It's Our 5th Birthday

Five years ago today I bought Access Advisors’ business name, it's mana, a website and two existing client relationships from Blind Low Vision New Zealand. Today I’d like to celebrate the past five years and all the people we’ve worked with in that time. 

I’m thrilled to say that one of our initial clients is still a client today. We still work alongside them and many others providing reviews, training, research and advice. To them and all our clients I’d like to say thank you for being on this amazing accessibility journey with us. The lasting partnerships with clients who really care have made this five years truly awesome.

Our team has grown from just lil’ole me to now a team of 7 or 8 depending on the workload we have. I’m also very lucky to work with my big brother on a daily basis, and not a lot of people can say that. To the current team and all the wonderful people who have come and gone, I’d like to say thank you for teaching me so much and being so awesome.

There have been many mentors along the way for me. While I can’t name them all cos Katherine told me to keep this short, I’d like to say thank you for your patience, your time, your guidance and your support. I’d especially like to say thank you to Greg Hurn and Phil Turner who made this possible five years ago and Liam who helped with the business growing pains.

For me personally, this is the longest and bestest job I’ve ever had. I wake up every morning knowing that I am doing something I love, that makes a difference and where I get to work with amazing people all day. I get to share my passion and my knowledge about access needs.

The past five years have been magic, but they haven't all been totally fluffy. We have had some ups and downs with personal and family ill health, losing my Mum, smashing my wrist into several pieces, being diagnosed with ADHD and all the personal growth that goes along with these things.

But Access Advisors has managed to navigate all this as well as Covid, a financial crisis (or two) and getting past that tricky first two years of business. Thanks to each and everyone of you who have made this possible.

Now I’m excited to see what the next five years bring.

Best wishes to everyone who helped us make it this far.

Chandra XX

Reflections from the team

Accessibility is about people and making sure everyone has the same opportunity – it is about doing the right thing for everyone. I cannot understand why it is such a problem getting it right for everyone, thinking about others and caring about doing it right. THE Access Advisors get this, they are an amazing group of people who have opened my eyes with a completely different approach to work, life, the universe and trains! 
- Ross - Operations Manager

Access Advisors has taught me so much about accessibility and inclusiveness. The passion Chandra has for the business is inspiring. I love that our team can work flexibly and balance our needs alongside the needs of the business. We’ve grown, and the future is looking bright! 
- Katherine - Executive Magician

AA is a strong consultancy – and I love that we take the holistic view instead of the compliance view. Being able to sit on a plane filling in the arrival card knowing that you made a difference is amazing – and every COVID app scan gave that same rush of pleasure . We make a difference. 
- Kevin - Senior Accessibility Consultant

At Access Advisors, our quirky edge isn’t just for laughs—it’s what makes us tick! We colour outside the lines of accessibility, taking a fun, people-first approach that sets us apart from the typical testing and training crew. While others get bogged down in tech-speak, we zap barriers and show clients that accessibility is an opportunity, not a chore. With a dash of Kiwi ingenuity, we’re here to flip the switch on digital accessibility—bringing you quirky and effective solutions every step of the way. 
- Julius - Accessibility Consultant

When you hear someone say their workplace is like a family, it’s hard to believe—but Access Advisors is exactly that: a family. We support each other and embrace our differences. Sure, there are disagreements now and then, but what family doesn’t have those? When I look at what we’ve achieved together, the good we’ve done, I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Access Advisors family. Here’s to many more years of Access Advisors. 
- Heidi - Accessibility Consultant

A massive thank you to the incredible people I’ve had the honor to interview. I learn so much from each of you, and I’m grateful to be in a position where I can help raise awareness for digital accessibility and our access needs community. I've always wanted a job where I could look back at the end of the day and feel proud of what I've accomplished. This role lets me share our values and educate our community, which I absolutely love. 
Kirsten - Social Media Consultant