were produced capturing the feedback and
conversations. These were reviewed before being
provided to the Commission and published on
https://theshiftaotearoa.wordpress.com/. This
thematic feedback informed the drafting of the
Guidelines.
The Commission also conducted hui, originally
intended to be run as kanohi ki te kanohi (face to
face) engagements. However, this engagement
had to be adjusted as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic. Meetings were instead conducted
predominately via Zoom with participation by
people from around Aotearoa including the
disabled community.
Consultation on the draft Guidelines
The Guidelines were released as a draft
consultation document on 12 November 2020
and a consultation period ran until Monday 21
December 2020. The Commission welcomed
submissions by email and in person. The
Commission received 32 responses with feedback,
including from local and central government,
advocacy organisations, and individuals. We
42
Human Rights Commission
received feedback both in the form of comments
and track changes to the Guidelines document,
and as broader thematic comments and
submissions.
The Commission also offered the opportunity
to meet via Zoom/Skype to discuss responders’
feedback and answer questions they might
have, and this opportunity was taken up by
several organisations including local and central
government and advocacy groups. The feedback
the Commission received throughout this process
was invaluable in re-drafting and refining the
Guidelines.
Following the consultation period, the
Commission produced a second draft of the
Guidelines which were again provided to Pou
Tangata for their review and comment.
After adoption by the Commission’s Board, the
Guidelines will be reviewed on a regular basis
(every 12 months) to ensure they continue to
remain fit for purpose.