The diagram below sets out the key elements of Housing New Zealand’s Accessibility Policy. We propose three outcomes against which we can be held to account. These are to:
- increase the number of our houses that meet universal design standards
- meet the individual needs of customers
- improve information about customers’ needs and the accessibility of our properties.
The following pages discuss each of these components in turn, focusing on what we currently do; issues and opportunities, which have, where relevant, been informed by stakeholder engagement; and some proposed next steps and actions, including how we can demonstrate success.
What you will see:
- At least 15 percent of our new builds will meet our full universal design standards, and the rest will meet as many of our universal design standards as possible
- We will support customers to live in a home that is customised to their needs:
- this includes completing modifications to their home ourselves or finding a home that better suits their needs.
- We will explore how our universal design standards can be included as part of our retrofit programme for our existing homes.
- Systematic data collection about the accessibility features of our homes so that we can better match customers to a home that meets their needs.
- A better understanding of our customers’ needs so that we can better support current and future customers.