New Zealand 2026 election: Accessible and affordable housing for disabled renters

If you rent, have a mobility impairment, and want to continue living independently, there are several connected issues worth examining before the 2026 New Zealand general election: the availability of accessible homes, how much rent costs, whether landlords must make reasonable accessibility changes, and whether you can get the transport and support services you need to live independently.

These issues overlap. An affordable home may not be suitable for a wheelchair or other mobility aid. An accessible home may be too expensive. And even a suitable home can become impractical if accessible public transport, subsidised taxi services, or disability support is unavailable.

The comparison below focuses on policies that could affect you as a disabled renter anywhere in New Zealand. It distinguishes specific election commitments from existing government policy and broader party positions, because a policy announcement is not the same as a funded programme that has been implemented.

A useful starting point is the 2026 disability policy comparison from Deafblind Association New Zealand and the disability election coverage from The Spinoff. Both examine the approaches of parties contesting the election. deafblindassociation.nz, team.thespinoff.nz

1. What the parties are proposing on accessible housing

One particularly relevant election issue is the target for accessible homes built by Kāinga Ora, New Zealand's public housing provider. The target matters because homes designed around universal access from the outset can be more suitable for people with mobility impairments than homes that need extensive modifications later.

In 2019, a target was established for at least 15% of new social housing builds to meet full universal design standards. In May 2026, the National Government removed that target. The parties now have differing approaches to whether it should return. thedlist.co.nz

Party-by-party comparison

Party	Accessible housing proposals and position	What it could mean for you
New Zealand Labour Party	Labour says it will require at least 25% of new Kāinga Ora homes to be accessible. It also proposes strengthening disability rights in law. labour.org.nz	A higher target for accessible public housing could increase the supply of suitable homes, although the number built and the allocation process would affect how quickly renters benefit.
Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand	The Greens propose restoring the 15% accessible public housing target, establishing robust universal design standards for public and private housing, and strengthening renter protections. Their wider housing proposals include rent caps, a rental warrant of fitness, and ending no-cause evictions. greens.org.nz, thedlist.co.nz	This combines accessible-home construction with proposals intended to address rental affordability and housing quality.
Te Pāti Māori	Te Pāti Māori says it would reinstate and expand accessible public housing targets urgently and ensure new government builds are accessible and designed to accommodate whānau. thedlist.co.nz	The emphasis is on making public housing accessible and ensuring housing policy responds to disabled people's needs, including those of tāngata whaikaha Māori.
New Zealand National Party	National does not intend to restore the blanket 15% target. It says it will continue incorporating universal design features, work on clearer definitions of accessible housing, review how social housing meets disabled people's needs, and build on initiatives such as the Access Activator pilot. It also cites minor home modifications, including grab rails. thedlist.co.nz	The approach emphasises flexibility, modifications, and identifying housing needs rather than a fixed national percentage of new public homes meeting full universal design standards.
ACT New Zealand	ACT opposes a centrally imposed accessible-housing quota, arguing that public housing should respond to actual need. It proposes increasing overall housing supply by reducing development barriers and changing planning rules. thedlist.co.nz	Its approach relies on housing supply and responding to individual needs rather than requiring a set proportion of new public homes to meet a universal design standard.
The Opportunities Party (TOP)	TOP has expressed support for creating more homes that everyone can access and live in, but it did not directly respond to the housing questionnaire from disability publication The D*List. thedlist.co.nz	The general direction is relevant, but the accessible-housing target, delivery arrangements, and detailed commitments need further clarification.
New Zealand First	New Zealand First did not directly respond to The D*List's housing questions. Its published position includes prioritising social housing for New Zealand citizens. thedlist.co.nz	There is insufficient detail in the material reviewed to establish a specific commitment on accessible-home targets or adaptations for disabled renters.

An important distinction: Labour's proposed 25% target is a commitment about new Kāinga Ora builds, not a promise that 25% of all rental properties will be accessible. Likewise, restoring a 15% target would not immediately make existing inaccessible homes suitable.

These policies also differ in how they define accessibility. For someone with a mobility impairment, it is worth checking whether a home offers step-free entry, adequate turning space, accessible bathroom facilities, suitable kitchen layouts, and access to parking or transport—not simply whether it is described as accessible.

2. What about affordable rent and secure tenancies?

Accessible housing is only useful if you can afford to remain in it.

The differences between the parties matter here because rent-setting, public housing supply, and tenancy protections can affect whether you can continue living independently.

The Green Party

The Greens have proposed several measures relevant to private renters and people in public housing:

• Rent caps: intended to limit rent increases and improve affordability.
• A rental warrant of fitness: intended to establish minimum standards for rental properties.
• Ending no-cause evictions: intended to strengthen tenants' security.
• More public and community housing: intended to increase access to affordable homes.
• Accessible housing standards: intended to make both public and private housing more inclusive.

The party has also committed to affordable rents for public housing tenants and building more public homes. thedlist.co.nz, greens.org.nz

For a disabled renter, the combination is important: affordability alone does not guarantee that a landlord will maintain an accessible property or that you can stay in your home.

