We've got some news – Farewell but not Forgotten:
The Lasting Legacy of Be. Lab after more than a decade of championing accessibility and empowering New Zealanders with access needs, Be. Lab is closing its doors. This difficult decision comes after significant changes in government funding and the absence of alternative support, leaving us in an unsustainable position. While this marks the end of Be. Lab’s operations, and the impact of our work will endure in the communities, organisations, and lives we’ve touched. From reshaping how accessibility is understood to fostering a more inclusive New Zealand, Be. Lab’s legacy is one of lasting change. Be. Lab will close its doors for the last time on March 31, 2025.
A Decade of Transformation
Founded by Minnie Baragwanath, a visionary advocate for people with disabilities, Be. Lab was built on the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to participate in society. Over the years, our work has broken down barriers, sparked systemic change, and set new standards for inclusion in Aotearoa. As Be. Lab’s mission evolved, we moved beyond accessibility to drive a broader cultural shift. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we’ve fostered understanding, equity, and inclusion – creating a ripple effect that will be felt long into the future.
What Next?
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our team, friends and supporters, and the communities who lived and breathed Be. Lab’s mission. Your dedication has been instrumental in driving change and building a more inclusive New Zealand.As we close, we encourage our partners, advocates, and businesses to carry forward the commitment to accessibility. The foundation we’ve built together is strong, and the momentum we’ve created can continue to transform lives. We truly believe this.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our team, friends and supporters, and the communities who lived and breathed Be. Lab’s mission. Your dedication has been instrumental in driving change and building a more inclusive New Zealand.As we close, we encourage our partners, advocates, and businesses to carry forward the commitment to accessibility. The foundation we’ve built together is strong,and the momentum we’ve created can continue to transform lives.
The Legacy That Lives On
Though Be.Lab is concluding its journey; the stories, successes, and shifts we’ve achieved will resonate far beyond our organisation. The work we’ve done over the last decade has proven that accessibility benefits everyone, and we hope it inspires continued progress toward a society where inclusivity is the norm. Thank you for being part of our story and for helping us make Aotearoa New Zealand a better, more accessible place for all.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Be.Lab team
Our Possibility Spectrum represents the transition from the deficit-based view of people with access needs as having a disability, reframing that to understanding the concept of accessibility, and finally shifting to understanding the value and possibility these members of our community present. It’s through this lens of possibility that we view the world.
We know, based on extensive research, experience and partnership with leading organisations, that every person has something incredible to offer, and our society will be significantly better off when we can all share in it.
At every turn, the team at Be., and our partners, have refused to accept the status quo and found new and better ways to shift New Zealand along what we call the Possibility spectrum.