Using this website in a way that works for you

You should be able to:

• change colours, contrast levels and fonts
• zoom in up to 300% and still see everything
• navigate the site with only a keyboard or speech recognition software
• use most of the website using a screen reader.

Current accessibility barriers

• Some documents are in PDF format without an accessible HTML version. This issue mainly applies to older publications, the Treaty Settlement Agreements and proactive release documents.
• Some older documents have poor colour contrast

Recent improvements to content accessibility

Following a review by AccessAdvisors we made a number of changes to improve accessibility, including:

• improvements to web forms to make them work better with screen readers;
• updated the way the language switcher and translated pages were displayed to make them easier to understand for screen readers;
• changing the 'On this page' menu to appear above the main content, rather than to the right;
• various content changes to ensure lists and headings conformed to best practice for usability.

Accessibility standards

We work to meet the Government Web Standards, which are compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Web Accessibility Standard 1.2
Web Usability Standard 1.4

How we support accessibility

We support the accessibility of this website by:

• Regularly checking this website for issues and fixing them.
• Integrating accessibility requirements into our procurement processes for content published on the website.
• training our staff.

Manatū Taonga has signed the Accessibility Charter. This means we are committed to providing accessible information to the public.

Accessibility Charter (Ministry for Social Development)

Plain language

The Plain Language Act 2022 came into force on 21 April 2023. We are committed to using plain language for all content that we write for the general public.

Plain language means language that is appropriate to the intended audience, and clear, concise and well organised.

Note: The Act only covers public documents written in English that we publish (online or in print) or substantially revise after 21 April 2023.

Feedback and requests for alternate formats

Tell us if you notice something about our websites, communication or processes that is inaccessible.

You can also contact us to request information in an alternate format.

In your message, include:

• the web address (URL) of the information you need
• the format you need.

Email contact: [email protected]

Making a complaint about accessibility

If you don’t believe you’ve been treated fairly by us, you can make a complaint. If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can then take your complaint to the Ombudsman.

Office of the Ombudsman

Formal approval of this accessibility statement

This Accessibility Statement is approved by Manatū Taonga and was last reviewed in September 2024.