13 March 2025
Craig Nielsen
[FYI request #29965 email]
Dear Mr Nielsen
Thank you for your request of 4 February 2025 to Hon Chris Bishop, Minister of Housing,
for the following information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act):
I would like to know the following information regarding government provided
housing/ accommodation stock that meets the minimum Accessibility standard of
NZS 4121:2001 Design for access and mobility.
1, What is the national total number of houses owned, or managed by
government agencies intended for residential tenancy.
2, What percentage of the above existing, residential, government agency
provided overall building stock meets the above, or better standard for
accessibility?
3, What is the target percentage of overall stock for accessible homes within the
government housing portfolio?. Supplementary 3a: How is the government
tracking on this target?; 3b: Is there a published strategy to reach the proposed
target?.
4. What is the number of accessible homes, meeting the above or better
standard in the Taranaki region?. Suplementary 4a: What is the current waiting
list for accessible homes in the Taranaki region?
5, Is it known the national demand for accessible homes, meeting the above or
better standard for the general public housing stock.
On 13 February 2025, parts 1-4 of your request (excluding supplementary 4a) were
transferred to Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities. We have interpreted your request
to relate to Kāinga Ora properties.
As at 31 January 2025, Kāinga Ora managed 71,843 homes.
Kāinga Ora does not record whether its properties meet NZS 4121:2001, as there are no
specific provisions within the building code in relation to accessible design for low density
residential buildings. Therefore, parts 2-4 of your request are declined under section 18(g)
of the Act, as the information is not held by Kāinga Ora.
However, Kāinga Ora has a set of requirements which provides clear direction on the
expectations for design and product selection for all homes delivered for Kāinga Ora.
These requirements have included universal design features for more than 10 years.
Universal design delivers housing that is more liveable for the entire population, including
young and growing families, people of all ages who experience temporary injury or illness,
those with mobility, visual or cognitive impairments, and the growing aging population.
If you are interested in specific Kāinga Ora requirements related to universal design, these
are available on our website at
https://kaingaora.govt.nz/en_NZ/publications/build-partner-
publications/design-guidelines/ In 2022/23, 19 percent of the total number of eligible new build Kāinga Ora homes met full
universal design standards, and 20 percent in 2023/24.
As well as building homes, Kāinga Ora works with funding agencies (including the Ministry
of Social Development and ACC) to modify existing properties to meet the individual
needs of our customers. As at 31 January 2025, there were 15,828 Kāinga Ora homes
with modifications, such as ramps and handrails.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this
response. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or Freephone 0800 802 602.
Please note that Kāinga Ora proactively releases our responses to official information
requests where possible. Our response to your request may be published at
https://kaingaora.govt.nz/publications/official-information-requests/ with your personal
information removed.
Yours sincerely
pp
Rachel Kelly
Manager Government Services
