Ministry of Fisheries
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Work Plan. 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006
Introduction
New Zealand’s fisheries resources are one of this country’s most important renewable natural resources. To preserve their value for both current and future generations, fisheries resources require careful stewardship by all those who value and enjoy them.
Overall Fisheries Outcome
The Ministry of Fisheries has focused on a single overall fisheries outcome:
"The value New Zealanders obtain from the sustainable use of fisheries resources and protection of the aquatic environment is maximised."
The Ministry has four contributing outcomes being:
- The health of the aquatic environment is protected
- People are able to realise the best value from the sustainable and efficient use of fisheries
- Crown obligations to Māori with respect to fisheries are delivered
- Credible fisheries management
The New Zealand Disability Strategy relates mainly to the second outcome, which recognises the value people play in supporting the sustainable and efficient use of our fisheries. In conjunction with these outcomes, the Ministry’s values and principals provide the framework we need to deliver on our strategic goals.
In meeting these goals we are able to the support the Disability Strategy through our;
- Relationships and people – Developing internally and externally constructive and collaborative relationships
- Leadership – Developing effective and innovating means to allow staff to contribute to and support the Ministry’s ability to deliver on its outcomes
- Value – Recognising the value of all New Zealanders in the sustainability and management of our fisheries resources.
- Achieving Results – creating an organisation that encourages and recognises people’s contribution and dedication to the Ministry’s mission
1. Facilities Management
Desired Outcomes
All future refurbishing and building developments consider the needs of disabled persons.
Ensure that it is usual practice that considerations are made for furniture, fixture and fittings in the design of work environments.
Audit accessibility of property and environment of the Ministry.
Develop staff awareness in the consideration of disability needs in the development of property and environments of Ministry.
Requirements accessed for the specific needs of existing individuals and newly appointed staff
Description
The Ministry will take all reasonable steps to ensure that all of its buildings and the environment of the department meet the needs of disabled people.
Measures and Timeframes
Audits of accessibility and working environments to be monitored by the health and safety committees - completed quarterly.
Building development and refurbishments - to be incorporated by Corporate Operations management at planning of project
Resources collated and made available to Ministry staff on the requirements of accessibility and facilities - Completed by December 2005.
Workplace assessments provided for staff on relocation or appointment –monitored by employee’s manager and surveyed annually by HR.
Emergency procedures reviewed – by December 2005
Emergency procedure training of wardens and staff assessed – by June 2006.
Links to Strategy Objectives and Actions
Foster an aware and responsive public service : 6.1, 6.6
Foster leadership by disabled people:5.1
2. Review of Polices and Practices
Desired Outcome
Assess fisheries policy and practices, incorporating considerations of the outcomes sought under the NZDS.
Identify actions to implement NZDS
Ministry staff will be more aware of the needs of disabled people.
Description
The Ministry of Fisheries will co-ordinate and monitor the implementation of NZDS by reassessing corporate policies and practices, which can or do contribute to the implementation of the NZDS.
This will include:
- EEO and human resources
- Facilities
- Information technology
- Communication
Measures and Timeframes
A stock-take of policies and practices to be undertaken and reported on by February 2006
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Ensure rights for disabled people: 2.4, 2.5
Foster an aware and responsive public service – actions: 6.1,6.2, 6.3
3. Staff Awareness
Desired Outcome
Ongoing education and development of Ministry staff on disability awareness.
The development of resources and support for Ministry staff internally.
The inclusion of disability awareness and support for staff at local induction
Provide compliance staff with information and resources for appropriate response strategies for dealing with disabled persons in a range of circumstances.
Description
To develop disability awareness amongst Ministry staff.
Provide information for all staff on the rights of disabled people.
Measures and Timeframes
Ongoing education and the development of resources and support to be identified and implemented by June 2006.
Monitoring through staff feedback.
Ongoing consultation with disability networks both internally and externally
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Encourage and educate for a non-disabling society: 1.1,1.2
Ensure rights for disabled people: 2.1, 2.2
Foster an aware and responsive public service – actions: 6.1,6.2, 6.3, 6.4
4. Communication and publications
Desired Outcome
Ministry information is accessible to disabled people.
Intranet and Internet sites are developed to include information in appropriate formats and comply with E-government guidelines.
Identify ways that contribute to implementing NZ Sign Language (NZSL)
Identify ways of promoting the use of NZSL and ensure information and services are accessible to Deaf people.
Description
To develop communications and education material in accessible formats on request
Measures and Timeframes
The Ministry continues to provide information in formats appropriate to the needs of the disabled people - reviewed by June 2006.
ITT to monitor intranet and Internet formats and advise on developments of sites - ongoing
Identify steps into providing accessibility of information & services to the Deaf – consult with Deaf community and resources – recommendation by June 2006
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Ensure rights for disabled people: 2.2
Provide best education for disabled people: 3.2
Foster an aware and responsive public service – actions: 6.4, 6.5
5. Legal Rights
Desired Outcome
Increase access to information on legal rights for Deaf members of the public.
Identify support networks, which may be able to assist in compliance matters and establish contacts.
Development of guidelines for the use of NZSL interpreters
Description
To ensure effective communication and understanding of legal rights for disabled members of the public and networks for compliance staff.
Measures and Timeframes
Communication with various disability communities by December 2005
Contacts and resources identified and complied by June 2006.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Ensure rights for disabled people: 2.2
Foster an aware and responsive public service: 6.4, 6.5