Building Code, Residential Tenancies Act, and governmental regulatory frameworks e) ensure that key features of housing (e.g. habitability, affordability, accessibility, security of tenure) are given sustained and systematic attention f) accelerate universal design so there is increased supply of housing suitable for people of all abilities and stages of life, including disabled people13 g) ensure an increase in accessible housing h) improve access to home ownership, and other forms of secure housing, for everyone i) eliminate homelessness14 j) hold central and local government, and other duty-bearers, accountable for their responsibilities arising from the right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti. Guideline 7: The right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti empowers individuals, hapū, iwi and communities in their engagement with central and local government; helps policy makers strengthen their housing initiatives; and helps ensure that housing commitments are honoured. Limitations and annual reviews 29. By outlining what the right to a decent home, grounded on Te Tiriti, means in the unique context of Aotearoa, the Guidelines provide a framework for respectful relationships, multiple partnerships and effective collaboration across the country. 30. The Guidelines do not aim to provide an assessment of the right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti i.e. they do not collate evidence and make evaluations. But the Guidelines will help stakeholders make such assessments in the future. Neither are they comprehensive, nor a detailed tool kit on how to operationalise the right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti. The Guidelines are a framework for this and other mahi in the future. 31. The Guidelines did not begin with a blank page, they are located within the parameters provided by New Zealand’s international human rights agreements and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Where appropriate they refer to existing housing codes in Aotearoa, such as Healthy Homes Standards. They draw from a wide range of national and international experience and literature. The Guidelines will be reviewed and, as necessary, revised every 12 months. Guideline 8: The right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti is a framework on which everyone who is committed to tackling the housing crisis can build respectful relationships, multiple partnerships and effective collaboration. Section 1: Introduction 17