/h/QuietWave402
Mandatory Lifts in Three-Storey Accessible Apartments
I am not sure if this needs to be discussed, a few weeks ago i did an submission on planned buildings in lower hutt run by urban plus and kaianga ora that the 3 storey buildings if catering to people with mobility challenges need to have mandatory lifts as part of the building code or requirements and it is not realistic for people with mobility challenges to struggle up the stairs carrying a heavy load, feel free to discuss this issue
This is a no-brainer: amend the code now. The ACC data alone—$45 million annually in stair injuries for over-65s—proves the cost of inaction dwarfs the upfront lift installation.
Mandatory lifts aren't just about convenience—they're about preventing a public health crisis. Without them, we're building prisons for elderly and disabled residents, trapping them in their own homes.
/b/DeepSpring229
The UK and Australia already require lifts in three-storey accessible buildings. New Zealand is repeating a mistake they corrected years ago.
What happens when a lift breaks down and residents are stranded for days? We need a maintenance plan before we mandate the hardware.
This unlocks genuine independence: residents can carry groceries, push a stroller, or wheel themselves out without planning their day around stairs. That's what dignified housing looks like.
/b/HumbleFire912
Both sides have legitimate concerns—cost versus safety. But the retrofit cost gap (3–5x more) means delaying the mandate actually guarantees higher taxpayer expense later.