The purpose of this publication section is to not only keep our readers in the "access" loop, but for us to also hear from you what is happening out there.
Please find a selection of relevant articles and publication from both the building and disability sectors in relation to access - if you have a publication or an article which you feel would make a valuable addition to this section, please contact us.
The New Zealand Disability Strategy 2001
The New Zealand Disability Strategy presents a long-term plan for changing New Zealand from a disabling to an inclusive society. The Office of Disability Issues developed the strategy in consultation with disabled people and the wider disability sector, and reflects many individuals’ experiences of disability.
Download as a PDF (285 KB)
The International Symbol of Access
This booklet provides information on the International Symbol of Access - the symbol used to indicate the features and facilities in buildings that can be used by people with disabilities. The symbol represents all disabilities. The symbol is not only for people in wheelchairs, but represents anyone with a disability – that is anyone whose mobility is restricted. It is universally recognised. Correctly displaying the symbol is important for the New Zealand community, as well as for visitors to the country. The symbol can help greatly in ensuring people with disabilities are able to undertake normal activities and processes in buildings. The purpose of this booklet is to clarify how and when the International Symbol of Access should be applied to a building. This booklet has been produced by the Department of Building and Housing in association with Barrier Free New Zealand Trust.
Download as a PDF (407 KB)
Compliance Schedule Handbook
This Compliance Document is prepared by the Department of Building and Housing. The Department of Building and Housing is a Government Department established under the State Sector Act 1988.
The Compliance Schedule Handbook is broken into three sections. The first is the introduction. The second, Compliance schedule regime, is intended to provide information about the compliance schedule and BWoF regimes under the Building Act. The third section, Compliance schedule content guidelines, provides a guide to developing a compliance schedule for a specified system or systems in a building, including guidance on the associated inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures.
Download as a PDF (418 KB)
Accessible Reception and Service Counters
This booklet provides information on good design solutions for counters and desks that can be used by people with disabilities. The Trust offers guidelines for constructing accessible counters. The booklet has been produced by the Department of Building and Housing in association with Barrier Free New Zealand Trust.
Download as a PDF (456 KB)
Accessible Car Parking Spaces
This booklet is about providing car parking spaces that are suitable for use by people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users and others with mobility aids. It has been written mainly for off-street car parking associated with buildings or building complexes, but the general requirements also apply to stand-alone municipal car parks. The Department of Building and Housing and Barrier Free New Zealand Trust have jointly written this guide. The Trust provides guidance in the booklet for locating and managing accessible car parks.
Download as a PDF (692 KB)
NZS 4121 Article
This is a short article about the history of the New Zealand Standard 4121 in our country and it also gives a in-depth description as to why NZS4121 is so important. The article is written by Bill Wrightson, our chairperson, who chaired the NZS4121:2001 review committee and so provides a lot of insight into the standard.
Download as a PDF (388 KB)
