Department of Building and Housing
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation 2007. Work Plan 2007-2008 and Report on Progress 2006-2007
Introduction
The Department of Building and Housing (the Department) was established in November 2004, bringing together in one organisation building and housing sector policy and related regulatory functions and dispute resolution services from across a range of government agencies.
The consolidation of the Government’s building- and housing-related activities is to:
- ensure an effective regulatory system for the building and housing sector
- deliver good-quality advice to the Government
- improve and streamline services to the public.
The Department has responsibility for:
- ensuring an effective regulatory environment for the building and housing sector
- regulating the building sector and the rental housing sector
- delivering effective information, advice and dispute resolution services (including Tenancy Services and the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service)
- providing purchase and monitoring advice to the Responsible Ministers on Housing New Zealand Corporation
- administering the State Housing Appeal Authority
- providing policy advice to the Government on the building sector and residential tenancy market, including emerging trends and issues
- providing policy advice on housing and building regulation
- providing advice on regulating the residential rental market
- managing occupational licensing within the building sector.
The Department works with Housing New Zealand Corporation in:
- defining housing outcomes for the sector
- analysing the housing environment, including monitoring the supply, quality and affordability of housing
- influencing the wider government sector to ensure it meets the Government’s goals for housing
- working with other agencies to influence and promote delivering the Government’s outcomes for the building and housing sector
- undertaking specific initiatives under the New Zealand Housing Strategy Programme of Action.
The Department contributes to the overall goal of the New Zealand Disability Strategy, which is to advance New Zealand towards being a society that is fully inclusive of people with disabilities, through the outcome it has committed to working to achieve:
The people of New Zealand have access to quality homes and buildings that meet their needs, reflect our environment and contribute to a sustainable New Zealand.
The Department’s 2006/09 Statement of Intent set out four things we would expect to see if we are progressing towards this goal:
- buildings and homes that perform well in the New Zealand environment
- a vibrant building, construction and housing sector with skilled building and housing professionals
- homes and buildings that meet the changing needs of New Zealanders
- confident owners, tenants and users.
These indicators have been further refined in the Department’s 2007/10 Statement of Intent.
The Department’s contribution to the overall goal of the New Zealand Disability Strategy is noted and highlighted throughout report. This is particularly evident in the Including a disability perspective and Implementation beyond your agency sections of the report that highlight some of the Department’s work and services.
The contribution of the Department is evident in the following:
- Legislative and regulatory administration and reviews, including
- Building Amendment Bill 2007
- Review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986
- Implementation of the Retirement Villages Act 2003
- Implementation of the Building Act 2004
- Review of the Building Code
- Work of the Access Advisory Panel
- Technical Standards and Guidance
- Guidance publications.
These work programmes evidence contributions to removing barriers that prevent people with disabilities participating fully in society and support the overall goal of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
Accessible government
All government agencies are asked to prioritise actions to increase their accessibility to disabled people. This is about getting the basics right, so that disabled people can access government on the same basis as other people.
These actions support realisation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy’s objective 6: foster an aware and responsive public service.
Four critical areas where disabled people interact with government agencies are:
- information – such as brochures, letters, publications, websites
- buildings – such as service centres, corporate offices
- services – such as face to face at a service centre, call centres, information electronically or hard copy
- as an employer – such as job application procedures, job descriptions, accommodations in workplaces, intranets.
Achievement story
The Department moved its national office into new premises in April 2006. The Department celebrated our new national office and the coming together of Wellington head office staff in one location in August 2006.
These premises are a show case for the building and housing sector, and represent an outstanding example of a modern fitout that meets our needs as a modern organisation and provides an excellent, contemporary working environment for us all. The design has carefully, and thoughtfully, brought together old and new – enhancing both.
A key element of the fitout was the provision of excellent access for staff and visitors with disabilities. The building was originally constructed in the 1920s and has steps to the main entrance from the footpath. As part of the Department’s fitout of the building, a lift has been provided from the footpath level to all floors. Wheelchair users and others who cannot use steps now have easy access to the building.
In August 2006, we also launched the new Department of Building and Housing website. The website makes it easier for people to access the information they need, when they need it, and to carry out some of their business on-line. This is a key part of our strategy to provide high quality, accessible and connected services to clients, stakeholders and consumers.
Accessible information
Outcome: Disabled people can access publicly available government information on the same basis as non-disabled people. Disabled people know about, access and use government information and services.
