Companion Card trial

Digital ID card with a head and shoulders photo, date of birth and the year the card is valid.

A Companion Card trial is enabling disabled people to more easily take part in activities at participating Palmy venues.

The digital ID card is for people who are unable to access ticketed events and venues without a support person, which means there is an extra cost through needing to buy a second ticket.

Companion Card holders show their card at participating venues when buying their ticket or paying an entry fee. They'll receive a ticket for their companion at no extra charge.

More venues have come on board as the trial has progressed. There are now 13 participating venues:

  • Central Energy Trust Arena
  • Centrepoint Theatre
  • Creative Sounds
  • Esplanade Scenic Railway
  • Focal Point Cinema
  • Freyberg Pool, Lido Aquatic Centre and Splashhurst
  • Globe Theatre
  • Palmy Conference + Function Centre
  • Regent on Broadway
  • Silky Otter
  • Te Manawa.

Manawatū Rugby has also signed up to provide Companion Card tickets for Cyclones, Turbos and Hurricanes games here in Palmy.

How the card works

The Companion Card is being administered by Mana Whaikaha.

The digital card operates through mobile devices, using the Sporty membership app. People eligible for a Companion Card can apply for one online on the Palmy Companion Card website.

Once Mana Whaikaha has verified your application and confirmed your electronic card, you'll be able to show it at approved venues when you book your ticket.

Bookings need to be made in person or over the phone, as the trial is not suitable for online bookings. When bookings are made over the phone, you must show your digital card when you collect the tickets.

Steps for signing up

Download the Sporty NZ app on your mobile device. If you are using a computer, go to palmycompanioncard.co.nz

Enter 'Palmy Companion Card' and select.

Click on the 'apply' button. Read the information, and scroll down to complete the application. You can upload a photo of yourself (from your device or PC), but this is not mandatory.

An internal process will check and approve the application.

Once you have had notification your application has been approved, go back to the app or webpage and click on the 'photocard' button. Enter your details, the same as you provided on your application.

Your digital Companion Card is now ready to use. 

Share your feedback

Card users are invited to share your feedback. Email: info@palmycompanioncard.co.nz

History of the trial

The city's Disability Reference Group has long championed a Companion Card programme and in 2021 Council allocated $10,000 to a pilot scheme. We partnered with government disability support system Mana Whaikaha to implement it.

The scheme launched on 13 August 2021 for a year-long trial. It was extended in 2022 and again in 2023.

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