NZ Election 2026

Every question, every answer, every source

Everything the study collected, as it was collected on 5 October 2026. Read any answer in full, or download the tables behind every figure in the study.

questions
174
voters the questions were written as
32
answers collected, of 820 planned
815
answers compared like for like
800
pairs of national and town answers
124
answers with sources recorded
774
answers that showed a link
304

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question was written as a voter would ask it and went to all four assistants. Some were also asked from a town. Open a question to read every answer to it in full.

Showing 20 of 174 questions

Show all 174

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Questions

    nz-election-2026-questions.csv

    One row per question.

    Question id, report reference, question, voter, issue, towns it was also asked from, answers per assistant

    174rows

    Download questions (CSV)

  • Answers

    nz-election-2026-answers.csv

    One row per answer, with its full text.

    Answer id, question id, assistant, town, words, parties named, showed a link, websites recorded as sources, compared like for like, full text

    815rows

    Download answers (CSV)

  • Sources by answer

    nz-election-2026-sources.csv

    One row for each website recorded as a source of an answer.

    Answer id, question id, assistant, town, website, publisher type

    4,216rows

    Download sources by answer (CSV)

  • Checks against official sources

    nz-election-2026-checks.csv

    One row per statement checked.

    Check, answer id, assistant, what the answer said, verdict, what the source says, source, date

    17rows

    Download checks against official sources (CSV)

  • Who to vote for: coding

    nz-election-2026-guidance.csv

    One row per answer to the eight questions that asked who to vote for.

    Answer id, question id, assistant, what the answer did, the words that show it

    32rows

    Download who to vote for: coding (CSV)

  • Location and national answers

    nz-election-2026-towns.csv

    One row per question asked both nationally and from a location, for each assistant.

    Question, town, assistant, both answer ids, parties named nationally and from the town, same parties

    124rows

    Download location and national answers (CSV)

Use these tables to trace findings back to the original questions and answers. The full text of each answer is also on this page, under its question.

03

Read in full and checked

Some answers were read in detail or checked against official sources. Those appear on the study page, beside the findings they support.

ChatGPT · No location

I have a mobility impairment, rent and want to keep living independently. I rely on accessible transport and support services. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How can I check accessible voting options and whether party policies address disabled people's rights?

Yes. For your situation, I’d look at access to voting itself separately from what parties propose for disability rights, housing, transport and support.

1. Check your accessible voting options

The New Zealand Electoral Commission has a specific Access 2026 plan for Deaf and disabled voters. It covers accessible information, enrolment and voting services. Access 2026: accessibility action plan for the 2026 General Election | Elections NZ

Electoral Commission — Access 2026 accessibility plan

For a mobility impairment, particularly relevant options include:

  • Voting at a voting place: you can vote at any voting place in New Zealand, and detailed locations and opening hours are being released for the election. Can't get to a voting place? | Vote NZ
  • If you cannot get to a voting place: the Electoral Commission provides voting services for people who cannot travel because of mobility or other reasons. You can authorise someone to collect your voting papers for you. Can't get to a voting place? | Vote NZ
  • Telephone dictation voting: if your physical disability means you cannot mark your voting paper without assistance, you can register for this service. Registration opens 5 October 2026 and must be completed by noon on 7 November; telephone voting operates from 21 October through 7pm on election day. Telephone dictation voting | Vote NZ
  • Help from another person: a friend, family member or electoral official can read your voting paper or mark it according to your instructions. They cannot tell you who to vote for. Need help to vote? | Vote NZ
  • Information about voting is available in Easy Read, large print, audio, Braille and NZSL. Information in accessible formats | Vote NZ

Vote NZ — accessible voting and help

If you're uncertain which option would work best with your particular mobility needs, the Electoral Commission says you can call 0800 36 76 56 to discuss your options. Need help to vote? | Vote NZ