Labour

Labour's specific accessible-housing commitment is to require at least 25% of new Kāinga Ora builds to be accessible. Its wider disability policy also proposes stronger legal protections for disabled people, including recognising the denial of reasonable accommodation as discrimination through changes to the Human Rights Act. labour.org.nz

The accessible-home target is a concrete commitment, but it should not be confused with a rent cap or a guarantee of an affordable private tenancy.

National

National's approach includes social and affordable housing initiatives, such as the Flexible Fund, which was established to support the delivery of social homes and affordable rentals. Its first funding round was announced in February 2026. However, the accessible-housing proposals outlined above do not establish a fixed percentage of new public homes that must meet full universal design standards. national.org.nz, thedlist.co.nz

The distinction to investigate is whether affordable housing initiatives will deliver enough homes that are both financially accessible and suitable for people with mobility impairments.

ACT, Te Pāti Māori, TOP, and New Zealand First

The published material reviewed provides less directly comparable detail on rent caps, tenancy protections, and disability-specific rental affordability for these parties.

• ACT emphasises increasing housing supply and removing development barriers rather than imposing an accessible-housing quota.
• Te Pāti Māori emphasises expanding accessible public housing and ensuring housing accommodates whānau.
• TOP has expressed support for housing that everyone can access, but more detail is needed on how that would be delivered.
• New Zealand First has stated that it will prioritise social housing for citizens, but the material reviewed does not establish a specific disability-related rental affordability package. thedlist.co.nz

A lack of a clearly documented commitment should not automatically be interpreted as opposition. It means the available information does not establish a comparable promise.

3. Accessible transport: a key part of independent living

For someone with a mobility impairment, transport policy can make a real difference to whether a home is practical.

You might find an affordable, accessible rental, but if you cannot reliably reach the supermarket, medical appointments, work, or friends, living independently becomes more difficult.

One important current policy change is the Total Mobility Scheme, which subsidises taxi travel for people whose disabilities prevent them from using public transport independently.

Since 1 July 2026, the subsidy has fallen from 75% to 65%, with lower fare caps and maximum subsidies in most regions. transport.govt.nz

Here is how the parties' transport proposals compare, based on their published positions and responses to The D*List's election questions.

Party	Relevant transport proposal	Potential significance for you
Green Party	Restore the Total Mobility subsidy to 75%; make public transport free for Total Mobility users and several other groups; cap bus and train fares at $2 for other passengers.	Could reduce taxi costs and the cost of using public transport.
Labour	Cap public transport costs at $20 a week in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 a week elsewhere.	Could make regular public transport travel more affordable, depending on route accessibility and whether you can use the services.
Te Pāti Māori	Make public transport free for everyone within five years, with disabled people among the first groups to receive free travel if implementation is staged.	Could reduce transport costs for disabled people who can use public transport.
National	Retain the 65% Total Mobility subsidy rather than restoring 75%; develop a national public transport concession proposal for Total Mobility users, potentially including free companion travel.	Focuses on the scheme's financial sustainability and more consistent arrangements rather than restoring the previous subsidy rate.
ACT	Supports the reduction in the Total Mobility subsidy.	Does not propose restoring the previous 75% subsidy in the policy comparison reviewed.
New Zealand First	Did not directly respond to The D*List's transport questions.	A specific commitment on Total Mobility subsidy levels was not established.
TOP	Has publicly advocated free public transport but did not directly respond to the publication's transport questions.	The general proposal could reduce travel costs, but its specific arrangements for disabled travellers need clarification.

Sources: The D*List's 2026 transport policy comparison and the Ministry of Transport's Total Mobility Scheme information. thedlist.co.nz, transport.govt.nz

What should you look for beyond fares?

Lower fares do not necessarily mean accessible transport.

For your circumstances, it is worth checking whether parties have commitments on:

• Availability of wheelchair-accessible taxis and other suitable vehicles.
• Reliable access to public transport, including accessible stops, stations and vehicles.
• Transport options when buses or trains cannot meet your needs.
• The number of subsidised trips available through Total Mobility.
• Whether a support person can accompany you without additional cost.
• Funding and accountability for improving accessibility across the transport system.

The Ministry of Transport has also been considering changes to Total Mobility, including wheelchair-accessible vehicle availability and a possible national public transport concession. These are separate from any additional election promises made by individual parties. ansr.transport.govt.nz

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4. Disability support and income: can you afford to live independently?

Housing and transport are only two parts of the equation. Your ability to remain in a suitable rental also depends on how much money you have available after paying for everyday living expenses and disability-related costs.

The parties differ in their wider disability support policies.

Labour

Labour proposes strengthening disability rights, ending annual benefit renewals for people with verified permanent disabilities, and developing a rights-based disability support framework in partnership with disabled people.

It also proposes incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into New Zealand law. labour.org.nz

For you, the relevance is whether these changes would make disability support more predictable and easier to access while protecting your ability to live independently.

The Greens

The Greens propose improving income support, addressing disability-related living and medical costs, and reducing financial penalties associated with relationship status.

