Access & Inclusion
We believe everyone should have access to extraordinary arts.
Our award-winning1 Access & Inclusion initiative provides low cost tickets to members of our d/Deaf and disabled communities. And, the ticket for their companion is provided for FREE.
Access & Inclusion supported by
With Support From
Access Tickets
Tickets are $20 for patrons for Access shows.
One companion ticket per patron is available free of charge for most Access shows.
Some events have limited capacity. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Nite: the accessible performance of O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai needs to be booked directly through ASB Waterfront Theatre – accessible ticket prices apply, and there is a $20 charge per companion seat.
Note: The accessible performances of AIGA and Te Tangi a te Tui need to be booked directly with Te Pou Theatre (tepoutheatre.nz). Accessible ticket prices apply ($20-$60), with companion seats for FREE.
Book Your Access Tickets
To book access tickets or for Access programme queries, contact our access programme co-ordinator:
Access Booking & Contact
Email: access@aaf.co.nz
Phone & Text: 022 306 2206 (Eliza)
NZ Relay Service: nzrelay.co.nz
Sensory Relaxed Shows
Relaxed events are for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed theatre experience. Autistic people or those with sensory sensitives or learning disabilities may find these shows especially welcoming.
Our sensory relaxed shows will offer pre-show demonstrations of light, sound and action to our Access patrons. Show-specific support/resources are available to prepare audiences for coming to a relaxed show.
The following shows will be presented in their original form with the same plot, characters and story.
If you have any enquiries, please email access@aaf.co.nz
The Valentina
Sun 10 March,12.30pm (pre-show demonstration) & 2.00pm show
Relaxed performance. Hearing loop available.
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Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
Thu 14 March, 5.30pm (pre-show demonstration) & 7.00pm
Relaxed circus performance.
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Spark LIVE
Thu 21 March, 11.00am & 2.00pm
Relaxed multi-sensory theatre performance.
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Aiga
Thu 21 March, 7.30pm
Relaxed dance performance (pre-show demonstration time TBC).
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O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai
Sat 23 March, 8.00pm
Relaxed theatre performance, pre-show demonstration time 6.30pm
Hearing loop available.
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Blind & Low Vision Shows
Waiata Mai
Thu 7 March, 5.30pm
Braille song sheets available.
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Te Tangi a te Tūī
Fri 8 March, 7.00pm
Audio Described performance.
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Angélique Kidjo
Sat 9 March, 8.00pm
Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences. Hearing loop available.
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The Valentina
Sun 10 March, 12.30pm Touch Tour & 2.00pm
Audio Described performance. Hearing loop available.
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Beyond Words
Sun 10 March, 4.00pm
Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences. Hearing loop available.
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The King’s Singers: Finding Harmony
Thu 14 March, 7.30pm
Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences.
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In the Name of the Son
Fri 15 March 7.30pm; Sat 16 March, 2.00pm & 7.30pm; Sun 17, 4.00pm
Audio Described performance (intro notes only).
Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences. Hearing loop available.
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Afrique en Cirque
Sat 16 March, 12.30pm Touch Tour & 1.30pm Audio Described performance. Very Visual performance. Hearing loop available.
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O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai
Sun 17 March, 2.30pm Touch Tour & 4.00pm
Audio Described performance. Hearing loop available.
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Aiga
Wed 20 March, 7.30pm
Audio Described performance.
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Āhuareka
Sat 23 March, 5.30pm Touch Tour & 7.00pm Audio Described performance. Hearing loop available.
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Kōtuitui
Sat 23 March, 4.00pm (performance)& 6.00pm Post-show Touch Tour.
Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences. Hearing loop available.
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The Sun and the Wind
Fri 22 March, 8.00pm; Sat 23 March, 2.00pm & 8.00pm; Sun 24 March, 4.00pm
Audio Described performance (intro notes only). Hearing loop available.
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Pamyua
Sun 24 March, 8.00pm
Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences.