1. Online information (internet and intranets)
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Meet Web Guidelines version 2.1 | Develop a new external website for the Department that complies with the State Services Commission’s mandatory Web Guidelines. | The Department’s new external website (www.dbh.govt.nz) was launched on 10 August 2006. The Department worked closely with the State Services Commission and commissioned an independent assessment during the development of the new website, to ensure a high degree of compliance with Web Guidelines version 2.1 was achieved. | No initiatives relating the Web Guidelines version 2.1 are planned for 2007/08. |
| 2. Meet Web Guidelines versions 3.0 | Engage an independent Web Developer to identify any changes required to ensure the Department’s new external website maintains compliance with the State Services Commission’s mandatory Web Guidelines. | The Department’s external website (www.dbh.govt.nz) was enhanced on 30 November 2006 to achieve compliance with the version 3.0 Web Guidelines. The Department also sought a formal exemption from the State Services Commission for converting all non-statutory PDF documents into HTML, which were created prior to the Department launching its new website on 10 August 2006. | No initiatives relating the Web Guidelines version 3.0 are planned for 2007/08. |
| 3. Tested accessibility for disabled people | Arrange for visually impaired people to test accessibility features within the Department’s external website. | The Department arranged for two visually impaired people and one completely blind staff member to test the Department’s external website. | The Department’s Information Group is planning to work with an internal staff member who is blind to identify potential site navigation improvements and better support for commercial text reading software. |
| 4. Adapted to increase accessibility | Develop a content publishing policy and convert all historical legislative PDF documents into HTML. | The Department developed a Web Content Publishing Policy in April 2007 to clearly define standards and processes for the publication of documents and content to the Department’s external and internal websites. All Departmental legislative PDF documents were converted into HTML during May and June 2007. | Review the Department’s external websites to identify any further changes required to maintain a very high degree of compliance with mandated accessibility and usability standards. |
| 5. Download files accessed as HTML, and not only PDF | Yes. See Action outputs 2 and 4 above for more detail. | The Department’s Web Publishing policy ensures that HTML is the Department’s default format for publishing content and documents to the Department’s external and internal websites. | The Department will work with its content and publication development partners to ensure they provide editable source material for all documents published to the Department’s external and internal websites. |
| 6. Plain English used | Yes. The Department is committed to the use of plain English. This is evidenced in the Department’s Guide to Professional Communication. | Public information and education campaigns were undertaken and developed in accordance with our Guide to Professional Communication. A Plain English writing programme was delivered to staff. | Further Plain English writing programmes will be delivered to staff. Updates to the Department’s Guide to Professional Communication will be prepared and issued. |
| 7. New Zealand Sign Language used | No. | N/A. | N/A. |
2. Hard copy information
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Plain English used | Yes. The Department is committed to the use of plain English. This is evident in the Department’s Guide to Professional Communication. | Public information and education campaigns were undertaken and developed in accordance with our Guide to Professional Communication. A Plain English writing programme was delivered to staff. | Further Plain English writing programmes will be delivered to staff. Updates to the Department’s Guide to Professional Communication will be prepared and issued. |
| 2. Available in alternate formats, on request | |||
| a. New Zealand Sign Language | No. | N/A. | No. |
| b. Braille | No. | N/A. | No. |
| c. Audio | No. | N/A. | No. |
3. Audio/visual resources
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. TV adverts have captions and/or NZSL | No. | N/A. | No. |
| 2. DVD/video products have captions and/or NZSL | No. | N/A. | No. |
4. Other information
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Multiple contact points are advertised as well as telephone | Yes. | Multiple contact points are advertised on the Department’s website (www.dbh.govt.nz) including 0800 numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses for different services as well as the Department’s comprehensive service location directory. Public information and education campaigns included multiple contact points, e.g. brochures and fridge magnets. | Multiple contact points will be advertised. Public information and education campaigns will include multiple contact points. |
| a. Fax | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| b. Email | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 2. Please tell us if there are other things that your agency does/or is planning to make its information accessible | See above. | The Department is planning to investigate the provision of on-line and telephone application processes for Tenancy Tribunal applications. | |
Accessible buildings
Outcome: Disabled people can visit, work, and move about independently in all government buildings and carry on ordinary activities there, on the same basis as others.
