©
Steve
New Zealand Travel Guide
©
Steve
New Zealand is a country that is highly committed to persons with disabilities. In 2008, it was awarded the Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award recognising its actions in favour of the disabled.
As a matter of fact, New Zealand led the negotiations that resulted in the creation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted in 2006, which states that persons with disabilities must be able to enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms. New Zealand has already paved the way for the integration of people with disabilities, since it has had sign language as its third official language since 1996. To continue in its policy of inclusion, a deaf woman was elected to Parliament in 2011.
Some buses, especially the most modern ones, are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. Improvements are being made in buses, with the introduction of audio announcements on passenger request by pressing a simple button, as well as signs in Braille at bus stops. In Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, you shouldn't have any problems accessing trains, but this will be more difficult in Wellington where not all trains or stations are accessible. There, it's also possible to rent equipped cars, and the "Total Mobility" programme allows people with disabilities to get a 50% discount off the price of taxi rides.
New Zealand law requires that all new buildings have "reasonable and appropriate" access for people with disabilities. So during your trip to New Zealand, you'll find access ramps in most buildings, as well as wide pavements and sound systems in major cities to help blind people get around more easily. Museums and other tourist attractions usually have a good accessibility rate regarding any type of disability. With regard to lodging, a percentage of rooms in hotels must also be equipped to accommodate disabled persons. If you choose a hotel that meets this requirement, there's a good chance that you'll have a pleasant stay and your needs will be met.
First of all, don't forget to go to the Disability Resource Centres when you arrive in New Zealand. They are found in all the major cities. New Zealand is continually improving its services for persons with disabilities since the establishment of its 2014-2018 accessibility plan, and these centres will give you the most appropriate information. Websites like Beaccessible.org.nz, which are evidence to the desire of inclusion of the country's citizens, will help you find the most accessible places in just a few clicks.
