Captions by James Brown. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. - Tonight, the number plates that have police worried. - All I wanna know is, why are they still selling something that doesn't work? - Plus, we continue our fight for accessibility... - All we want, really, is just a fair go. - ...and ask what those at the top are going to do about it. - So, does National have a vision or plan to change that? www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2023 - Tena koutou katoa. Welcome to the show. Now, the fate of roughly a quarter of the population will lie in the hands of the new minister in charge of accessibility. - Because that's how many people are either disabled now or will be at some point in lives. Now, we've had some wins during our Limitless campaign, but it's clear what's needed is systemic change. - Yes, so we took these concerns to the top. - Kaitlin went to National for their plan. But first Gill, with someone at the heart of the campaign. - Just look at the land we live in. Wild. - New Zealand is Neverland. (CHUCKLES) - And free. Though not so free if you have a disability. - Every single day you face a barrier. - Juliana Carvalho campaigns to remove those barriers. - I'm a rhino. I'm a very strong, fierce rhino that just, whenever I have an obstacle, I just put my horn down. I think there's some really pressing issues like access to housing. - She's helped Kaity and me with our Fair Go Limitless campaign. We looked at other people's problems. Now I get a glimpse of hers, complete with her favourite pick-me-up, Red Bull. - I have gin as well. - Maybe not now. After we finish. - After we finish. - This one room, where she lives, tells her story. - That was before the injury. When I was 19 years old, I suddenly felt unwell. I went to hospital walking, and in 48 hours my body was totally paralysed. I had a massive inflammation in my spinal cord. Yeah, my life changed. - Changed? Yes. But stopped? No. She became an author,... - That was for promote the book. - ...a TV presenter. - The other one, I'm paragliding with the TV show. I took this life-changing event into the biggest opportunity of my life. - But it's not how others took it. - On day one that I sat in a wheelchair, I realised that many rights that I took for granted just disappeared. Yet I'm still the same person. - Juliana ` the unable-to-walk version ` had to fight to join her able-bodied family in Aotearoa from Brazil. - It took me a seven-year-long battle with Immigration NZ to be able to stay in New Zealand and get residency, because I'm disabled. - She had to fight for somewhere in Tauranga to live. - I couldn't find any rental that was accessible. - She settled for this room at her brother's. It had a ramp but no accessible bathroom. - I had to shower in the porch. Like, I had a hose attached to the wall. - Now she has this portable shower inside. - Very expensive shower. - She's very grateful she got financial help for it. - But it's public money that could be put towards making things accessible in first place. - We're only together a few hours, but the brakes on her life are easy to see. - Who was the genius that forgot to put the ramp here? - That's quite something, yeah. - I just wanna go to the pub and just go through the front door, not having to, 'Do you have a back door so I can come in?' I wanna go to the gym and not hear that, 'Oh, sorry, there's nothing we can do, because the classes are upstairs and there's no lift. I wanna just push my niece on the swing in the playground. And, well, now she's a little bit bigger, she can do it, but I remember she was like, 'Can you push me?' And I just couldn't. That's far as I can go, again. - And this in a city where the council has improved accessibility and says it's committed to reducing physical barriers further. But it has established there's room for improvement, in a survey. It shows, compared with the general population, disabled people are twice as likely to have little or no contact with friends and family; they're more likely to feel alone; and they're twice as likely to be homeless. And, like Juliana, they'd probably really like to go to the beach. - This is one of my biggest frustrations. - She needs to get across soft sand to reach the miles of hard sand which her wheelchair can handle. Another mat, like the two in other locations, would be great. - I actually feel a little bit emotional, to be honest, cos it is a big deal for me. Imagine, like, if you come this close, and then someone just stops you and says, 'Gill, you cannot go further.' - Physical barriers. Policy problems. - They disable you. They make you feel like you don't belong or you're not welcome or you cannot. And we can change that. - Businesses can change that, like this great local cafe. No steps, no narrow doors, so Juliana meets some friends here. They start by describing to Sarah, who's sight-impaired, who else is present. - Mel Gibson, in his early days? Oh, I'm sitting next to someone smooth, then. - Our lookalike does see progress. - Like, I think the world is getting better, if you've got good people ` you know, good people in the council or whatever. But they have don't have any guidance from