Can I get assistance to apply?
Yes. Your political party, support person, friend or whānau member can help you fill in your application form and supporting documents. You can also contact us and we can help you.
Let us know what assistance you need and we may be able to help. For example, if you need a sign language interpreter to assist you at your meeting with us, we can arrange and pay for that.
What if I pull out or don’t get selected or nominated?
You don’t need to repay any money already spent, if it was used for the agreed purposes. You will need to pay back any money you haven’t spent.
How long does it take to approve an application?
A funding decision is usually made within 2-3 weeks.
Once we have received your application, it is considered by an applications panel, and the Electoral Commission makes a funding decision.
Can I apply if I have a disability but not a formal diagnosis?
Yes - You do not need to have a formal diagnosis. When you apply, you will need to sign a legal declaration saying you meet the eligibility criteria for funding, - including that you have a disability.
Can I apply if I am not living in New Zealand right now?
Yes. You will need to explain your situation in your application. We may come back to you if we need any additional information.
Is there a funding limit?
There is a limit of $50,000 total funding for a person, per election or by-election. For very high-cost applications we may ask for additional supporting information.
Do I have to repay any of the funds I have received?
You don’t have to repay any money already spent on agreed services, equipment, or support. However, you do need to pay back any unspent money you were granted.
Can I apply for more funding if additional needs arise?
Yes, you can apply for more funding if additional needs arise. However, there is some contingency within your agreement so that if unexpected things arise, they can be covered. This can only be used for similar support as detailed in your agreement. For example, it could be used for an unplanned candidate meeting.
Contact us as soon as possible. Depending on what it is, we may be able to adjust your agreement, or we may need to go back to the panel to discuss it further.
Can I pay for things I need and be reimbursed?
No. If your funding is getting low and you know things are coming up, contact us so that additional funding can be considered.
Do I, or does my party, need to declare what I have received from the Fund? Is a return required?
No. You don’t have to file a public return for this funding, and it doesn’t need to be included in a party or candidate’s expense return. You do have to report on how you spent the money, but we won’t publish it.
What if my circumstances make it harder or more expensive to get what I need?
Funding decisions will be based on your reported unique circumstances. This could include additional costs of living in large and rural areas. Consider all your disability-related needs and include them in your application and supporting documents. This could include quotes or estimates for:
- travel for both you and any people who are assisting you, to get to and from venues
- additional shipping costs for equipment being supplied outside your area.
Can I apply again for future elections or by-elections?
There is no limit on how often you can access the Fund. You will need to apply again for each election or by-election. You can ask us to keep your supporting information for the next election so you can apply again.
Will the fund pay for my disability-related needs if I get into Parliament?
No, the fund covers only your disability-related needs before an election. If you become a member of Parliament, a relationship manager from Parliamentary Service will be in contact with you just after the General Election. You will be able to discuss your needs with them to ensure you have the support you need.
When can I get the equipment and support I need?
You can start sourcing your equipment and/or support when your funding agreement is signed.
How do I get the equipment I need?
You are responsible for purchasing the equipment and services you have applied for.
We have a database of services and equipment providers we can share with you, however, you can also choose providers that are not on our list.
Can I use the equipment or services I get through the Fund for other purposes?
No. You should only use the equipment and services for selection or campaigning as detailed in your agreement with us.
It is important that funding is not spent on anything that gives you an unfair political advantage.
Can I keep the equipment I have purchased after the election?
Your agreement will say if you can keep the equipment after election day or if it needs to be returned to us.
What if my equipment needs to be repaired or replaced?
You will need to gather information on what needs to be done and the likely cost. You will also need to contact us so that additional funding can be considered.
Can a family member be my assistant or support person?
Yes – if they meet your requirements. The hourly rate needs to be reasonable – we can provide you with guidance on this. Your assistant / support person will need to keep good records of their service.
What if I go to an event and the host already has the assistance I need (like a NZSL interpreter)?
Check before events what assistance is available. If you need to cancel a booking you have made, you might still have to pay. This will come from your funding, so it is best you know ahead of time.
Will the Fund pay for help to prepare my report to show how I have spent the money?
Yes, this can only be funded if it is a disability-related need. For example, if you need a reader or writer. Please detail this within your application or contact us if you are unsure.
How do I get the services and support I need?
You are responsible for sourcing the services and support you have applied for.
We have a database of services and equipment providers we can share with you; however, you can also choose providers that are not on our list.