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
3 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?
  • 91.4% Yes
    91.4% Complete
  • 8.3% No
    8.3% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below!
    0.3% Complete
1012 votes
5 days ago

Kauri Glen Reserve treetop bridge and boardwalk now open!

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

NEWSFLASH: The wait is over and the Kauri Glen Reserve treetop bridge and boardwalk is NOW OPEN to the public! Check it out!

And please join us for our official opening/celebration in a couple of weeks!
➡️ When: 12pm Sunday 28 April
➡️ Where: Kauri Glen Road entrance to Kauri Glen Reserve
➡️ Facebook event: www.facebook.com...
Free BBQ! Walk the new track!

This is a new step-free route between Kauri Glen Road and Tui Glen Road, with a refurbished track (including steps) to Raymond Terrace. The new bridge is around 6 storeys high with a very impressive view of the forest tree tops.
The new tracks, bridge and boardwalk have been built to a standard to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease, which is especially important in this park.
*** Please always clean your shoes, bikes, prams and wheelchairs at the stations. ***

Note: We made the decision to allow public access earlier than expected to prevent further damage to the forest by those who were throwing the fences into the trees 🙁

- Funded by the Kaipātiki Local Board and Natural Environment Targeted Rate.