above. There is no standard. - So, again, nowhere to rent. - So some of us are reasonably well-off, but you still can't get a rental ` you can afford them, but you just can't find one that works. - For Sarah, it's accessible public toilets. - They're locked. And there's a little notice saying the code number to tap into a keypad to get in. Now, I couldn't see to read the notice. Neither of you two could get in there. You could read the code, but the code is way up here. - So at this pre-election forum in September, with politicians lined up, the new Accessibility Bill was a hot topic. Juliana had worked to get meaningful change for years. But Labour's final proposal suggested an advisory committee. It could try to convince other ministries to make changes but had no enforcement power itself. - The lack of enforceable standards was probably the big thing. - You know, you give your blood and your tears and your sweat. It feels... heart-breaking. - Like, disabled people, we already have lots of ways that we keep giving feedback, and nothing happens. - We put their concerns to the then Minister of Disability. What they're saying is we want something where we know that we're gonna be supported and backed, and that we've got something to say, look, this is a regulation ` you have to stick to this. - Look, I agree that legislation is required. All of those things can be changed through the Accessibility Bill, because the committee will have the power to break down what are the areas that require change? - And you may believe that, but why do so many groups and so many people feel completely disenchanted with the bill as it is? - It's not about government wanting to shy away from responsibility. It's about what's actually going to work. The recommendations are tabled in the House, and then communities, through that committee, can then hold the government of the day to account. - And it's a new government to deal with, but right now the same old problems. Anyone for an accessible taxi? - Uh, tonight, 8pm. - And how about having the right equipment to get on a flight seat with dignity? - I'm so exhausted, honestly. I'm so exhausted, and I just want to be able to go home. - She does get home. And it doesn't take long to get her fighting spirit back. - The only way forward is progress. And this country needs to catch up with the others. - It's tough, right? And you and Gill have done a great job of highlighting some of the issues that so many people face. - But still such a little snapshot. - Yes. - E haere ake nei, coming up ` what does National plan to do to improve accessibility? - Tragically, it was a waste of everybody's time and I think very disappointing for the disability sector. - Plus, the number plates that have police worried. - You had one job! - Kia ora. Nau mai, hoki mai. Welcome back. Well, we have just heard from Juliana, who fights tirelessly for the kind of access able-bodied people take for granted. - Things like playgrounds, sports games, car parks ` blocked in baffling ways, which Gill and I heard about time and time again. So as part of our Limitless campaign, I took these issues to National's spokesperson for Disability Issues. We like to find the wins where we can on Fair Go. Basketball NZ wants to give you a free ticket to its next event. (CAREFREE MUSIC) In our Limitless series, we've backed Kiwis wanting to get on with their lives. Like Jack in Christchurch,... - Good lad. - ...who was told he'd have to spend three times more for a ticket to a Tall Blacks game because he needed a wheelchair space. Basketball NZ promised to improve prices for accessible seating for future events. - All we want, really, is just a fair go. - Dorothy can now take her mobility scooter on the bus in Invercargill... - Thank you. - ...after being refused entry if she didn't pack it up and walk it on. Waka Kotahi updated its guidelines so it's the same rules, no matter where you are in the country. - That's what I was aiming for. - We met 16-year-old Liam in Hamilton, a city where only one in every 1000 people get a ticket for blocking footpaths with their cars. - What's more important ` your car being hit or someone risking their life? - His petition to clamp down on drivers has now got thousands of signatures. And Ethan and Ollie can look forward to spending more time at the playground, after sharing how hard it is to reach this basket swing when you've got muscular dystrophy. - Me getting him in, it's not easy any more. - Auckland Council is going to lower it and look at putting in back support. But it's hard to chalk any of these up as victories, when they're the basic rights we should all expect. - How many people are going with same problems, and there is no systemic solution for the problem? That's what we need. We need to have our rights in writing, you know? - Otherwise we might as well be watching a Fair Go re-run. Take one of the issues we've covered as an example ` parking in a mobility space without a permit. Uh, that's a no. At the time, we were warned... - Until there are some concrete changes made, not just lip service, um, you know, same same, different day. - Like a day, say, 25 years ago. That's how far back TVNZ's tapes go on