1. Structural elements
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. All buildings and sites meet regulatory access requirements (eg NZS 4121) | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 2. Buildings and sites have Building Code compliance | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 3. Buildings and sites are audited for accessibility and passed (eg Barrier Free Trust, other accredited accessibility advisor) | The Department has a policy that requires that all buildings are accessible. | The Department applied its policy of to the selection and leasing of buildings and premises for service locations. | The Department will continue to apply its policy of . |
| 4. Clear walk paths through floors (for staff and visitors) | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 5. Assistive listening devices are in meeting rooms, and functioning checked regularly | No. | N/A. | No. |
| 6. Elevators announce floors and direction of movement | No. | N/A. | No. |
| 7. Elevator buttons have Braille labels | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
2. Contact with the public
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Reception areas are accessible | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 2. Counters used by public are lowered (eg for wheelchair users, people who have a problem standing) | Yes. | Not available in older premises. | Yes. |
| 3. Frontline staff are trained in disability responsiveness | Yes. | The Department provides frontline service delivery staff with customer service training that includes a responsiveness component. | Customer service training provided to frontline service delivery staff. |
| 4. Staff are familiar with NZ Relay service | No. | N/A. | Staff are to be advised of the NZ Relay service through internal communication channels, including the Department’s Intranet. |
| 5. Clear and accessible pathways to enter buildings and sites | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 6. Obvious and visible signage to locate entrances and exits | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 7. Accessible car parking available near entrances | No. | No. Accessible car parking is not available in all service locations. | No. However, the Department’s policy will be applied to the selection and leasing of new buildings and premises for service locations. |
3. Workplace management
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Contracts for IT applications require accessibility (for staff and/or public users) (eg EDRMS) | The Department’s Licensed Building Practitioner IT System Request For Proposal will require all proposed solutions to comply with the New Zealand Interoperability Framework (NZ e-Gif) and mandatory Web Guidelines. | The Department’s Licensed Building Practitioner IT System Request For Proposal stipulated that any vendors proposed solution would need to comply with the NZ e-Gif and mandatory Web Guidelines. | All information system development related tenders will require vendors to develop their proposed solutions in a manner that complies with NZ e-Gif and mandatory Web Guideline requirements. |
| 2. Fire safety and evacuation procedures specify the needs of disabled people (staff and visitors) | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 3. Fire alarms have flashing lights to alert hearing impaired/deaf people | No. | N/A. | No. |
Accessible services
Outcome: Disabled people can access government services on the same basis as non-disabled people.
1. Policy and practice
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Data on service users can be disaggregated by disabled people | No. | N/A. | No. |
| 2. Services are responsive to the needs of disabled people | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 3. There is a written policy on use and provision of New Zealand Sign Language interpreters for client meetings | No. | N/A. | No |
| 4. Staff dealing with service users are trained to understand and be responsive to disabled people’s needs | Yes. | The Department provides frontline service delivery staff with customer service training that includes a responsiveness component. | Customer service training provided to frontline service delivery staff. |
| 5. Staff have knowledge of the NZ Relay service, and how to place and receive calls. | No. | N/A. | Staff are to be advised of the NZ Relay service through internal communication channels, including the Department’s Intranet. |
Being a good employer
Outcome: Government agencies provide equal opportunities in employment for disabled people to be recruited, retained, and promoted on the same basis as non-disabled people.
