Mobility Parking
Note: The CCS Disability Action Whangārei Office will be closed on Fridays until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Important online banking update
When making an internet banking payment, please enter the following account name to ensure you meet the new verification requirements: CCS Disability Action - Mobility Parking.
We process a lot of permits, so we would also be grateful if you could:
Use your Surname in the 'Particulars' field and your NHI number in the 'Reference' field for new applications.
Or
Use your Surname in the 'Particulars' field and your Permit number in the ‘Reference’ field for permit renewals.
Applications and renewals
Having a medical condition or disability does not automatically entitle you to a mobility parking permit.
You are eligible if you meet the following criteria:
You are unable to walk and always require the use of a wheelchair, or
Your ability to walk distances is severely restricted by a medical condition or disability. For example, if you require the use of mobility aids, experience severe pain or breathlessness, or
You have a medical condition or disability that requires you to have physical contact or close supervision to safely get around and cannot be left unattended. For example, if you experience disorientation, confusion, or severe anxiety.
Your medical practitioner needs to confirm your eligibility unless you are renewing a long-term permit.
How to apply
Apply by filling in the form by clicking on the button below. A three-month, six-month or nine-month permit may be extended to a maximum of 12 months from the date of issue. Please ensure your medical practitioner has filled out the required sections.
Alternative ways to apply
Email MobilityParking@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz and we will post a form to you.
How to extend
To extend a short term permit, please visit your medical practitioner and ensure they have completed the medical page of the above application form. You will need to fill out the rest of the form, including the method of payment, and return it to us following the instructions on the application form.
Permit fees
Short-term permit: $35.00
Extension: $10.00
How to apply
You can apply by filling in the form by clicking on the button below. Please ensure your medical practitioner completes the medical page of the form.
Alternative ways to apply
Email MobilityParking@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz and we will post a form to you.
Permit fees
Permit for five years: $50.00
Permit for people aged over 90 years old: free
If you have a long-term permit, you will need to renew it every five years.
You can renew online, using the renewal code in your renewal reminder letter, or post your form to Mobility Parking Office, PO Box 267, Christchurch 8140. The permit will mailed to you.
Renew online
Please note: If you need to update any of your personal details, you will need to contact CCS Disability Action to make the changes before you renew your permit online.
If you receive a reminder letter from CCS Disability Action to renew your long-term mobility parking permit, it will have your permit number and a renewal code.
To complete the online application process, you will need:
Your renewal code.
Credit card or internet banking details.
Renew by post
You can also renew your permit by post or in person.
Download the application form or contact the Mobility Parking Permit Office of CCS Disability Action and we will post a form to you. Alternatively you can email MobilityParking@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz or phone 0800 662 7275.
Fill in the application form.
Please post your application to: Mobility Parking Office, PO Box 267, Christchurch 8140.
Renew by email
You can renew by emailing your renewal form to MobilityParking@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz.
Renewal fees
Permit for 5 years: $50.00
Permit for people aged over 90 years old: free
An organisation can obtain a permit if they are classed as one of the following:
a school for children with additional education needs/satellite class.
a hospice/hospital.
a residential aged care facility.
a residential disability care facility.
a group home.
an adult day-care/activities programme.
a work-based support provider.
a community-based support provider.
The Organisation permit can be used when transporting people who meet the following criteria:
The person is unable to walk and always requires the use of a wheelchair. OR
Their ability to walk distances is severely restricted by a medical condition or disability and they require the use of mobility aids or experience severe pain or breathlessness. OR
They have a medical condition or disability that requires someone to support them, or close supervision so they can get around safely. They cannot be left unattended and may experience disorientation, confusion or severe anxiety.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for an Organisation permit for the first time, please contact MobilityParking@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
How to renew
To renew your Organisation permit, we will send out a renewal reminder form at the beginning of the month your permit(s) are due to expire, or please complete our renewal form.
Alternatively, you can contact the Mobility Parking Office at 0800 662 7275 and we will post or email a form to you.
Permit fee
$50.00 per year per permit.
Permit for visitors to New Zealand
Mobility parking permits from overseas are not recognised in all regions of New Zealand, so we recommend that people visiting New Zealand obtain a visitor’s mobility parking permit.
A visitor's permit costs $35 NZD and is valid for up to 12 months.
How to get a permit
Complete the PDF form by clicking on the following button and post it or email it to us (further details on the form itself).
If you want the permit to be posted to your home address, an additional fee will be charged and you need to indicate this when you apply. Please allow at least four weeks for processing.
Alternatively, we can post your permit to a New Zealand residential address. Please allow 10 working days for processing, from when we receive your online application.
If you don’t have a current permit
If you do not have a parking permit in your home country, you can apply for a visitor’s permit once you arrive in New Zealand. You will need to visit a New Zealand medical practitioner who will assess whether you are eligible.
