Pursuant to section 7 of the Election Access Fund Act 2020 and the Legislation Act 2019, notice is given that the basis on which persons listed in section 7(3) may be eligible for a payment from the Election Access Fund is that:

• they are a person with a disability in that they have long-term (lasting or expected to last six months or more) physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others; and
• that they will be 18 years of age by nomination day for the relevant election or, until nomination day is known, that they will be 18 years of age by the date on which the current Parliament expires; and
• they meet the other requirements to be a candidate under the Electoral Act 1993, at the time of application, including
• being a New Zealand citizen;
• being currently registered as an elector if aged 18 or over; and
• being not otherwise disqualified for registration as an elector under that Act;
• they meet section 7(3) of the Election Access Fund Act 2020 in that they are a disabled person who is standing as a candidate in, or seeking selection as a candidate in, a parliamentary general election or by-election; and
• they face barriers to standing as a candidate in a general election or a by-election as a consequence of their disability and which non-disabled individuals do not face.

Funding for costs involved in seeking selection to represent a registered political party as a constituency candidate, list candidate, or both may only be paid:

• from the fund opening date determined by the Electoral Commission for each election; and
• if the applicant has notified the party secretary of their registered party in writing that they intend to seek selection. The person must also be eligible for selection under that party’s rules.

For the 2023 General Election, funding for costs involved in seeking election may be paid:

• once the candidate has publicly announced their candidacy; and
• once the candidate, if representing a party, has been approved by that party to begin campaigning for election; and
• only until the applicant is no longer a prospective constituency or list candidate, including independents.

At elections after 2023, election costs may be paid only in the 12 months before the current Parliament is due to expire, or from the notice of vacancy for a by-election.

Costs cannot be funded by the Election Access Fund where funding from other agencies has or will be used for those costs.

The basis for eligibility is issued by the Electoral Commission having consulted with disabled people, disabled people’s organisations, political parties, and other interested people and organisations and having regard to the purpose of the fund.

Applicants will be required to make a legal declaration that they are eligible and will adhere to the conditions for use of the fund.

For further information please visit the Electoral Commission’s website www.elections.nz or telephone the Commission on (04) 495 0030, or email enquiries@elections.govt.nz.

Dated at Wellington this 6th day of October 2022.

KARL LE QUESNE, Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral Commission.