Ngunguru to get accessible beach ramp

Published on 10 July 2025

The decision to provide an accessible ramp in Ngunguru is part of a wider Council initiative to make it easier for disabled people to enjoy more beaches in the District. 

After endorsing plans for the ramp at the southern end of Ngunguru’s main beach, we directed staff to draw up a list of other beaches across the District where accessibility could be improved as part of the Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy. 

Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy

The Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy, which we adopted in June 2024, includes the aim for everyone to be able to access popular beaches.

Infrastructure Planning Manager Sarah Irwin said the first part of this work would be to prioritise the beaches that are most popular and can be made accessible. 

“We will work through the prioritisation based on current projects, new projects and the range of accessibility improvements available. We will also work with the disability community on priorities and options.”

This list will be considered for funding in the 2027-2037 Long Term Plan.

Access for disabled and mobility impaired in Ngunguru has been discussed for a long time. Plans developed in the 2000s included accessibility improvements, but the amount of reclamation needed in the marine area meant a resource consent could not be approved. 

Since then, Council, hapū and local community members have agreed on a new set of improvements at the northern end of the beach. 

Contractors have replaced the old rock wall and installed new, wide steps with a centre handrail, but the new steps do not meet all accessibility needs. 

We are now applying for consents for the new ramp and will finalise costs before starting construction.