A new national identification card is being introduced to make it easier for disabled New Zealanders with certified service dogs to access businesses, public places and public transport.

Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston said handlers were still being challenged or refused entry despite having legal access rights.

“Despite having legal access rights, some disability assistance dog handlers continue to be challenged or turned away because these rights are not always well understood, or the dogs are interpreted as pets,” Upston said.

“That’s unacceptable and unfair.”

While guide dogs supporting blind and low-vision people are widely recognised, disability assistance dogs also help people with hearing loss, epilepsy, mobility impairments and other disabilities.

Upston said this could lead to legitimate service dogs being mistaken for pets.

“A single, nationally consistent and standardised ID card helps avoid those misunderstandings,” she said.

“It improves clarity for businesses and the wider public, reducing challenges to disabled people’s access to spaces they have every right to be in.”

The card does not create new access rights and handlers will not be required to present it as a condition of entry. Refusing access to a certified disability assistance dog and its handler remains unlawful.

Pets, companion animals and emotional-support dogs do not have the same access rights.

The cards will be issued only to dogs and handlers certified by organisations recognised under Schedule 5 of the Dog Control Act 1996. Dogs undergoing recognised training will also be covered by the scheme.

The card was developed with Service Dog Advisory New Zealand, the Ministry of Disabled People—Whaikaha, government officials and people with lived experience.

The initial rollout is expected to take about three months and cost approximately $7500.

Whaikaha will fund the first production run. After the rollout, authorised disability assistance dog organisations will issue and replace cards as part of their existing certification and training processes.

“For many disabled people, a service dog is essential to their independence,” Upston said.

“This small change will make a big difference to helping disabled New Zealanders go about their lives without barriers.”