21 November 2023 Auckland-Blind Low Vision NZ wishes to respond to the Coalition Government of National, ACT and NZ First. As is our policy, our team is eager to work with all elected representatives to create a better world for our community, and help people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision live the life that they choose.
Dan Shepherd, spokesperson for Blind Low Vision NZ said, “As an organisation dedicated to serving the best interests of the blind and low vision community, we will work with the 54th Parliament to create a more equitable world.”
“We look forward to working with the National Party to implement their recommendation that the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill be withdrawn, and a new bill drafted that aligns more closely with the expectations of the disability sector,” Dan continued. “We are grateful for the support we receive and for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.”
Blind Low Vision NZ are, however, troubled by The ACT Party’s proposal to abolish the Human Rights Commission. The Commission is one of only mechanisms that disabled people currently have in place to address the human rights violations that regularly affect them.
CCS Disability Action and Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA’s) pre-election scorecard highlighted that several parties that will form the new Parliament are undecided on key issues for disabled people and their families.
“We urge the parties in the 54th Parliament to take action on issues that currently prevent disabled people, and ultimately all New Zealanders, from realising their potential,” says Shepherd.
Powered by Fuseworks and Truescope - Media monitoring, insights and news distribution for New Zealand organisations.