Permit fees
Permit: $35.00
International shipping: $10.00
Please contact MobilityParking@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz or call 0800 662 7275.
To change your details, ensure you have your permit number and new address details handy.
There is a fee for replacing your lost permit.
If you are leaving the country, the permit holder has passed away or you no longer need the permit, we need to cancel it. Advise us of the name, date of birth and permit number. Then either return or destroy the permit (e.g. cut it in two with a pair of scissors).
There are some rules you need to follow when using your mobility parking permit.
Display your permit clearly.
Your permit is designed to hang from your vehicle’s rear view mirror by using the built-in hook. Alternatively, you can display it on your dashboard, as long as the details are clearly visible from the outside of the vehicle.Ensure your permit is valid.
While we send a reminder letter for long-term permits, it is your responsibility to ensure your permit is valid. Please let us know if your postal address changes.Your permit can only be used by you.
The permit is issued to you, and a unique number and barcode is printed on it. Your permit cannot be used by another person, nor can it be copied or duplicated in any way.Only use your permit if you need to get in or out of the vehicle.
If you, the permit holder, are staying in the vehicle, you must park in a standard parking space (not a designated mobility parking space).Notify us if your permit is lost or stolen.
Let us know if your mobility parking permit has gone missing so we can cancel that permit and issue a replacement one. Charges apply.
Abuse or breach of these rules can result in your permit being cancelled. Permits no longer required by the permit holder need to be returned to:
Mobility Parking Office
PO Box 267
Christchurch 8140
If you would like help completing your Mobility Parking permit application, please get in touch. We would be happy to support you through this process.
The Mobility Parking hub has a dedicated phone number. Please phone 0800 662 7275 (0800 MOB PARK) to get in touch with one of our friendly team.
Alternatively, please email mobilityparking@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz
A proud history of campaigning for Mobility Parking users
“This is a tremendous help and meant an awful lot to keep me from being dependent on other people.”
– Annaleen, Mobility Parking Permit user.
After many years of planning and campaigning for a nationwide scheme of local parking concessionary schemes, CCS Disability Action announced in 1976 that their idea for a national scheme had been taken up and developed by the Minister of Transport at the time, Ross Palmer.
“Operation Mobility” was a unique idea designed around the needs of the individual who carried their concession into whatever vehicle they were in.
The scheme was launched at the Beehive on September 30,1977. Since these early beginnings, when 2,447 permits were issued in the first three months, CCS Disability Action has administered the mobility parking scheme. Today, there are now over 170,000 mobility parking permit holders in New Zealand, with a dedicated team based in Christchurch.
Mobility parking exists because people depend on it to access their local community. Permit holders pay for the right to use mobility parking spaces, but misuse is common. In fact, research conducted by CCS Disability Action suggests that nearly one-third of users of these designated spaces don’t have a permit to do so legally.
In 2009 we successfully campaigned to raise the fine for abuse to $150. After many years of campaigning a further increase to $750 will take effect in October 2024. This significantly higher fine will make a real difference for permit holders by making Kiwis think twice about whether abusing the scheme is worth the risk.
Unfortunately, lack of enforcement by local authorities means that fines alone aren’t enough to stop the misuse of these parking spaces, so we continue to campaign to improve enforcement.
We also advocate for local and national policies that ensure all people’s rights are upheld. This mahi receives no government funding, so we rely on donations to continue this work. If you would like to support us, donate today.
If you’re interested in hearing more about CCS Disability Action, join our mailing list here.
Frequently asked questions
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CCS Disability Action is the largest disability support and advocacy organisation for all impairments, in New Zealand. We were founded in 1935, and provide direct support to around 5,000 children, young people, and adults through our 17 branches across New Zealand.
We also run the nationwide mobility parking permit scheme, helping over 170,000 people to access their communities more easily. We also advocate for local and national policies that ensure all people’s rights are upheld.
Our vision is for every disabled person and whānau hauā to be interwoven into the lives of their whānau and community.
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Who can get a mobility parking permit?
You can find the eligibility criteria here. When people apply for a permit, they must pass a strict process to get approval from their doctor. There are many reasons why a person may have a mobility parking permit – you can’t tell by looking at someone if they live with impairments that impact on their mobility.
Where can I get a hardcopy of an application form?
Your medical centre should have them available, or you can contact the Mobility Parking Office on 0800 662 7275 to have one posted to you.
How long will it take to get my permit?
We do three print runs of new permits per week. Permits are then sent via standard NZ Post and this can take up to two weeks to arrive.
I paid for my Mobility Parking Permit renewal weeks ago, why haven't I got a permit yet?
If you paid online but have not sent back your renewal form, we have been unable to process your permit application. Please contact the Mobility Parking Office on 0800 662 7275.
Can my physiotherapist or other health practitioner authorise my Mobility Parking Permit?
