At Tiaho Trust, we believe that Aotearoa New Zealand should be a place where everyone—regardless of ability—can access and enjoy their community with dignity. To better understand the realities of access and inclusion across Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, we asked members of the public to share their experiences through a recent survey. The response was powerful, honest, and filled with ideas for a better future.
Here’s what we heard.
Who took part in the survey?
We were humbled by the range of people who took the time to respond:
• 35% live with a disability
• 26% are carers
• 14% have a disabled whānau member
• 15% work for businesses or community organisations
• 10% selected “Other”
The voices in this survey are rich in lived experience. They’re voices that deserve to be heard—and acted upon.
Tourism locations: A mixed experience
Tourism spots in Northland were seen by some as welcoming and accessible, with places like Whangārei’s Hātea Loop, Hundertwasser Art Centre, Quarry Gardens, and the Duke of Marlborough singled out for praise.
But others shared the challenges they face:
• Limited or unsafe mobility parking
• Inaccessible footpaths and steep kerbs
• Hotel bathrooms that claim to be accessible, but aren’t
• A lack of activities suitable for neurodivergent young people
• Staff unaware of how to support those with invisible disabilities
As one respondent put it:
“Hotels advertise accessible bathrooms, but few are up to standard.”
Community Spaces: Room to grow
While places like Whangārei Library, Town Basin, the WDC Council Building, and Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia were mentioned as more inclusive, the message overall was that most community spaces are only “somewhat” accessible.
Suggestions included:
- Ramps and level pathways
- Adult changing tables and hoist-equipped bathrooms
- More mobility parking in well-designed locations
- Better signage and seating
- Spaces for sensory regulation and calm
The call was clear: we need more accessible and welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Businesses: Some leading the way
Businesses like Mitre 10, The Warehouse, Mokaba Café, and the Hihiaua Art Centre were celebrated for their access features and respectful service. The most valued aspects of accessibility in commercial spaces were:
• Step-free entrances
• Friendly, trained staff
• Accessible bathrooms
• Clear signage
• Availability of mobility aids
But there’s work to be done. Respondents told us that narrow aisles, poor lighting, and uninformed customer service can make simple outings feel exhausting or unsafe.
The biggest barriers
Across all settings, certain barriers came up again and again:
• Poor or unsafe mobility parking
• Steps and uneven walkways
• Inadequate toilet facilities
• Unhelpful attitudes from staff or the public
• Lack of understanding of invisible disabilities and neurodiversity
“People don’t realise how hard it is to manoeuvre a manual wheelchair in some of these shops.”
Your recommendations for change
The survey didn’t just surface challenges—it also brought forward practical, inspiring solutions. You told us Northland needs:
• Sensory-friendly spaces for people on the autism spectrum
• Beach access mats and equipment at places like Ocean Beach
• Awareness campaigns about unconscious bias and disability
• Better design for public toilets, crossings, and paths
• Stronger enforcement around mobility parking
• A regional map or register showing accessible (and inaccessible) locations
Looking ahead
We hear you. Your voices have given us a clear roadmap for advocacy and action.
At Tiaho Trust, we’re committed to working with local councils, tourism operators, businesses, and the disability community to create a more inclusive Northland. That means listening deeply, planning thoughtfully, and ensuring that people with disabilities are included at every step.
Because access isn’t a privilege—it’s a right.
Ngā mihi nui to everyone who shared their story. Together, we can build a region where everyone thrives.
If you are a business or an organisation interested in improving accessibility and inclusivity in Northland, view our stallholder and sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming Getting Out There EXPO