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Accessibility

Measures to support accessibility

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora takes the following measures to ensure accessibility:

  • Include accessibility as part of our mission statement
  • Include accessibility throughout our internal policies
  • Integrate accessibility into our procurement practices
  • Provide continual accessibility training for our staff
  • Assign clear accessibility goals and responsibilities
  • Employ formal accessibility quality assurance methods

Conformance status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. Health NZ is partially conformant with WCAG 2.0 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2 Overview - W3C Web Accessibility Initiative

Additional accessibility considerations

Although our goal is WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance, we have also applied some Level AAA Success Criteria.

How to give us feedback on accessibility

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Health NZ.

If you're having any difficulty accessing the information on our website or if you would like to make a formal complaint, please email us at hnzweb@tewhatuora.govt.nz.

We try to respond to feedback within 2 business days.

Plain language

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Plain Language Standard

What is plain language?

Plain language is a way of sharing information that is clear and well-organised. Using plain language helps readers understand and use the information we provide.

This Standard is designed to help us communicate in a way that is easy to understand.

Big picture

  • The purpose of the message is clear at the start and the most important information comes first.
  • We write for the reader and communicate in a way that is best for them.

Structure

  • We present information logically, using headings and lists to organise information.
  • Sentences are short, with one idea per sentence.
  • Paragraphs are short, with one subject per paragraph.

Language

  • We use everyday words that are familiar to our audience and easy to understand.
  • We explain technical words and use them sparingly.
  • We write in the active voice.
  • We don’t use jargon or unneeded words.

Accuracy

  • The information is accurate and follows our style guide.

How to give us feedback on plain language

The Plain Language Act 2022 requires all public sector agencies to produce public-facing documents and web pages that are clear, concise, well-organised, and audience appropriate.

Email us if you have any feedback.