This section contains information for the disabled sector of the community. It includes links to maps of facilities in the Whangarei district and information about services offered to the community.
Updated:
16/01/2012 2:16 p.m.
Disability Sector Reference Group (DSRG)
The Disability Sector Reference Group (DSRG) was established some four years ago as a point of reference for WDC to the disability sector. During this time the group has made significant progress in highlighting and addressing matters which directly affect the disabled community, some of which include:
- the improved access way to the aquatics centre
- the increased provision of disabled car parks around Whangarei
- the working parking permit for those with a disability
- increased collaboration between local private/public sectors to better accommodate the needs of everyone in the community.
DSRG members and representation
Following the call for new members in January 2011, four new people have been appointed to the group thereby broadening the disability sector's representation within the Whangarei area.
New members welcomed on board include:
- Elinor Niha - president of DPA (Disabled Person Assembly) Whangarei. Elinor brings with her personal and professional experience of disability and is currently increasing her formal professional development within this area.
- Sue Baker - Arthritis NZ, Service Coordinator Whangarei Branch. Sue is a well known entity and spokesperson of the Arthritis community as well as other groups functioning in Whangarei with a proven record in advocacy and facilitation within this area.
- Gloria White - community worker within the area of disability. Gloria has a broad understanding of and experience with those with impairments and has demonstrated herself to be an advocate and facilitator for the disabled community.
- Alana Best - Deaf Association Aotearoa (Whangarei Branch). Alana has personal and professional experience of disability, herself being profoundly deaf. Alana is fluent in NZSL, New Zealand's third official language. She has numerous roles within this field and will be a long awaited asset to the group.
The existing team includes: Jonny Wilkinson, Chairperson (Tiaho Trust), Doretta Clements (Blind Foundation), Mhairi Collins (Brain Injury Association), Valerie Wong (representing CCS), Marlene Jamieson (representing Idea Services), Noel Mathews (CEO Whangarei NorthAble), Sue Glen (WDC Councillor), and Jeni Claris (representing RDA, Riding for Disabled).
The diversity of the DSRG reflects that of our 'disabled' community and the DSRG's ultimate aim is to better 'enable' all.
The course of action to best effect change in areas concerning disability, is to take up the subject/matter with your representative on the DSRG. If you are unsure of who to speak to, you can always contact WDC's Sector Liaison Officer.
Disability Sector Reference Group - Terms of Reference [52kb]
Disability Access
There are a number of carparks and public toilets with disability access in Whangarei. Council has produced a map of their locations which is available from:
- i-site information centre.
- Whangarei District Council – Customer Services.
- Central Library in Whangarei.
- Citizens' Advice Bureau.
- Disability Services Providers – NorthAble, Tiaho.
Follow the link below to view an accessibility map of services and facilities in Whangarei.
Accessibility Map [119.2kb]
Disability Working Parking Permit
A parking permit is available to those who have a CCS mobility card and who work in Whangarei. The permit enables the user to park at a location close to their work during their normal work hours for the duration of their working day. The permit must be displayed and used during those hours the user is employed.
Disability Working Parking Permit Application [29.8kb]
For further information about parking and transport services for the disabled in Whangarei, follow the links below.
Parking Public Transport
Sign Language Service
This service is provided by the Whangarei Deaf Association
Phone: +64 9 4374022
Email: taniamdavidson@gmail.com
Contacts
Whangarei District Council
Phone: +64 9 430 4200
NorthAble Disability Resource Centre
Phone: +64 9 430 0988
Fax: 09 438 9468
Website: www.northable.org.nz
Whangarei Deaf Association
Phone: +64 9 437 2022
Fax: 09 437 2028
TIAHO Trust (Disability led organisation)
Phone: +64 9 430 3406 or 0800 430 3406
Email: info@tiaho.org.nz
Website: www.tiaho.org.nz