Special assistance and hidden disabilities

Hidden disabilities sunflower lanyard

Airports are very busy environments and can be stressful for many people. If you have a disability that is not immediately obvious to our team, such as autism, dementia, a hearing impairment, anxiety, or one of the many invisible disabilities, you may want to wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard during your time with us.

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About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is a simple tool and aimed to support people with a hidden disability, making the invisible, visible and helping them attain the understanding, patience and assistance needed when going about their daily lives.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard programme started at Gatwick Airport in 2016 and since then has been adopted globally by a large number of airports and public organisations.

Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard discreetly indicates to airport team members that the wearer may need additional support, help or a little more time.

What to expect when you are wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

Our Palmerston North Airport customer services team members are trained to recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard and provide guidance at different stages of your journey through our carpark and airport.

How to get a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

For customers flying through Palmerston North Airport, we offer the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard free of charge.* If you require one for yourself, a friend or family member, please email info@pnairport.co.nz or call us on 06 351 4415. Please get in touch with us at least one week before the travel starts. We can post this to you so you have it when you arrive at the airport. Alternatively, you can pick it up from the Airport Help desk between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Airport Help is located on the ground floor upon arrival at the airport.

Please email us the following information when requesting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard:

  • Postal details (if you would like it posted to you)
  • Airport departure or arrival date and time (if you are collecting it from the Airport Help desk)

We also recommend that you contact your airline and request any special assistance.

What the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard does not do

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard doesn’t provide a personal escort or personalised health care throughout the entire airport process. If you require this level of assistance or wheelchair assistance, please contact your airline directly.

You can find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard programme at www.hiddendisabilitiesshop.com.au

*In applying for a Sunflower Lanyard, please provide your confirmed travel itinerary showing your flights through Palmerston North. Lanyards are limited to one per application and subject to stock availability.

Special Assistance

We are committed to providing assistance that is readily accessible to all members of our community. When planning your journey, give us a call on 06 351 4415 or email us at info@pnairport.co.nz for assistance in the terminal or carpark.

Please remember to let your airline know about any special assistance you may require onboard an aircraft by contacting them directly here.

Doors

Our airport doors are automatic and wide enough for wheelchair access.

Lifts

We have two automatic lifts inside the terminal. One that provides access to both levels of the terminal adjacent to the Departures Lounge and one that is located to the right of Baggage Carousel B that provides access to the Air New Zealand Regional Lounge.

Mobility Car Parks

All car parks at Palmerston North Airport offer mobility parking spots for vehicles with a valid disability card. The closest mobility parks to the terminal are located in the General Car Park.

Taxis, Shuttles & Rideshare

Super Shuttle, Rideshare and many different taxi operators have facilities for wheelchair users. When booking, please mention any special assistance you require.

Toilets

Our toilets throughout the terminal have mobility access.

Wheelchair Use

Please contact your airline directly if you require a wheelchair while at the airport.

24/7 General Enquiries

06 351 4415
info@pnairport.co.nz

Palmerston North Airport
Airport Drive, Palmerston North 4442 NEW ZEALAND

PO Box 4384,
Palmerston North 4442