2. Compare parties specifically on the issues that affect independent living

Rather than looking only for something labelled "disability policy", I'd check whether each party has specific, funded commitments in these areas:

Issue Questions to ask
Accessible transport What will happen to Total Mobility and accessible public transport? Will funding, coverage or subsidies change?
Disability support Will you have choice and control over support? What happens to individualised funding and support services?
Housing/renting Are there commitments to accessible housing, secure tenancies, affordability or universal-design standards?
Income How would proposed benefit/income changes affect someone unable to work or working less because of disability?
Accessibility rights Does the party support enforceable accessibility standards and stronger disability-rights protections?
Independent living Do policies explicitly support disabled people choosing where and with whom they live?
Participation Does the party commit to involving disabled people in decisions—often expressed as "nothing about us without us"?

A useful independent starting point is Policy.nz's 2026 election policy comparison. It has a dedicated Disability category and also lets you examine housing, income, health and transport policies. Its policy summaries are based on parties' own material and are updated as policies are released. Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026 - Policy.nz

3. Look beyond slogans to concrete commitments

For example, current 2026 material shows that parties are taking quite different approaches.

  • The Green Party has a dedicated disability section in its 2026 manifesto, including commitments concerning dignity, autonomy, services, transport and housing. Its broader policy platform also specifically addresses accessible housing and independent transport. Manifesto 2026 - Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
  • New Zealand First has proposed an Accessibility Standards Bill, aimed at identifying and removing barriers to participation and independence. Establishing an Accessible New Zealand for everyone - New Zealand First
  • Labour's published 2026 policies include transport and healthcare measures that could have financial implications for disabled people, so it is worth checking the detailed eligibility and implementation provisions rather than just the headline. Labour's 2026 Election Policies
  • The Government has also made recent changes to Disability Support Services and Total Mobility, so when comparing parties, distinguish between what is already law/funded and what a party says it would change. Disability Issues | Beehive.govt.nz

Those are examples of documented positions, not recommendations. For your vote, you can assess how each proposal fits your own priorities.

4. A practical way to make the comparison

You could make a short table for yourself with five headings:

Transport | Support services | Rent/housing | Income | Legal accessibility rights

For each party, record:

  1. What exactly are they promising?
  2. Is it a specific policy or just a general statement?
  3. How would it affect someone renting and wanting to live independently?
  4. Is there funding, legislation or a timeframe attached?
  5. Have they said how disabled people will be involved in implementing it?

This can be especially useful because a policy can sound disability-friendly while having very different practical consequences for transport access, support hours, housing affordability or your ability to remain independent.

The 2026 election is Saturday 7 November, with advance voting from 26 October. Browse all elections - NZ Election 2026 - Policy.nz

If you want, I can also make you a neutral 2026 comparison of the main NZ parties specifically on disability rights, accessible transport, disability support, renting/housing and independent living, with links to the parties' original policies.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 5 October 2026 · shown as ChatGPT gave it, not a verified account

Gemini · No location

I have a mobility impairment, rent and want to keep living independently. I rely on accessible transport and support services. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How can I check accessible voting options and whether party policies address disabled people's rights?

Preparing for the 2026 New Zealand General Election while managing a mobility impairment involves knowing both your voting rights and how to navigate the specific systems and party platforms.

1. Checking Accessible Voting Options

The Electoral Commission (Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri) provides several provisions under its Access 2026 action plan to ensure disabled people can vote independently and securely:

  • Alternate Formats: Information on how to enrol and vote is available on the official website (vote.nz) in Easy Read, Braille, large print, audio, and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
  • In-Person Accessibility: Voting places are assessed for physical access (such as ramp availability, adequate width, and accessible parking). You can check the accessibility details of your local voting place via vote.nz before you go.
  • Telephone Dictation Voting: If your physical impairment makes it difficult to mark a voting paper independently, a confidential telephone dictation voting service is available. This allows you to vote securely by phone with assistance.
  • Support at Voting Places: Voting places feature tools like magnifying sheets, orange voting screens at varying heights, and support workers who can assist you if requested.