1. Employment practice
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Human resource EEO policies / procedures specifically recognise disabled people and do not discriminate against them | Yes. | Yes. | Work to be undertaken to compile data regarding where people are accessing employment data to provide fuller information on how to tap into the employment market. |
| 2. Recruitment processes are accessible and responsive (eg vacancies advertised with alternative modes of contact, website accessible, supports provided for interviews where necessary) | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 3. Human resource staff are familiar with EEO issues for disabled people | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 4. Induction training includes awareness of disabled people, as part of a diverse workforce | No. | N/A. | Induction processes are being revised. |
| 5. Internal agency communications promote the visibility of disabled staff, as part of a diverse workforce | No. | Style Guide Tip issued regarding the use of inclusive language in all Departmental documents including appropriate references to ‘people with disabilities’. | No. |
| 6. Data: the number of disabled people employed (using SSC EEO definition of disability) | No. | No data collected. A process was introduced within the Department’s Human Resource Information System (HRIS) to allow staff to update information and needs. | Further refinements to the Department’s HRIS will be made to allow further data capture, analysis and reporting. |
| 7. Data: the number of disabled people currently employed under Mainstream programme | Not planned. | N/A. | No. |
| 8. Data: the number of staff employed who were previously under the Mainstream programme | Nil. | N/A. | No. |
2. Supports for disabled staff
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Assessments of workplace accommodations and/or supports are provided (eg adaptive computer applications, flexible working conditions) | Yes. | A work place assessment provided on request and for all staff within one month of commencing work. | Yes. |
| 2. Accommodations in the workplace are provided, if needed (eg desk changes, NZSL interpreters, adaptive computer software) | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 3. Data: the number and type of accommodations provided to staff | No. | Data not collected. Accommodation in the workplace provided as required. | No. Accommodation in the workplace will be provided as required. |
| 4. Network of disabled staff supported, if requested | Not requested. | N/A. | Network will be supported if requested. |
| 5. Disabled staff provided with opportunities for career advancement | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 6. Disabled staff feel included in their workplace and have the same opportunities as non-disabled staff | This information has not been actively sought. | N/A. This information has not been actively sought. | No. |
| 7. Please describe any other supports available to disabled staff | Formal and informal support provided and additional accommodation and equipment provided as required. The Department also has an Employee Assistance Program available for staff. | Support will be provided as requested and as required. | |
Including a disability perspective
Government agencies that have social policy responsibilities should complete this section. A disability perspective should be routinely considered within ordinary policy development work that may directly, or indirectly, impact on disabled people.
What is a disability perspective?
A disability perspective is a viewpoint that considers the needs and aspirations of disabled people and their families/whānau. When you apply a disability perspective to a policy or service you are developing, you need to analyse the impact it will have on disabled people and their family/whānau.
In the past, government policy and programmes have often failed to consider disability perspectives. This has effectively prevented disabled people accessing opportunities and fully participating in society. Government policy and service development that reflects the realities of disabled people’s lives can enhance their participation and independence. This contributes to a more inclusive society.
Cabinet requires all papers, where appropriate, to include a disability perspective.
When is it appropriate to include a disability perspective?
Any initiative that directly or indirectly affects disabled people, both within and outside government. Disabled people are present in all social environments - the home, work and the community – of all ages, and in all population groups, such as Maori, Pacific peoples. This means all legislation, policies, programmes and services will potentially impact on them.
Consultation with the disability sector should be considered, where appropriate. The Office for Disability Issues should also be involved on the same basis as other government agencies.
Achievement story
Four advisory panels have been set up by the Department, with the aim of providing advice to the Department on current issues and trends in the building sector.
Changes to the new Building Act include a greater consumer focus, and a requirement for the Department to seek input on emerging issues and the needs of the sector.
As part of this change, the Department has established four advisory panels covering the following topics: fire, access for people with disabilities, structure and the building envelope.
The three key roles of the Advisory Panels are to provide:
- input into the Department's work programme, including identifying research that may be necessary in order for it to carry out its regulatory function
- appropriate advice to the Department on the issues and emerging trends within the building industry
- ad hoc advice to the Department.
The Access Advisory Panel provides advice to the Department on issues and trends in the building sector. The panel is made up of leading professionals who are closely involved with the provision of access and facilities for people with disabilities. Its fundamental role will be helping the Department to address access issues relating to the New Zealand Building Code.
Policy making and service development
Outcome: Government agencies’ policy development shows analysis of the impact upon disabled people. Disabled people experience an increase in their well-being and ability to participate in society as the result of government policy.
