Monday 16 August 2010
Disaster planning DVD designed for deaf
Civil Defence Minister John Carter has today launched a DVD designed to give potentially life-saving advice on emergency planning to the deaf and hearing impaired.
"Deaf Aotearoa has collaborated with the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management to produce this valuable resource," Mr Carter said.
It is estimated that about 10 percent of New Zealand's population have hearing difficulties of some degree.
Information is provided in New Zealand Sign Language and is also captioned.
"Public education is essential to ensure New Zealand is resilient to the number of natural hazards we are vulnerable to including earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic activity and weather related emergencies," Mr Carter said.
Disability Issues Minister Tariana Turia said she welcomed the initiative and that it was important to include everyone in safety messages, including people with disabilities.
"This DVD encourages those who are deaf or have significant hearing impairment to plan ahead for their specific requirements in an emergency. It focuses on developing an emergency plan with friends, family and neighbours," Mrs Turia said.
"It also provides valuable advice to those who may be caring for someone with a hearing impairment, encouraging them to plan ahead and build a support network to help in an emergency."
"We all need to be prepared and know what to do when disaster strikes," Mr Carter said.
"The message is simple. All individuals and communities have a responsibility to look after themselves and their loved ones for at least three days, possibly more, until help can get to them.
"This resource is part of a wider public education programme that includes the Get Ready Get Thru website, radio and television advertising, brochures and the What's the Plan Stan? education resource for primary schools.
"The best way to get through an emergency event is to be prepared, and I can't stress that enough."
Thursday 22 July 2010
Amendment eases enduring power of attorney
A change to the enduring power of attorney law finds the balance between protecting rights and dealing with the real-life situations of older people, Senior Citizens Minister John Carter said today.
"Protecting the rights and interests of older people is one of my key priorities," Mr Carter said.
"So I am happy with the recent amendment to the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 that makes it easier for two people to appoint each other their enduring power of attorney.
"This technical amendment addresses an issue that was brought to my attention as a problem, especially for older couples.
"These couples and other mutual appointees can now seek advice and use independent witnesses from the same law firm or trustee corporation.
"Prior to this amendment, each person had to go to a separate law firm or trustee corporation. Many couples had a trusted law firm and were unhappy with this.
"It presented a problem for couples living outside cities in particular, those accessing services in smaller towns that may have only one law firm. That situation left one person having to travel, sometimes considerable distance, to consult someone they didn't know and didn't necessarily feel comfortable with.
"This small amendment provides the essential balance between protecting older people's rights and the reality of dealing with people in real-life situations."
The amendment was effective from 7 July 2010. A full review of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 is set for 2013.
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