Note on Key Dates: Enrolments and updates to your enrolment details close at midnight on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with advance voting opening on Monday, 26 October, and election day on Saturday, 7 November 2026. You can check or update your details at vote.nz or call the Electoral Commission directly on 0800 36 76 56.

2. Evaluating Party Policies on Disabled People's Rights

To see how political parties plan to support independent living, accessible transport, and support services, you can look to independent disability sector analyses (such as those compiled by Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA) and Disability Rights New Zealand (DRNZ)). Parties vary significantly in their approaches:

  • Enforceable Rights and Legislation: Some parties (such as the Green Party and The Opportunities Party [TOP]) advocate for strengthening frameworks like the Accessibility for New Zealanders Act by adding firm timelines and legally enforceable standards for transport, built environments, and digital access. Other parties focus more on strategic guidelines or refreshing existing disability and NZSL strategies without mandatory enforcement mechanisms.
  • Support Services & Independent Living: Policies regarding individualised funding and disability support systems often reflect broader philosophies on choice and control (such as alignment with the Enabling Good Lives approach).
  • Transport and Infrastructure: Given your reliance on accessible transport, examining specific party transport manifestos is critical, as commitments range from broad public transport fare caps to targeted, disability-specific accessibility mandates for public fleets.

Recommended Next Steps

  1. Visit vote.nz to review the full Access 2026 resources tailored to your preferred format.
  2. Explore sector-specific breakdowns on advocacy sites like dpa.org.nz to read summaries of candidate and party stances on disability rights and accessibility issues.

Would you like help finding specific accessible voting locations or contact details for candidate meetings in your region?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 5 October 2026 · shown as Gemini gave it, not a verified account

Google AI Mode · No location

I have a mobility impairment, rent and want to keep living independently. I rely on accessible transport and support services. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How can I check accessible voting options and whether party policies address disabled people's rights?

Navigating the 2026 New Zealand general election while prioritizing your independence, mobility needs, and rights involves checking official administrative provisions for accessible voting and reviewing how political parties platform disability issues.

1. Checking Accessible Voting Options

The Electoral Commission (Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri) outlines its commitments and provisions for Deaf and disabled voters under Access 2026: Accessibility Action Plan.

  • Finding Accessible Voting Places: A full list and interactive map of physical voting places—detailing specific venue accessibility features—is published on Vote NZ leading up to the election. You can check these details to find locations with step-free access, appropriate parking, and accessible voting booths.
  • Alternative and Independent Voting Formats: The Electoral Commission provides information and material in alternative formats, including Easy Read and Braille, alongside assistive technology accommodations. If you experience barriers getting to a physical voting place or require a private, independent voting solution, you can check specific remote or assisted voting arrangements directly through Vote NZ - Delivering the Election.
  • Important Enrolment Deadlines: Ensure your details are updated and correct. For the 2026 general election, enrolments and updates close at midnight on 25 October 2026 (note that you must be enrolled 13 days prior to election day, unlike previous years where same-day enrolment was permitted). You can verify or update your status via Vote NZ.

2. Researching Party Policies on Disabled People's Rights

To see how different political parties address independent living, disability rights, support services, and accessible housing/transport, utilize independent disability sector summaries and direct party manifestos:

  • Disability Sector Summaries: Organizations and independent advocates track and compare party manifestos specifically through a disability rights lens. For instance, an overview of party stances—covering areas such as funding frameworks, social support legislation, and independent living—is available via Disability Rights New Zealand. Disability Policies of New Zealand's Political Parties – 2026
  • Community Updates and Forums: Peak bodies like the Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA) host election-related events, candidate meetings, and resource pages tracking disabled people's rights and policy development across the motu. [Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA)]
  • Direct Party Manifestos: Review the specific social welfare, transport, housing, and dedicated disability policies on individual political party websites (such as Labour, National, Greens, ACT, NZ First, and Te Pāti Māori) to evaluate their commitments to community-based support and independent living. Media outlets also regularly publish comparative analyses on how different parties plan to handle disability support legislation heading into the 7 November 2026 election.
Ask anything

Captured 5 October 2026 · shown as Google AI Mode gave it, not a verified account

AI Overviews · No location

I have a mobility impairment, rent and want to keep living independently. I rely on accessible transport and support services. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How can I check accessible voting options and whether party policies address disabled people's rights?

