Access for all at Waitōharuru / Tarawera Landing
While Waitōharuru/Tarawera Landing is nearly fully accessible across the whole reserve, there are many other public spaces and services around the district that cater for people with disabilities:
- New accessible facilities at Rotorua Lakefront, Acacia Road Reserve, Boyes Beach and Te Pūtake O Tawa.
- Accessible fishing access at the Waiteti Stream mouth
- Formed walking path at Waikawau/Hannahs Bay Reserve (under development)
- Whakarewarewa Forest Loop accessible for adaptive mountain bikers
- Trailrider at Rotorua Redwoods
- Poolpod accessibility lift at Rotorua Aquatic Centre
- Free access to City Ride busses for people with an Accessibility Concession
“We’re fortunate to have one of our team members representing Rotorua Lakes Council on the Accessible Outdoors Working Group,” says Mr Pitkethley. “The group is working with Recreation Aotearoa to develop accessibility standards and advice for providers of tracks and associated infrastructure outdoors, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the guidance helps us improve the spaces that our community loves.”
At a national level, Central Government is working to address and remove barriers faced by people with disabilities through the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill. The Bill has been introduced to Parliament and if passed, would enhance the accountability and co-ordination across public service and Government organisations and will help to build knowledge and awareness about the importance of addressing accessibility barriers.
Find out more about the Waitōharuru/Tarawera Landing redevelopment here.