Lottery Grants
UPDATE ON LOTTERY GRANTS - 29/07/2026
Unfortunately, there have been significant changes to the Lottery Grants process. The information we have is not particularly encouraging.
Historically, Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments were fully funded by the Lottery Grants programme itself, once an application had been approved by the Board. However, we have recently been advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that applicants are now responsible for funding these assessments themselves.
Depending on the complexity of an individual's circumstances, the assessment requirements, and the nature of any vehicle modifications needed, the cost of a specialist OT assessment is likely to range between approximately $1,000 and $2,000. If formal driver training is needed (driving lessons to learn how to use modifications), the cists can exceed $110 per lesson. Unfortunately, Community Occupational Therapists within Health NZ are generally unable to accept referrals for individuals who do not meet the DSS or Accessible "access criteria", and they do not currently have the resources or qualified staff available to undertake this type of assessment.
As a result, applicants are effectively required to self-fund the assessment.
Even where an applicant is able to meet this cost, there is no guarantee that their Lottery Grants application will ultimately be approved.
This issue has been the subject of considerable discussion amongst Driving Assessment Occupational Therapists throughout New Zealand. At present, there is significant concern about how best to support individuals in situations such as Mr Shane's, particularly when the upfront assessment costs may present a substantial barrier to accessing funding.
I encourage you to partition the Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Louise Upston to outline the issues with the current set up.L.Upston@ministers.govt.nz You can also email DIA / Lotteries direct: disabilityequipment@dia.govt.nz The DPVA Team.
Historically, Occupational Therapy (OT) assessments were fully funded by the Lottery Grants programme itself, once an application had been approved by the Board. However, we have recently been advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that applicants are now responsible for funding these assessments themselves.
Depending on the complexity of an individual's circumstances, the assessment requirements, and the nature of any vehicle modifications needed, the cost of a specialist OT assessment is likely to range between approximately $1,000 and $2,000. If formal driver training is needed (driving lessons to learn how to use modifications), the cists can exceed $110 per lesson. Unfortunately, Community Occupational Therapists within Health NZ are generally unable to accept referrals for individuals who do not meet the DSS or Accessible "access criteria", and they do not currently have the resources or qualified staff available to undertake this type of assessment.
As a result, applicants are effectively required to self-fund the assessment.
Even where an applicant is able to meet this cost, there is no guarantee that their Lottery Grants application will ultimately be approved.
This issue has been the subject of considerable discussion amongst Driving Assessment Occupational Therapists throughout New Zealand. At present, there is significant concern about how best to support individuals in situations such as Mr Shane's, particularly when the upfront assessment costs may present a substantial barrier to accessing funding.
I encourage you to partition the Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Louise Upston to outline the issues with the current set up.L.Upston@ministers.govt.nz You can also email DIA / Lotteries direct: disabilityequipment@dia.govt.nz The DPVA Team.