Maori Party Support For Building Amendment Bill

Wednesday 5 March 2014

Co-leader, Te Ururoa Flavell, has indicated the Māori Party’s support for the first reading of the Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill which was passed in the House this afternoon.

“Māori Party policy promotes the concept of a quality standard to ensure houses are accessible, usable and easy to adapt as people’s needs change over time” said Mr Flavell.

“We acknowledge the importance of the safety of people and we support the legislation in drawing attention to the need for structural upgrades for the purpose of earthquake strengthening.

“However, we are adamant that any proposed amendments must be scrutinised to ensure improvements to amenities are not being fast-tracked under the pretence of making buildings earthquake-prone, but all the while compromising on accessibility”.

“Aotearoa has led the way in our efforts to make public buildings accessible to all.

“We are clear that any consultation process must be comprehensive and able to actively engage with a wide range of individuals, whānau and community organisations in the disability sector, in order to really listen to those people most impacted on by lack of access”.

NB: The Māori Party supported the first reading of the bill. Further support will be conditional on learning from the views of people who are living with disabilities about their feedback on the bill.

ENDS

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