High-rise housing will exclude disabled people unless rules improve – critics

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Susan Williams is blind and has a chronic illness which makes them sensitive to light. They are among disabled people across Aotearoa calling for more equitable access to transport.

A focus on high-density housing in Auckland may result in homes that disabled people cannot access unless building regulations improve, critics say.

Developers will be free to build up to six storeys around cities, major town centres and train stations if a government-led initiative is approved.

But disability advocate Huhana Hickey says people with limited mobility could be “excluded from entire suburbs”, as current regulations do not require homes to be accessible.

Disability advocates concerned that unless regulations improve, a focus on high-density housing may result in homes they can't access.

“I visited my son who is living in a new apartment block in Avondale. It’s beautiful, but I had to scrape my wheelchair going down the hallway,” Hickey said.

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Disability advocate Huhana Hickey says disabled people will be “excluded from entire suburbs” if development continues under “woeful” rules.

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Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero wants to see homes built with universal design principles.

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A National Policy of Urban Development was revealed in June, with a goal to increase apartment builds of up to six storeys to boost the housing stock.

“The bathroom was so tiny, it was an impossible task to get me in and out, so we haven’t been back.”

Hickey is a human rights lawyer who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair.

Minister of Building and Construction Poto Williams says she recognises the importance of improving the accessibility of New Zealand homes.

She said building regulations are “woefully” out of date, and don’t suit people with mobility needs.

“In 30 years’ time, with the ageing population, we’re suddenly going to realise our houses suit young, able-bodied people, and we have nothing for the elderly or disabled,” she said.

The Building Act requires businesses and public facilities to be accessible for wheelchair users, but there are no access requirements for residential dwellings.

According to Standards New Zealand, a lift is required for a building with four or more levels.

But Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero said a lift is only one component of having an accessible home.

“If we want to respond to housing issues today and to futureproof them, we need to create the right regulatory setting and incentives for homes to be built with universal design principles,” she said.

“We’ve been talking about housing being a crisis in recent years, but it’s been at crisis levels for disabled people for a lot longer.”

Universal design ensures buildings are accessible to all people.

This could include wider doors and hallways, or lever handles for opening doors rather than knobs.

Minister of Building and Construction Poto Williams said higher-density housing is key to developing modern and affordable homes.

“I also recognise the importance of improving the accessibility of New Zealand homes, and I appreciate the concerns and support for New Zealand houses to be more inclusive for our vulnerable and diversifying populations,” she said.

“This Government recognises that legislative change may be required for incorporating universal design elements. I have asked my officials for further advice.”

The National Policy Statement on Urban Development will require changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan, and will go out for public consultation in August 2022.