Vehicle modifications for disabled people

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People-funded vehicle modifications

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People funds vehicle modifications for eligible disabled drivers or passengers.

Enable New Zealand Limited administers this funding for people living in these areas:

• North Island: all areas south of the Bombay Hills
• South Island, Stewart Island, Chatham Island.

In a small number of cases, funding is available to buy a vehicle that will then be modified.

Under our Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) contract, we do the following:

• Process requests from EMS assessors for vehicle modification services.
• Check the person is eligible and meets Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People access criteria.
• Provide advice, education and support to vehicle EMS assessors.
• Manage the annual budget allocated for vehicle modification services.
• Monitor the demand for vehicle modification services.

Types of modifications

To see what vehicle modifications look like, watch this Firstport video featuring Kevin O'Leary, an occupational therapist and vehicle modifications expert.

Are you an EMS assessor?

Before we can consider funding, the person must have an assessment with an occupational therapist (OT). The OT must be a credentialed vehicle EMS assessor.

Visit our service centre for EMS assessors for all the tools you need

Criteria for vehicle modifications

Visit the Whaikaha website for more information about funding for vehicle modifications.

Who can get Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People-funded vehicle modifications

Enquiries about our vehicle modification service

Please contact our Service Manager, Professional Services at our Head Office, Palmerston North.

Contact Enable New Zealand