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d/Deaf & Hard of Hearing Shows
Hear Me Roar!
Fri 8 March, 7.00pm
NZSL performance. Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences. Hearing loop available.
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Manifesto
Fri 8 March 7.30pm; Sat 9 March, 2.00pm & 7.30pm; Sun 10 March, 5.00pm
Very Visual performance. Hearing loop available.
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ZOOOM
Sun 10 March, 11.00am
NZSL performance (pre-show in foyer and within show). Hearing loop available.
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Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
Thu 14 March, 7.00pm
NZSL and Relaxed performance.
Explore this show
Aiga
Wed 20 March, 7.30pm; Thu 21 March, 11.00am & 7.30pm; Fri 22 & Sat 23 March, 7.30pm; Sun 24 March, 2.00pm
NZSL performances.
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Diptych: The missing door & The lost room
Fri 22 & Sat 23 March, 7.30pm; Sun 24 March, 5.00pm
Very Visual performance. Hearing loop available.
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An Unfunny Evening with Tim Minchin and His Piano
Fri 22 March, 8.30pm
NZSL performance. Suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences. Hearing loop available.
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O le Pepelo, le Gaoi, ma le Pala’ai
Sat 23 March, 2.30pm
NZSL and Relaxed performance. Hearing loop available.
Explore this show
Wheelchair Access Bookings
These bookings should be made directly with the venue or via Ticketmaster for any events not listed on pages 84–86.
Wheelchair accessible seats for the events listed in the Access programme are $20 each, plus a companion ticket free of charge. Limited capacity, so book early to avoid disappointment. These can be booked directly through our in-house Access booking sheets.
A guide to accessibility icons
Each year we work with organisations to identify the shows that will translate best into each community, and then customise select performances both on and off the stage. This includes:
New Zealand Sign Language interpreted performances. The Festival is delighted to present a number of events this year which will have NZSL interpreted performances. Trained interpreters, situated on the left or right-hand side of the stage, will interpret the script during the performance using NZSL. There are seats reserved for these unique performances for Deaf audience members that give a clear view of the stage and the interpreters. | |
Audio described performaces (English and te reo Māori). Audio description is a narration service provided at no additional charge to the patron that describes what the sighted person takes for granted - those images that a person who is blind or visually impaired formerly could only experience through the whispered asides from a sighted companion. Patrons are issued with headsets and sit in the auditorium with the headphone in one ear, listening to the description alongside the show. Events also include an audio-described exhibition tour. | |
Touch tours, sensory tours.
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Relaxed performances (for those with sensory conditions). A Relaxed Performance is a special performance of a show designed to welcome those who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders or a learning difficulty. This means that there will be a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the performance. Some small changes are made to the light and sound effects and sometimes show content. There will also be a chill-out area available in the venue for patrons to go to during the show if needed. Patrons made to feel secure. A visual story on what to expect at the venue is supplied to patrons prior to the event. | |
Wheelchair access. These events are wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps available for those with difficulty accessing stairs. Seated venues have specific allocated spaces accessible for wheelchair users and companion seats. | |
Hearing Loop events. Hearing aid loops are available at specific venues. To use the loop, switch hearing aids to 'tele'. Venues have specific areas that are covered by the hearing aid loop. To use it, you will need to make sure you book tickets in the right section of the relevant theatre. Please book through the relevant event form, email access@aaf.co.nz or call 09 374 0320 to specifically request these seats. | |
Very Visual performances. Accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing people and their friends and family. Supported with NZSL video about the storyline in the show. Specific performances for these shows have $20 access tickets available. | |
Performances suitable for Blind & Low Vision audiences. | |
Content available in braille. And a range of resources including braille song sheets and large print materials in English and te reo Māori. Please complete the booking form on the event page, email access@aaf.co.nz or call 09 374 0320 to request a braille songsheet. |
1 Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival received the Arts Access Creative New Zealand Arts For All Award in 2018.