the issue. Throughout the years, it seems nothing's changed. - They didn't seem deterred. - Which brings us back to the 'same same' present day. - Do you know that you're parked in a mobility parking space? Even if you're 'just' a minute, the harm is actual, and it's real. - And it happened in front of our eyes,... - No change. - ...while meeting up with Claire Dale, who's been working on a way to stop the behaviour. Why do you think the outcome hasn't changed in that time? - Because the New Zealand Government refuses to legislate. - And that's what it's gonna take? - That's what it's gonna take. - She's spent the past two years on a petition to increase fines and make mobility parking enforceable on publicly used property like supermarkets and shopping malls. - And I decided that I would work on that until it made a difference. - She got her petition through the doors of Parliament and into the hands of politicians on a select committee. That sounds like a victory. - Well, it felt huge at the time. And I thought, 'Yes! We're making headway.' And, um, here we are. - A report was written up. - Words in the wind. Nothing at all. It was a whole bunch of words that make no appreciable difference in the lives of anybody that's mobility impaired. - It made suggestions, like... and running a public awareness campaign. - Without enforcement, there will be no change. Public education campaigns have come and gone. Nothing's gonna change without enforcement. - Supermarkets and retailers say they're not aware it's a major problem, because they say they don't receive many complaints. - But generally speaking, it's not seen as a specific issue. It hasn't been raised with us by our membership. - Businesses shared concerns about how enforcement would 'affect the customer experience'. And they didn't want to be seen as the only venue taking a stricter approach, in case it put people off from shopping with them. So if the right to access places and parking can do a lap of the Beehive and leave one wondering, how will any accessibility barriers be broken? (APPLAUSE) Bring in the party that now has the power to make a difference. National's Maureen Pugh has been spokesperson for Disability and Carers and has watched stories from our series. - I know a girl who, if she can't park where she needs to park, she actually just drives home and cries and then doesn't do whatever it is, whether it be swimming, shopping, visiting somebody. - Maureen was also on the select committee for the Accessibility Bill. Her party says it needs a do-over. - Tragically, it was a waste of everybody's time and I think very disappointing for the disability sector. - Why does the way it's designed not actually improve accessibility outcomes? - The Bill is designed to have a committee set up to advise the Minister. And my argument is that you don't need legislation to set up a committee. - She agrees with the criticism that it's missing actual regulation. - There's nothing that makes it obligatory for the Minister to listen to the advisory group. There's no timelines attached to anything that may be implemented. - National does see how enforceable standards could work. - There are very good models around the world where we could have adopted some of that. - So does National have a vision or plan to change that? - Sadly, we're in this very strange hiatus at the moment, Kaitlin. We can't make any plans about the future just yet. Give us a few weeks, and we may be in a better position. - But if you could have it your way, would you push for enforceable standards? - Well, I'm part of a bigger team, so, you know, we'll be guided by the combined wisdom of our whole team. - And hopefully guided by those who know the most about making life Limitless. Hopefully there will be fewer musical chairs with the new minister too, because that role will have had four different people in it in the space of two years. - Yeah, that's tough. E haere ake nei, coming up ` the number plates with a troubling flaw. - There's a big problem with the black plates that are on the road at the moment, Garth. - What's that? - They don't work! - ALL: Hooray! - Hip hip! - Hooray! - Happy birthday, mate. - It's your bowel screening test. I've done mine. - WOMEN: Me too! - Uso, you've got this! # Pull the stick from the test. # Put it in the poo. Just follow the pictures... - Koro. You can 'poo' it! - # Put it in the pottle. Put on the date. # Don't delay or procrastinate. (ALL CHEER) # Early detection can save the day. # - Kia ora. Nau mai, hoki mai. welcome back. Do you want a chance to beat speed cameras or dodge paying tolls? Well, Fair Go might have stumbled on the answer ` black number plates. - Of course, we don't endorse breaking the law. So why can you still buy them? And how did they pass the test in the first place? Here's Garth with the details. - Have a guess what this licence plate says. Or this one. With the headlights off? Much better. This is a problem. It will take some explaining. Our journey begins in ad land, takes us past some speed cameras that might not be able to spot you, to Hamilton, and a passionate motorist called Ross. - I think black plates are a fantastic idea, and people should be able to