Part Two: Current consultations
This is the Office's email update of 17 February 2009.
08: Review of the Health and Disability Commissioner Act and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights.
Public feedback is wanted on whether there should be changes made to the Health and Disability Commissioner Act and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. This review is required under the Act. A consultation document is available that outlines areas for possible change. Submissions close: 28 February 2009.
09: Health Research Council new research investment approach.
The Health Research Council has reviewing its annual funding round investment processes. This includes funding for disability research. The deadline for submissions is 2 March 2009.
10: Public submissions on New Zealand’s draft human rights report.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade want public comment and feedback on a draft report that examines New Zealand's human rights record. The final report will be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council for review as part of its new Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
New Zealand is required to submit a 20 page report on our human rights record every four years for consideration by the UN Human Rights Council. This is the first time New Zealand has undergone this process.
A draft report on New Zealand's human rights situation has been developed in consultation with other government agencies, the Human Rights Commission and civil society groups working in the area of human rights.
The closing date for public submissions on the draft report is 17 March 2009.
11: Review of housing statistics
Statistics New Zealand wants public feedback into its review of housing statistics. It wants to make sure that the statistics collected about housing give the best information on housing adequacy for all New Zealanders. This includes things like affordability, tenure security, habitability (physical condition), suitability (meets the needs of people), and availability (there is enough houses available). The last time housing statistics were reviewed was in 1979.