No. Only a Medical Practitioner or Nurse Practitioner can authorise a Mobility Parking Permit. The application process requires a NZMC/NZNC registration number is required.
Is there something I can use until my Mobility Parking Permit arrives?
Parking wardens only accept a valid Mobility Parking Permit. No copies, receipts or letters can be used in place of a valid permit.
Where do I post my application to?
All posted applications need to be posted to Mobility Parking Permit Hub, CCS Disability Action, PO Box 267, Christchurch 8140.
Please do not post your form to your local CCS Disability Action branch.
Can I email my application form?
Yes. Please email pages individually as original size to mobilityparking@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz. If you have our email address correct you will receive an automated confirmation email.
Can I have my permit couriered to me?
No. Mobility Parking Permits are sent via standard NZ Post.
Can I get a second permit as I have two vehicles?
No, you will need to display your permit in any vehicle you are using.
I have lost my permit, how do I replace it?
Please contact us on 0800 662 7275 to report your missing permit and organise a replacement. There is a replacement fee.
How do I renew my Mobility Parking Permit?
If you hold a long term permit, we will send you a renewal letter the month before your permit is due to expire. If not received, please contact us on 0800 662 7275 or mobilityparking@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz
If you hold a short term permit, you will need to return to your doctor to have a new application authorised.
Can I change a Mobility Parking permit into my name?
No, they cannot be transferred, or shared.
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How can I pay for my permit?
This information is on page three of the application form. You can pay by debit or credit card or you can do an online payment via internet banking. Cash or Eftpos payments need to be done in person at your local CCS Disability Action office. You can find a full list of our branches at: https://www.ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz/branch-information
Please note: you cannot pay via your Post Office, AA or your local council.
When do I need to pay for my permit?
Your application is considered approved once your doctor has authorised it. Please make payment when you send your form through. We will then get your permit printed and sent to you.
Can I send cash in the post?
We do not recommend sending cash through the post, and this would be at your own risk.
I would like to add a donation to my mobility parking permit payment. How can I do that?
It’s easy to add a donation to your Mobility parking permit payment. On the Payments page of the application form you can add a donation amount and confirm the new total payment. Your donation receipt will be sent separately to your Mobility Parking permit, which is issued at a later date, as there is a special printing process to issue the permit.
If you’d like to give separately to your permit payment, you can donate securely on our website.
Where do my donations to CCS Disability Action go?
All donations support our work with disabled people and their whānau. Your gift will go where funds are needed most by your local branch. We aim to keep admin costs as low as possible. Just 7% is spent on administration each year.
You can read about our impact in stories from people we support.
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Can I use my permit in a Parent & Babies carpark space?
No, you cannot park in these spaces with a parking permit. Parents and caregivers cannot use mobility parks without a valid mobility parking permit.
Can I park my Mobility Scooter in a mobility parking space?
No, a scooter is not a registered vehicle.
My family member has passed away, can I use their card?
No. A Mobility Parking Permit is authorised by a Medical Practitioner or Nurse Practitioner to only be used by that individual.
Can I use my mobility parking permit if I am not using my car or no longer drive.
Yes, you can use your Mobility Parking Permit in any vehicle you are getting in and out of. Your permit belongs to you not a vehicle.
Can I use a Mobility Park if I’m staying in the vehicle?
No. The Mobility Parks can be used if the permit holder is leaving the vehicle.
Can my driver stay in the vehicle in a Mobility Park with a Mobility Parking Permit displayed?
Yes, if the permit holder is leaving/returning to the vehicle the Mobility Park can be used.
Do I have to pay to use pay and display car parks?
Yes, your Mobility Parking Permit allows you to access the accessible parks, but you still need to pay what ever the costs are indicated in that parking area. Please contact your local council for concessions in your area.
How long can I park for?
Please adhere to the sign for that park. There are some concessions for standard parks, please contact your local council for concession details.
How should I store my permit when I am not parking?
Please remove your permit from your mirror before driving your vehicle. Some drivers have been fined for driving with a permit still hanging from the car’s vision mirror.
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I have seen someone parked in an illegal space. What can CCS Disability Action do about it?
CCS Disability Action does not enforce Mobility Parking permits. Parking is monitored either by Local Territorial Authorities (councils) and private car park owners (such as supermarkets, shopping malls) are responsible for enforcing the correct use of mobility parking spaces.
Please report any misuse you observe to the authority who owns the carpark.
We advise people not to approach the car owner of any vehicle seen to be abusing Mobility Parking Spaces. This can lead to heated arguments and, in the past, has led to injury.
What is the fine for using a Mobility Park without displaying a valid permit?
The current fine up to $150 and this is set in legislation. This will increase on 1 October 2024 and will rise to $750.
CCS Disability Action has advocated for an increase in this fine with successive governments for many years and we are pleased that our efforts have made a positive difference. We believe increased fines, will decrease mobility parking abuse – based on international evidence.