679 days ago

New accessible bathroom in Takapuna gives 'freedom' for those with disabilities

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora neighbours. The opening of a fully accessible bathroom in Takapuna will create inclusion for those who typically feel left out, the mother of a disabled teen says.

The bathroom and changing room opened at Gould Reserve, near Takapuna Beach Reserve and playground, on Monday.

Features of the facility include a height-adjustable adult changing table and sink, a ceiling track hoist, a shower, handrails and a toilet with space on both sides for two carers to assist its user.

Devonport resident Kimberly Graham​, whose 17-year-old son Finlay Butcher​ has athetoid cerebral palsy, previously said a lack of fully accessible bathrooms in New Zealand made it hard for her family to get out and enjoy activities together.

The new bathroom in Takapuna meant the family could catch a bus or ride their bikes to the beach and playground and spend more time there, without worrying about what they would do when Finlay needed to use the toilet, she said.

“The freedom a toilet like this gives is immense," she said.

Click 'read more' for the full story on Stuff.

More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Say goodbye to tyre waste

Tyrewise

About 40% of the 6.5 million tyres Kiwis use every year are recycled, repurposed, or used as tyre-derived fuel. But the rest end up in landfills, stockpiled or dumped.

The good news is now there’s an easy solution to all that tyre waste. It’s called Tyrewise and is New Zealand’s first national tyre recycling scheme.

Tyrewise ensures that tyres in Aotearoa New Zealand are recycled or repurposed properly, saving millions from going to the landfill.

Find out more about the scheme online.
Find out more

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10 hours ago

Anzac Day

The Team from Red Cross Shop Wairau Park

Lest we forget!
As a tribute to Anzac heroes our doors at Red Cross Shop Wairau Park will be closed on 25 April. The rest of the week we are open as usual (Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm)

13/18 Link Drive, Wairau Park

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2 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.8% Yes
    91.8% Complete
  • 7.7% No
    7.7% Complete
  • 0.5% Other - I'll share below!
    0.5% Complete
842 votes