ABSTRACT
The patchwork of uncoordinated and often ineffective charity-based systems which existed prior to 1984 have been largely replaced with a national taxi system which uses a mixture of sedans and wheelchair hoist-equipped vans. The push towards a nationally co-ordinated transport scheme for people with disabilities must be seen in the broader historical perspective of the changes in perception of disability in New Zealand. During the 1970’s a gradually increasing awareness of the presence of people with disabilities in their communities led to a variety of community responses, and in few aspects was this more evident than in the provision of transport. There was some recognition on the part of local and regional authorities of the problem. Provision of fare discounts has revealed a previously repressed demand for travel and led to rapid growth in use of taxis by people with disabilities.
