Accessibility

Web standards

The Ministry of Health website aims to comply with the NZ Government Web Standards.

Our website should be usable:

• in all common browsers, operating systems and page resolutions
• with and without scripting, images and stylesheets
• on a computer, mobile phone or tablet
• for people on slower internet connections.

Adjusting the text size

This website is designed to display correctly when the text size is increased.

• To increase the text size: Hold down the Ctrl key and tap the + key.
• To decrease the text size: Hold down the Ctrl key and tap the – key.

If you have an older browser, you may need to do this differently. Look under the View menu (or similar) for ‘Zoom’ or ‘Increase text size’.

Help with maps

A map interface is available to help people find certified providers such as rest homes and fertility clinics. However, the map interface is not currently keyboard accessible. We are working to fix this.

In the interim, please use the search above the map to find providers by town or suburb.

Help with PDFs

This website provides publications and documents in PDF (portable document file) format.

PDF files can be:

• Downloaded to your computer or device: To save a PDF file, right-click on the document link and choose 'Save target as' from the menu that appears.
• Viewed online in your web browser: Click on the link to open and read the document online.
• Printed: Right-click on the document link and choose 'Print target as' from the menu that appears.

PDF readers

You need a PDF reader to view a PDF file online. There are a number of PDF readers you can use. A common one is Adobe Reader, which is available free of charge from the Adobe website.

Reading and navigating a PDF

When you open a PDF, you’ll see options on the toolbar and menu that enable you to use the document more efficiently.

In Adobe Reader, these include:

• Search for keywords: Press the ‘F’ key while holding down the Ctrl key. A panel will open so you can search the document for a keyword.
• Scroll quickly through the pages: Use the arrow symbols on the toolbar to move back and forth through the pages.
• Change the text size: Press your + or - keys to enlarge or reduce the text size. Alternatively, change the zoom percentage (eg, from 75% to 100%).
• Copy text to paste into another document: Click on the Select Tool (arrow icon) on the toolbar or find it in the Tools menu. This changes the cursor to a vertical line. You'll then be able to copy and paste text from the PDF into a word processing document.

PDF accessibility

The latest versions of Adobe Reader include features that make it easier for people with disabilities to read PDF files. To set these up, go to Edit > Accessibility > Set up.

PDF troubleshooting

• PDF fails to open: If you click on a PDF and see a blank page instead of it opening correctly, it's likely to be because you're using an older web browser that's incompatible with the PDF. To get around this problem, save the file to your computer then double-click on the saved file. It should now open correctly. (To save a PDF file, right-click on the document link and choose 'Save target as' from the menu that appears.)
• PDF takes a long time to open: PDF file sizes (eg, '342 KB') are given as part of download links, so you can estimate how long a file may take to download. File sizes in mega bytes (MB) are large and will take longer to download, especially on slower internet connections.
• All other problems: If you're using Adobe Reader, search the Adobe Reader Support Centre for a solution. If you're still stuck, email [email protected]. Make sure you include the link to the page that has the PDF you're having problems with (copy and paste it from your web browser address bar).

Help with other file types

Audio files

Some audio files (mp3s) can be played from the page using the in-browser audio player. Keyboard or screenreader users may have issues with this audio player. In this case, the audio file can be downloaded separately to play in the software of your choice.

Microsoft Office documents

Some of the documents on this website have been created using Microsoft products. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files published after 2013 are compatible with 2007 products or later (.docx .xlsx and .pptx formats). 

Formatting issues with Word 2010

Some users who have a later version of Word (eg, Word 2010) have experienced formatting issues when viewing documents online, particularly for documents with large tables.

If you are experiencing formatting issues, you might prefer to switch to the PDF version of the document. However, if you wish to use the Word version, please save the document to your desktop before opening it. When you open it, press 'enable editing' at the prompt. The document should then display properly.

CSV files

You may find spreadsheets and data on this site in CSV (comma-separated values) format. CSV is an accessible format that can be used with a range of computer programs.

Contact us

If you’re having difficulty accessing or navigating any content on this website, please contact the Ministry of Health Web Manager for assistance.

Email: [email protected]