Digital Accessibility Standard (DAS)

A new Digital Accessibility Standard (DAS) is being created to make sure that accessibility is considered for all digital technology, not just websites.

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About the standard

The New Zealand Government Web Standards currently include the Web Accessibility Standard and the Web Usability Standard.

A new Digital Accessibility Standard (DAS) will replace the Web Accessibility Standard in early .

The new standard is being created with the people who need it — disabled people and those who create digital information and services for government.

Timeline for implementation

The standard is being drafted and there will be a public consultation from to .

The standard will be published in early , along with a document explaining how and why decisions were made.

The standard will become official soon after that.

Key dates:

What the standard will cover

The Web Accessibility Standard applies only to websites and web apps. The proposed DAS is likely to apply to all information and communication technology (ICT). This includes:

  • websites, mobile apps, and non-web documents like PDFs, spreadsheets, and emails
  • non-web software like operating systems or Microsoft Word
  • hardware, from laptops and headsets to printers and kiosks.

Who must follow the standard

We’re still confirming which government agencies will have to meet the DAS. All government agencies are strongly encouraged to follow the standard.

Helping government agencies meet the DAS

We’re also planning support activities to help government agencies improve digital accessibility and meet the standard. We’re developing these with Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People.

Why we need a new standard

We’re changing the standard to make sure that accessibility is considered for all digital technology — something the current standard does not do.

All government digital information and services, not just websites, must be accessible to disabled people. This expectation is set out in New Zealand’s Human Rights Act and in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The DAS will help government to meet these responsibilities by setting clear rules for digital accessibility, along with support to help agencies put them into effect.

How we created the new standard

The draft DAS has been developed using findings from the Accessible Digital Government Services for New Zealand research. The research highlighted government organisations’ need for guidance and support to put the standard into action.

The draft DAS has also been informed by talking with:

  • Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
  • Disabled People’s Organisations
  • disabled people
  • public and private sector digital practitioners like designers, developers, and testers
  • decision-makers and leaders.

What will happen to the Web Usability Standard

The requirements of the Web Usability Standard will be incorporated into other standards and guidance.

If you have any questions about what is on this page, please email web.standards@gdda.govt.nz.

Alternate formats

All the information about the DAS is available in the following formats:

In this section

Digital Accessibility Standard (DAS) consultation

We want your views on what should be in the standard. This helps make sure the DAS focuses on what people need.

Draft Digital Accessibility Standard

This draft version of the proposed Digital Accessibility Standard (DAS) is for the public consultation from 13 July to 7 August 2026. The final version of the DAS is expected early 2027 and will replace the current Web Accessibility Standard.

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