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. New policy and service development specifies the impact on disabled people | Yes, where appropriate. | Yes. | Yes, where appropriate. |
| 2. Quality assurance frameworks include reference to the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the Disability Perspective Toolkit | No. | N/A. | No. |
| 3. Guides and advice on policy development specify consideration about disabled people as part of a diverse New Zealand population | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| 4. Agency Cabinet paper template includes a disability perspective section | Cabinet papers include a disability perspective where appropriate. | Cabinet papers include a disability perspective where appropriate. | Cabinet papers include a disability perspective where appropriate |
| 5. Research and evaluation projects include data collection on disabled people | No. | N/A. | None planned. If any projects emerge during the year requiring data collection on people with disabilities, data will be collected. |
| 6. Consultation on policy and service development includes disability sector organisations | Yes. |
The Department’s policy and service development included consultation with disability sector organisations across a number of initiatives, including:
|
Yes. |
| 7. Data: the number of disability sector organisations consulted | No. Data is not collected on the number of disability sector organisations consulted. | The disability sector organisations consulted include: the Barrier Free Trust, the Office for Disability Issues, CCS, and DPA New Zealand. The Department’s Access Advisory Panel provides advice to the Department on issues and trends in the building sector. | The Department will continue to consult disability sector organisations on policy and service development. |
| 8. Examples of Cabinet papers showing a disability perspective | The legislative and regulatory review work evidence the inclusion of a disability perspective within Cabinet papers, where this is appropriate. | Examples of Cabinet papers will show a disability perspective, where appropriate. | |
| 9. Examples of other policy documents that show a disability perspective | Various discussion documents, particularly those relating to legislative and regulatory review, issued by the Department include a disability perspective, where appropriate. | Examples of other policy documents will show a disability perspective, where appropriate. | |
| 10. Examples of other strategic organisation documents, such as statement of intent, that show a disability perspective |
The Department contributes to the overall goal of the New Zealand Disability Strategy through the outcome it has committed to working to achieve: The people of New Zealand have access to quality homes and buildings that meet their needs, reflect our environment and contribute to a sustainable New Zealand. |
Examples of other strategic organisation documents, such as statement of intent, will show a disability perspective, where appropriate. | |
Implementation beyond your agency
Outcome: Government agencies promote action to implement the New Zealand Disability Strategy in other agencies within their monitoring and/or reporting responsibility.
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Advice provided to other agencies on implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy (including a disability perspective in development of policy, funding, service provision) | No. | Have not provided advice as HNZC has a programme of action. | No. |
Leading work that makes a difference
This section is for agencies to describe key work that you are leading that makes a difference in the lives of disabled people. This work may be directly relating to disabled people, or it may be for all people but have a strong impact on disabled people.
Achievement story
The Department issued two guidance documents under section 175 of the Building Act 2004 regarding access to buildings for disabled people. The two documents are titled Accessible reception and service counters and The international symbol of access. These were produced by the Department in association with the Barrier Free New Zealand Trust.
The Accessible reception and service counters publication provides information on good design solutions for counters and desks that can be used by people with disabilities. It includes information on good design, the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code and the New Zealand Standard 4121, the design issues, counter and desk dimensions, and guidance on making it happen.
The International symbol of access publication provides information on the international symbol of access; the symbol used to indicate the features and facilities in buildings that can be used by people with disabilities. The international symbol of access enables people with disabilities to quickly establish the type and location of the facilities available in a building. The symbol can help people with disabilities to undertake normal activities and processes in buildings. The purpose of the booklet is to clarify how and when the international symbol of access should be applied to a building. One of the purposes and principles of the Building Act 2004 is that buildings have attributes that contribute to the physical independence of the people who use them. The correct use of the international symbol of access helps directly with achieving this purpose of the Act. The benefit of an accessible building is that building can be used by all members of the community.
The documents were widely distributed and were sent to all territorial authorities, as well as architects, designers and disability groups. Copies of the documents are available on the Department’s website:
1) Legislative and Regulatory Reform and Administration
a) What time period does this work cover?
This is ongoing work for the Department.
b) Describe this work
The Department administers building and housing legislation and regulations. In doing so, the Department has some specific responsibilities in terms of the disability issues, for example the Chief Executive of the Department is required by section 170(b) of the Building Act 2004, to consult with the Office for Disability Issues, on disability issues. In addition, in administering and reviewing building and housing legislation and regulations the Department actively consults with the disability sector on disability issues. The Access Advisory Panel also provides advice to the Department on issues and trends in the building sector.
The review of legislation, including the review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 undertaken by the Department included or includes a disability perspective. Some of the Department’s other legislative and regulatory review and administration work that will have a direct impact on disabled people is profiled below.
Building Amendment Bill 2007
The Bill contains some minor adjustments to improve the workability of the Building Act 2004, and to improve the clarity and effectiveness of the regulatory framework. This will encourage an efficient and fair provision of building and local government services for New Zealanders.
The Building Amendment Bill 2007 was introduced in Parliament on 18 July 2007. The Social Services Committee is seeking submissions on the Building Amendment Bill 2007 before Monday 3 September 2007.
