Five laws I'd make if I became Prime Minister

There is an election coming up this November and as someone who has an intellectual disability I want to see some changes from the next government. It has got me thinking about what I would do if I were Prime Minister.

These are my top five policy changes if I were leading New Zealand. And maybe I’ll ask about these policies at the Inclusive Futures 2026: National Disability Election Forum.

5. Free movie tickets for anyone with a disability

If your friend group is anything like mine, then you would be going to the movies any time the opportunity comes up – and there are so many good movies! Also, the price of drinks, popcorn, lollies and choc tops is very expensive so people would probably want to spend their money on food rather than paying for the tickets and the food and drinks.

I also think it would be more fun, and people would want to go to the movies more frequently if they could get a free ticket. Think of the mental health and wellbeing benefits!

4. Get rid of the Minimum Wage Exemption

The Minimum Wage Exemption lets employers pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage – which is currently $23.95 per hour for an adult – if they think that the employee can’t do as much work compared to an employee who does not have a disability.

I think this is discriminatory for disabled people, and everyone should have the right to be paid the same so that they can spend more money shopping or on those choc tops at the movies.

I am lucky enough to have a job that pays fairly and it not only changed my life, it changed my family’s too.

3. Discounts for every gym across the country

Some gyms offer what is called a Green Prescription, or GRX programme, which gives people with disabilities discounted gym memberships, pool entry and free community activity classes. But not all gyms accept this programme. I feel like this needs to change because most gyms are very expensive and some people with disabilities need to exercise. For example, people with Down Syndrome need to exercise because part of their condition is muscle wastage, and people with Cerebral Palsy need to maintain strength and flexibility and a lot of gyms have specialised equipment that can help with that. Regular exercise leads to long-term benefits that might mean people don’t need to go to the doctor or hospital as often and other people with disabilities might just want to go to the gym to work on their guns (which is equally as important!).

2. Increase the Total Mobility Scheme subsidy

Since 1984, the Total Mobility Scheme has helped people with a disability feel a part of the community by offering a discounted rate for the bus, the train or taxis so that they can travel independently. Earlier this year, there was a cut to the subsidy to reduce costs. I think that this is unfair because people who live independently rely on the taxi or the bus or the train to be part of the community and might not be able to afford a fare that is not as discounted.

1. Work finishes at 3pm every day

This is a law for everyone so everyone can go to the beach, have some more free time and more hours in the day to do things they want to do. Also, schools finish at 3 pm, so I think it is only fair that work finishes at the same time so parents can look after kids and not send them to After School Care every weekday. I also think it would be great for everyone’s mental wellbeing because we would be able to leave work when it is still light (even in the winter!)

Disability organisations like IHC and CCS Disability Action are hosting an election forum on Wednesday 7 October, which you can join in person in Wellington or online. People who register can send questions to ask candidates from each political party. You can register and find more information here.

The D*List is hosting another election event in Tāmaki Makaurau and online, The Disability Debate, on Wednesday 14 October. You can find details to that here.