AI Overview

As a renter with a mobility impairment who values independent living, accessible transport, and support services, navigating the 2026 New Zealand General Election involves both planning your vote logistics and evaluating how party platforms affect your daily life.

You can check your accessible voting options and evaluate party policies on disabled people’s rights through several official channels and community resources.

🗳️ Checking Accessible Voting Options

The Electoral Commission’s dedicated accessibility action plan, Access 2026 , outlines several specific pathways to ensure every voter can participate safely and independently:

  • Interactive Accessibility Map: You can use the venue lookup tool on the official Vote NZ Website. This map shows your nearest voting places and provides detailed ratings on their physical accessibility (such as ramp availability, flat surfaces, and door widths).

  • Voting from Home or Alternative Options: If your mobility impairment or lack of accessible transport makes getting to a physical booth difficult, you do not have to go in person. You can contact your local electorate manager via Vote NZ Support or call 0800 36 76 56 to arrange alternative options, such as postal voting or telephone dictation voting.

  • Key Timeline Dates:

  • Midnight, 25 October 2026: Final day to enrol or update your address details. As a renter, ensuring your current address matches your electorate is critical.

  • 26 October 2026: Advance voting opens. Voting during the weekdays of the advance period (often quietest between 9:00 AM–11:00 AM and 2:00 PM–4:00 PM) can help you avoid long queues.

  • 7 November 2026: Election Day.

🔍 Researching Party Policies on Disability Rights

Political parties approach disability support, renting regulations, and independent living quite differently. To see how their platforms stack up against your specific needs, you can utilize independent comparison hubs:

  • Policy Comparison Tool: The Inclusive World NZ Platform provides structured, side-by-side party responses specifically tracking disability issues like independent housing, public transport accessibility, and the future of Disability Support Services.

  • Welfare and Income Analysis: Organizations like Disability Rights New Zealand (DRNZ) track policy stances regarding the Supported Living Payment and independent living funding.

  • Media Analysis: Independent analytical reviews, such as The Spinoff’s Disability Policy Breakdown , offer deep dives into how minor and major party policies affect the day-to-day cost of living for disabled individuals.

📋 Key Policy Areas to Look For

When reviewing party manifestos, consider looking into how they address these four structural pillars:

  • Renter's Rights & Modifications: Check party stances on the Residential Tenancies Act. Look for policies concerning a tenant’s right to make accessibility modifications (like ramps or handrails) and whether they propose increasing the availability of accessible public or private rental stock.

  • Disability Support Services (DSS) Funding: Evaluate their plans for Whaikaha (the Ministry for Disabled People) and Health New Zealand. Look closely at whether they intend to expand or restrict flexible funding structures for home help and independent living arrangements.

  • Accessible Public Transport: Review commitments to funding national schemes like the Total Mobility Scheme , which subsidizes door-to-door transport for disabled people, as well as layout mandates for regional bus and train services.

  • Income & Extra Cost-of-Living Support: Disabled individuals often face hidden costs (such as higher power bills for medical equipment or specialized transport). Check if parties propose adjustments to disability allowances or asset testing thresholds for house modification grants.

To help narrow down your research, would you like to explore how the specific major or minor parties compare on renting laws, or would you prefer a breakdown of how to order a postal vote step-by-step?

Ask anything

Captured 5 October 2026 · shown as AI Overviews gave it, not a verified account