have black plates. But the public have the right to be able to read those numbers at night-time. - You can have any colour, as long as it's black. More than a century ago, that was what Ford was telling customers. Ross Smith is still buying that. But until recently, you couldn't buy black plates to match your black BA Falcon. - Nice plate. I made it myself. - You made it yourself? I did, yeah. About 12 years ago. - Are you allowed to do that? - I've had a few tickets. (BOTH LAUGH) - No tickets lately for Ross for his plates, because you can now buy black plates ` from Kiwi Plates. - There's a big problem with the black plates that are on the road at the moment, Garth. - What's that? - They don't work! When you're following a car with your lights on at night, the black becomes white and obliterates the lettering. - He says it's not a problem for this DIY plate. The black here is a simple gloss paint. Not so on new ones from Kiwi Plates. Let's go back to that car park. We had to check it our for ourselves, so we found a driver who was willing to co-operate. He has those black plates. And take a look ` now you see it, now, not so much. Now, showing you show how hard it is to read that plate right now is difficult on TV, because the human eye and the camera see things slightly differently. We tried another vehicle ` same result. And for comparison, notice the white plate on the other car ` clear as day with or without lights. Black number plates used to be everywhere, and not just because everything was filmed in black and white. These were standard from 1964. Reflectorised white plates replaced them from 1986. And the new black arrived last year. - I emailed Kiwi Plates, and I said there's a bit of a problem here. You know, 'Our plates have been through rigorous testing 'and they passed all the camera tests and all that sort of thing.' So I thought, that's a bit of a fob-off. You still can't read the plate, and the public have a right to be able to read a plate to report a vehicle that's been doing something illegal or maybe knocked you off your bike or something like that. And so that's when they admitted that they had some readability issues. - Ross is also motivated by his journey, by his DIY plates. - They've got far more technology than I had at the time. And, you know, I'd say to the guy at Kiwi Plates, 'Mate, you had one job!' (DANCE MUSIC) - But there's more than one guy involved. Kiwi Plates' ultimate owner is a French multinational called Publicis Groupe, one of the world's biggest advertising companies ` It also owns Saatchi, which made this flash ad for the new black plates. - Now available in black. - You won't have seen it lately, because Waka Kotahi has told Fair Go that all marketing for black plates has ceased while it looks into what Ross and Fair Go have learned. - Both the agencies have recognised that they have readability issues. So why are they still selling them? - Despite approving the black plates, Waka Kotahi has since discovered its own toll road cameras can sometimes struggle to read them. It gets worse. Police have told Fair Go that in certain conditions some speed cameras can't get a clear shot of the plates either. And Police have also reported difficulties trying to eyeball them. - It has resulted in not being able to identify vehicles for some traffic safety camera-detected incidents ` speed and red-light ` and delays in officers being able to accurately read vehicle number plates in some situations. - There are roughly 48,000 of these on the road. Waka Kotahi says,... - The readability issues are thought to affect a relatively small subset of these. - And all I want to know is, why are they still selling something that doesn't work? - Kiwi Plates asked us to direct our questions to Waka Kotahi, which told us... - The testing currently being undertaken by Waka Kotahi will determine the exact nature of the problem, the number of plates likely to be affected, and whether or not any plates will need to be replaced. - Police noticed the speed-camera issue last month and raised it with Waka Kotahi. But the regulator has admitted to Fair Go that police began raising concerns in May about readability to the human eye in certain conditions. So that's six months Waka Kotahi has known the black plates have problems. Whether it's personalised, customised or stock standard, a plate has to make the car uniquely identifiable to others. If others are struggling to read that plate, surely that's a pretty big fail. - I have to say, I'm a bit gobsmacked that these licence plates, I'm assuming, had rigorous testing but are kind of fundamentally flawed. - Waka Kotahi says any recall should not cost the owners of the plates, but can't say if the company or the taxpayer would foot the bill. - Right, that's it from us. But if you only caught part of the show, you can catch all of it on the Fair Go page on TVNZ+. - That's right. Our programme is all about you, so please do get in touch. - Yes, you can get us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, go to our webpage ` tvnz.co.nz, email us, or write to us. - Thanks for watching. I will jump off my pedestal now, and go finish my next story. - BOTH: Bye for now. Pomarie.