11297 (2026). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Housing

11297 (2026). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Housing: What proportion, if any, of Kāinga Ora homes built or due to be completed in the 2025/26 financial year meet full universal design standards?

Hon Chris Bishop: Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities advises me that this is no longer a measure it is tracking. However, up to 30 June 2025, Kāinga Ora built 1,464 homes to its 'Full Universal Design' standard. Since the requirements for full universal design have changed over time, homes delivered from 2024/25 onward may differ from those delivered earlier. Kāinga Ora includes universal design features in all its new build homes where simple and cost effective to do so. These features improve usability and functionality for all customers, for example lever-style door handles, safe stair design, slightly wider corridors and doors, and placement of light-switches and power points for ease of use. These features are embedded into all of Kāinga Ora standard home designs and have been part of its standards for over 10 years. Kāinga Ora also has a number of standard house designs with a main bedroom and full bathroom on the same level as the living space, in addition to standard universal design features. These homes, classified as "Full Universal Design", are delivered where location, site, typology, and build cost allows. These homes may be suitable for tenants with mild disability needs (by allowing all daily activities to occur on one level) but would need to be adapted to meet more complex needs. Funding for adaptations to meet more complex needs is typically provided by the Ministry of Social Development or ACC.