First Class Service at Parliament

Parliamentary Service first commissioned a Be. Welcome assessment in 2014, and over the past 5 years we have been blown about by their outstanding commitment to continuously improving the accessibility of their services.

A Platinum rating is the highest rating in the Be. Welcome Assessment scale, and indicates that an organisation or business has demonstrated leadership in accessibility across a broad variety of areas.

Some of the fabulous accessibility enhancements of Parliament's tours and visits include:

• The virtual reality tour of Parliament, which can be viewed on smartphones prior to arrival or viewed on an iPad in the Visitor Centre
• A video in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) promoting NZSL tours of Parliament
• Brochures at the Visitor Centre available in a wide range of languages
• Options for visitors with access needs (if arrangements are made in advance) including Beehive main entrance drop off, and an accessible car park at the rear of the building
• Tours are available with a guide who knows sign language
• Signage in both Te Reo Māori and English
• Wheelchair available for use on site
• Tactile indicators at the head and foot of stairs and ramps
• An accessible toilet in the main reception area

Congratulations to the team at Parliamentary Service- despite the challenges of working within an historic building they go out of their way to provide an accessible and enjoyable experience.

While they have already received the top Be. Welcome rating, the team at Parliamentary Service are not stopping there- we absolutely love that they’re continuing to look at ways to improve access - and experience- for all New Zealanders and visitors to New Zealand’s parliament.

We love their commitment to providing first class service and for continuing to explore what's possible.

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