The Bill as currently drafted will require territorial authorities to include a statement on Project Information Memorandum (PIM) reports for ‘public use’ buildings (such as office buildings, retail shops, and sports stadiums) that there are accessibility requirements in the Building Act 2004 and Building Code to comply with.
Review of the Building Code
The Building Act 2004 sets the legal framework for all building work. All building work - both in the design and construction of new buildings and in the upgrading of existing buildings must comply with the Building Code.
The Building Code sets out performance standards that buildings must meet. It covers aspects such as health and safety, fire, access, moisture control, durability, energy efficiency, amenity, services and facilities.
During the year the Department progressed a comprehensive review of the Building Code as required by section 451 of the Building Act 2004.
Questions and issues regarding accessibility were a specific area of consultation.
Implementation of the Retirement Villages Act 2003
The Retirement Villages Act 2003 was introduced to strengthen the consumer protection offered to residents and potential residents and to provide a regime to control and monitor retirement village operators. When fully in force, the Act will provide rights for people who live in or are considering entering such a village.
Changes to the legal obligations of retirement villages have been introduced which will affect all village operators, residents and potential residents. Regulations and a Code of Practice were required to support the Retirement Villages Act, and to bring the Act into effect. These are outlined below.
The Retirement Villages (General) Regulations 2006 came into force on 1 May 2007. The Regulations provide detail on the content of the documents necessary to register a village, such as occupation right agreements and disclosure statements. These regulations also contain information about statutory supervisors of villages and their duties to residents and operators.
The Retirement Villages (Disputes Panel) Regulations 2006 came into force on 1 October 2006. The Regulations contain information on the process for resolving disputes between residents and operators, including the need for all retirement villages to operate, or provide access to, an internal complaints facility. Any dispute that cannot be resolved at the village level can then be referred to the Disputes Panel established by the Act.
The Retirement Villages (Fees) Regulations 2006 set out the fees payable for the registration of villages and the filing of annual returns under the Act. The registration of villages will take place over a 12 month period from 1 May 2007.
The Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2006 comes into effect on 25 September 2007. The Code of Practice specifies the minimum requirements that an operator of a retirement village must carry out, or make sure are carried out, to meet their legal obligations under the Retirement Villages Act 2003. These include specific provisions relating to access requirements for disabled people.
c) What difference will this work make to disabled people’s lives?
Building Amendment Bill 2007
The new flag within the existing PIM process included within the Building Amendment Bill 2007 will assist in ensuring people with disabilities can enter and enjoy ‘public use’ buildings, by improving compliance with accessibility requirements at the building design stage.
Review of the Building Code
The review of the Building Code, and in particular the work on accessibility, will ensure that the Code responds to accessibility requirements that:
- meet the requirements of the Building Act 2004
- are stated in sufficient detail to provide clear guidance on the performance standards that buildings must meet to ensure compliance
- support innovation in building systems that meet quality standards.
Implementation of the Retirement Villages Act 2003 – The Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2006
The Retirement Villages Code of Practice 2006 includes a number of minimum requirements that an operator of a retirement village must carry out, or make sure are carried out. These include:
- An operator of a retirement village must have and maintain a written policy setting out how the physical environment (the grounds, facilities, common areas and residential units), codes of behaviour and management practices at the retirement village maintain and enhance the safety and personal security of residents (including those with disabilities).
- The operator’s fire protections and emergency management policy must set out how it provides access to, and within, buildings for people with disabilities, as required under the Building Act 2004 and the Building Code. The operator must inform residents and intending residents of these details in writing.
- The operator must inform residents and intending residents how the village can meet their current and future needs so that residents can continue to live in their village of choice. Information provided must include the extent to which the residential units, facilities, grounds and common use areas of the retirement village meet the requirements of the national standards identified in NZS 4121: 2001 Design for Access and Mobility: Buildings and Associated Facilities.
- The operator’s communication policies, systems and procedures must cover how the physical environment and management practices at the retirement village make it possible and easy to communicate with all residents. Examples include: large print in written materials; and signs and communication aids that residents can see, hear or touch to make communication more manageable.
d) What wider goal does this work contribute to? Are there other pieces of work that also contribute to this goal?
(for example, a possible wider goal is for 100% of all new public buildings to be accessible, or all public facilities in urban centres to be accessible)
This work will contribute to the ability of people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities.
e) How is progress in achieving this work being measured or to be measured?
