Department of Building and Housing
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Work Plan. 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006
1. Responsiveness
Desired Outcome
Legislation passed as a result of the review is informed on the issues facing the disability community and is consistent with the objectives of the NZ Disability Strategy.
Description
The Ministry will lead the review of the Residential Tenancy Act that commences during 2004-05. As part of the review process the Ministry will be working and consulting with the Office for Disabilities to ensure that the legislation is consistent with the objectives of the NZ Disability Strategy.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The advice of the Office for Disabilities will have been sought and acted upon during the review of the Residential Tenancy Act and the resulting legislation is consistent with the objectives of the NZ Disability Strategy. The review of the Residential Tenancy Act will be undertaken over the period 2004 – 2006.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Foster an aware and responsive public service – Action 6.1.
2. Building Regulation and the Access Advisory Panel
Desired Outcome
That the requirements of the Building Code are uniformly implemented throughout the country in new buildings and, where applicable, in buildings being altered or undergoing a change of use.
Description
The Department is responsible for administering the Building Code that is part of the Building Regulations 1992. The Code contains a number of specific requirements relating to access and facilities for disabled people in buildings. Compliance documents produced by the Department describe ways or construction methods for meeting the performances of the Code. The buildings that must be accessible for disabled people include almost all buildings except houses, apartments and small industrial buildings. The Code requirements are in general framed so that disabled people, and specifically wheelchair users, are able to undertake normal activities and processes in buildings. The Department also provides advice on the application of the Code by the territorial authorities.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The Department is advised by an Access Advisory Panel, which includes disabled members. The Panel’s function is to report on the implementation of access and facilities for disabled people in buildings and to give advice on possible changes or amendments to the Building Code. There is no defined timeframe for action because the Code will continue to apply to new building work.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Providing information for everyone about the rights of disabled people [as they relate to the construction of buildings] – action 2.1
Ensure disabled people have the same employment conditions…as everyone else has – action 4.9
3. Living in the Community = Review of the Building Code
Desired Outcome
Revisions to the Building Code as a result of the review are informed on the issues facing the disability community and are consistent with the objectives of the NZ Disability Strategy.
Description
The Department will review the New Zealand Building Code and report to the Minister by November 2007, as required by the Building Act 2004. As part of the review process the Department will be working and consulting with the Office for Disabilities to ensure that revisions to the Building Code are consistent with the objectives of the NZ Disability Strategy.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
The advice of the Office for Disabilities will have been sought and acted upon during the review of the Building Code and the resulting revisions to the Building Code are consistent with the objectives of the NZ Disability Strategy. The review of the Building Code will be undertaken over the period 2004 – 2007.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Increase opportunities for disabled people to live in the community with choice of affordable quality housing – Action 8.1