AIA New Zealand releases Neurodiversity Toolkit

To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, AIA NZ has released its Neurodiversity Toolkit to the public for the first time. Designed to build greater understanding of the many ways people think, learn and process information, AIA NZ aims to support other workplaces and sectors to take practical, meaningful steps to better support neurodivergent employees.

The toolkit, which has been used internally at AIA NZ since May 2024, was developed to improve awareness, confidence and capability in supporting neurodiversity in the workplace. After being described as ‘market-leading in New Zealand’ by the New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network (NZDEN) and receiving multiple requests from other employers, AIA NZ has now made the resource freely available.

“At AIA NZ, our Purpose is to help people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives – and that includes the experience people have at work,” says Brynlea Hunter-Morpeth, AIA NZ Chief People Officer.

“We know many neurodivergent people don’t feel safe disclosing at work or asking for support. This toolkit was created to help change that. It gives leaders and teams practical guidance that makes inclusion part of everyday working life, because everyone deserves to thrive.”

AIA NZ developed the Neurodiversity Toolkit in collaboration with its employee-led Accessibility Network and external partners NZDEN, Autism NZ, ADHD NZ, and Dyslexia Consulting.

NZDEN Chief Executive Phil Turner says the toolkit fills a gap many employers are grappling with.

“A lot of organisations want to do the right thing but don’t know where to start. This toolkit stands out because it’s practical, accessible and grounded in lived experience, helping employers move from intention to action.”

The toolkit includes:

• Clear, strengths-based explanations of neurodivergence, with a focus on ADHD, autism and dyslexia.
• Practical guidance for leaders and teams on how to be more neuroinclusive.
• Information on workplace support options and accommodations.

Since its internal release, the toolkit has supported a noticeable cultural shift at AIA NZ, with employees more openly discussing lived experience and leaders reporting greater confidence in supporting diverse needs.

“Neurodiversity is simply part of the spectrum of human experience,” says Brynlea. “With around one in five people identifying as neurodivergent, designing workplaces that work for different minds isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s essential for wellbeing, performance and innovation.”

The toolkit sits alongside AIA NZ’s wider accessibility and inclusion initiatives, including its ongoing commitment to the Accessibility Tick, inclusive workplace design, evolving recruitment practices and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme.

The AIA New Zealand Neurodiversity Toolkit is now available to download at aia.co.nz.