New Zealand has been a key player in the creation of a UN disabled rights convention and the Human Rights Commission wants us to lead the way in integrating it.

The treaty has been adopted by the UN General Assembly.

The Human Rights Commission says New Zealand ambassador Don MacKay gained worldwide admiration for the way he managed negotiations.

It says the challenge is now to ensure our domestic performance matches our international leadership.

Chief commissioner Rosslyn Noonan says there are several areas where New Zealand is falling down, a key one being access to public transport.