Their broader disability platform also focuses on choice and control over support services and stronger accessibility requirements. greens.org.nz, client.thespinoff.nz

For a renter, income support could matter just as much as rent policy: even a moderately priced accessible home may be unaffordable if disability-related expenses consume a substantial part of your income.

Te Pāti Māori

Te Pāti Māori emphasises Māori-led disability services, self-determination, and support that reflects the circumstances of disabled people and their whānau rather than relying solely on administrative categories. client.thespinoff.nz

Its approach is particularly relevant to considering how disability services are designed and who participates in decisions about them.

National

National's approach has focused on funding the disability support system, improving consistency in assessments, and restoring some flexibility over the use of disability support funding.

The government has also announced funding for residential disability support services. However, the disability policy comparison reviewed did not identify a specific National election commitment to comprehensive disability-income reform or a new accessible-housing target. deafblindassociation.nz, client.thespinoff.nz

ACT

ACT's disability-related approach emphasises individual responsibility, employment, and changes to benefit administration, including tighter requirements around medical certification.

When considering this approach, it is worth examining how the proposed eligibility and assessment arrangements would affect people with permanent disabilities who rely on support to live independently. client.thespinoff.nz

TOP

TOP proposes a citizen's income of up to $370 a week for adults, alongside a universal disability allowance projected at around $6,000 a year and additional needs-based top-ups. The party says its approach would not replace specific disability funding for transport or assistive technology. client.thespinoff.nz

The key question is how such a system would interact with existing benefits, housing assistance, and other support you may rely on.

New Zealand First

The material reviewed does not establish a comparable, detailed 2026 disability-income policy from New Zealand First. Its positions on wider social support and health policy would need to be examined alongside its specific commitments, if any, on accessible housing and independent living. deafblindassociation.nz

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5. What to prioritise when comparing the parties

Rather than looking only at general promises to build more houses or improve disability services, you could assess each party against the following questions.

Your priority	What to look for in a party's policy
Finding an accessible rental	A measurable target for accessible public housing, clear accessibility standards, and a plan for delivering homes that meet different mobility needs.
Keeping your rent affordable	Specific commitments on rent increases, public housing supply, housing assistance, and protections against losing a suitable tenancy.
Making changes to your home	Clear rules and funding for adaptations such as ramps, accessible bathrooms, widened doorways, and grab rails.
Maintaining independence	Disability support that allows you to choose where and how you live, with appropriate personal assistance and home-based support.
Getting around affordably	A clear position on Total Mobility subsidies, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, public transport accessibility, and companion fares.
Having enough money to live on	Proposals addressing disability-related costs, income support, housing costs, and the financial effects of eligibility rules.
Protecting your rights as a renter	Clear commitments on reasonable accommodation, discrimination, tenancy security, and enforceable accessibility standards.

An especially useful distinction is whether a party promises to build accessible homes, adapt existing homes, or help people afford the homes they can already access. Those are three different policy problems, and a party may address one without addressing the others.

6. Where to verify the latest commitments before voting

The election is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November 2026, so parties may continue announcing or clarifying policies during the campaign. thedlist.co.nz

These resources can help you check the details directly:

• Independent disability policy comparison: Deafblind Association New Zealand
• Housing commitments: The D*List — housing policies
• Transport commitments: The D*List — transport policies
• Disability rights and services: Disabled Persons Assembly NZ
• Labour's official disability policy: NZ Labour
• Greens' official manifesto: Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
• Current Total Mobility rules: Ministry of Transport

The Disabled Persons Assembly and its partner organisations have also asked seven parties about key disability rights, income support, accessibility legislation, and other issues. Their scorecard is designed to distinguish parties that answer yes, no, or undecided from those that do not respond. Check for updated results as the election approaches. dpa.org.nz

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7. The key differences to keep in mind

Based on the published policies reviewed, there are several distinct approaches to the accessible-housing question:

• Labour has proposed a 25% accessible-housing target for new Kāinga Ora builds.
• The Greens propose restoring the 15% target while combining accessible-housing standards with rental affordability and tenancy protections.
• Te Pāti Māori proposes reinstating and expanding accessible public housing targets, with a focus on homes that accommodate whānau.
• National favours addressing housing accessibility through modifications, further development of standards, and reviews rather than restoring a fixed 15% target.
• ACT favours increasing housing supply and responding to individual need rather than imposing a fixed accessibility quota.
• TOP and New Zealand First have less detailed, directly comparable accessible-housing commitments in the material reviewed.

These differences do not, by themselves, establish how many accessible homes each party would actually deliver, how quickly they would become available, or what a disabled renter would pay. Those outcomes would depend on implementation, funding, and the details of any resulting legislation.

One final consideration: for your situation, it may help to treat accessible housing, affordable rent, transport, and disability support as one connected issue. A policy that improves only one of those areas may not be enough to secure the independent living arrangements you want.

When comparing parties, the most useful question may be: What specific, measurable changes would make it easier for me to find an accessible rental, afford to stay there, and travel independently to the places I need to go?