The completion of the reviews and ongoing administration of the legislation will be a key measure of progress.
f) What objectives in the New Zealand Disability Strategy does this work connect with?
This work will contribute across the fifteen objectives developed for the New Zealand Disability Strategy, and in particular to the following:
- Objective 1: Encourage and educate for a non-disabling society
- Objective 2: Ensure rights for disabled people
- Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service
- Objective 7: Create long-term support systems centred on the individual
- Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people
- Objective 9: Support lifestyle choices, recreation and culture for disabled people.
g) What part of your Statement of Intent and/or other strategic documents does this work connect with?
This work will contribute to the Department’s overall outcome: The people of New Zealand have access to quality homes and buildings that meet their needs, reflect our environment and contribute to a sustainable New Zealand.
This work will also contribute to the following strategies:
- Ensure the regulatory framework supports the supply of quality, affordable, adaptive, sustainable homes and buildings and enables innovation
- Improve the sustainability of the built environment so that it contributes to a strong economy, positive living environments and effective communities.
2) Technical Standards and Guidance
a) What time period does this work cover?
This is ongoing work for the Department.
b) Describe this work
The Department undertakes significant work relating to technical standards and guidance. It also provided advice to individual enquiries on compliance with the Building Code access provisions and on upgrading access in existing buildings. Some of this work has already been highlighted in this report. Other examples are profiled below.
A determination is a binding decision made by the Department. It provides a way of solving disputes or questions about the rules that apply to buildings, how buildings are used, building accessibility, health and safety. The Department’s determinations function contributes to ensuring the integrity of building regulatory processes.
As discussed elsewhere in this report, the Department also issues guidance publications and issued two guidance documents under section 175 of the Building Act 2004 regarding access to buildings for disabled people.
c) What difference will this work make to disabled people’s lives?
The Department has issued determinations (see for example, determination 2006/73) relating to the provisions of the Building Code regarding access for people with disabilities. In the case of disability issues, the Chief Executive of the Department is required by section 170(b) of the Building Act 2004, to consult with the Office for Disability Issues.
d) What wider goal does this work contribute to? Are there other pieces of work that also contribute to this goal?
(for example, a possible wider goal is for 100% of all new public buildings to be accessible, or all public facilities in urban centres to be accessible)
This work will contribute ensuring those agencies and others with access responsibilities have advice and guidance on those responsibilities.
e) How is progress in achieving this work being measured or to be measured?
This is ongoing work.
f) What objectives in the New Zealand Disability Strategy does this work connect with?
This work will contribute across the fifteen objectives developed for the New Zealand Disability Strategy, and in particular to the following:
- Objective 1: Encourage and educate for a non-disabling society
- Objective 2: Ensure rights for disabled people
- Objective 6: Foster an aware and responsive public service
- Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people.
g) What part of your Statement of Intent and/or other strategic documents does this work connect with?
This work will contribute to the Department’s overall outcome: The people of New Zealand have access to quality homes and buildings that meet their needs, reflect our environment and contribute to a sustainable New Zealand.
This work will also contribute to the following strategies:
- Ensure the regulatory framework supports the supply of quality, affordable, adaptive, sustainable homes and buildings and enables innovation
- Work with the sector to foster learning, enhance and support professional behaviour, skills and knowledge and facilitate greater ownership of this by the sector
- Raise consumer knowledge and appreciation of housing, building, and construction issues through access to quality information and advice.
New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006
The Department did not plan to or undertake specific activities in response to recommendations in the National Health Committee’s report To Have an ‘Ordinary’ Life: Community membership for adults with an intellectual disability (September 2003). The Department does not plan to undertake specific activities in response those recommendations in 2007/08.
Again, the Department’s contribution will be through the outcome it has committed to working to achieve:
The people of New Zealand have access to quality homes and buildings that meet their needs, reflect our environment and contribute to a sustainable New Zealand.
National Health Committee’s To Have an ‘Ordinary’ Life report
The Department did not plan to or undertake specific activities in response to recommendations in the National Health Committee’s report To Have an ‘Ordinary’ Life: Community membership for adults with an intellectual disability (September 2003). The Department does not plan to undertake specific activities in response those recommendations in 2007/08.
Again, the Department’s contribution will be through the outcome it has committed to working to achieve:
The people of New Zealand have access to quality homes and buildings that meet their needs, reflect our environment and contribute to a sustainable New Zealand.