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Tauranga Woman's Accessible Home Purchase Highlights NZ Accessibility Crisis

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, January 5th 2026 at 23:36 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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A Hard-Won Victory: Tauranga Woman's Accessible Home Purchase Highlights Urgent Need for Enforceable Accessibility Standards in NZ

For years, Sarah De Launay has navigated life in Tauranga, New Zealand, with a constant and debilitating struggle – finding a home she could actually live in. As a wheelchair user due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the lack of accessible housing options in the Bay of Plenty region, and across New Zealand more broadly, has been a persistent source of stress, frustration, and isolation. Now, after an arduous search and significant financial strain, De Launay has finally purchased her first fully accessible home, but her experience shines a stark light on the critical need for enforceable accessibility standards in new builds and renovations nationwide.

The New Zealand Herald article details De Launay's journey, which is unfortunately representative of the challenges faced by many disabled New Zealanders. Finding suitable housing has been an ordeal spanning years, involving numerous viewings of properties that were simply not adaptable or safe for her needs. Simple things that able-bodied individuals take for granted – a level entrance, accessible bathroom fixtures, adequate turning space – became insurmountable obstacles. Existing homes often required extensive and costly modifications, which proved difficult to secure funding for.

De Launay's situation isn’t unique. The article references statistics from Disability Rights Activists, who estimate that only around 3% of New Zealand housing stock is truly accessible. This severe shortage leaves disabled people with limited options: living in unsuitable environments, relying on family or caregivers, or facing homelessness. As the population ages and disability prevalence increases, this problem will only worsen if proactive measures aren’t taken.

The new home De Launay secured – a two-bedroom property in Greerton – is a triumph born of perseverance and financial sacrifice. While she's ecstatic to finally have a space tailored to her needs, including a roll-in shower, widened doorways, accessible kitchen counters, and ample maneuvering room, the process was financially draining. She had to significantly deplete her savings and take on substantial debt to secure it. The article highlights that many disabled individuals simply cannot afford the modifications required to make existing homes accessible.

The crux of De Launay’s message isn't just about celebrating her personal victory; it’s a call for systemic change. She argues passionately for legally binding accessibility standards for all new housing developments and major renovations in New Zealand. Currently, the Building Code includes some provisions related to accessibility (specifically Clause A3), but these are often considered inadequate and inconsistently applied. The code allows developers significant leeway, resulting in a patchwork of accessibility features that rarely meet the needs of individuals with diverse disabilities.

As explained by disability advocate Rochelle Johnston in the NZ Herald article, the current system is voluntary for many builders, leading to widespread non-compliance. This lack of enforcement means that even when accessible design principles are incorporated, they can be compromised or overlooked during construction. Furthermore, the existing code doesn’t address accessibility needs across a broad spectrum of disabilities; it primarily focuses on wheelchair users, neglecting individuals with mobility impairments, sensory sensitivities, and cognitive differences.

The push for enforceable standards isn't new. Disability advocates have been lobbying for stricter regulations for years, arguing that accessible housing is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental human right. They point to countries like Australia, which has more robust accessibility requirements in its building codes, as examples of how New Zealand could improve. The recent review of the Building Code offers an opportunity to strengthen these provisions and ensure greater consistency in implementation.

De Launay’s story is interwoven with broader discussions about housing affordability and inequality in New Zealand. The current housing crisis disproportionately affects disabled people, who often face additional barriers to securing suitable accommodation. While government initiatives like Kāinga Ora (Housing New Zealand) aim to provide accessible social housing, the demand far outweighs the supply, leaving many individuals on long waiting lists.

Ultimately, Sarah De Launay’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for change. Her hard-won victory is overshadowed by the knowledge that countless other disabled New Zealanders continue to struggle with inadequate and inaccessible housing. Enforceable accessibility standards are not just desirable; they are essential for creating a truly inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and independence. De Launay’s voice, amplified by her story, adds significant weight to the ongoing calls for action from disability advocates and promises to keep this vital issue in the national conversation.

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