Submissions

To: Auckland City Council
Date: April 2025

Purpose

The submission’s primary purpose is to ensure that the upgrade incorporates a comprehensive accessibility lens, emphasizing a 'whole-of-journey approach' and 'accessible journeys for all'. DPA aims to advocate for designing the reserve and surrounding infrastructure to be safe, well-connected, and truly inclusive for Auckland's diverse disabled and aging population, including Māori and Pacific disabled people.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Auckland Council Johnson Reserve Upgrade, noting its role within the Tāmaki Regeneration Programme. DPA highlights Auckland’s significant disabled population (14%, or 242,000 people), which is projected to increase with an aging population, underscoring the need for fully accessible, inclusive communities. DPA also acknowledges the high population of Māori and Pacific peoples in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki area, stressing that the role of whānau and aiga (families) must be factored into accessible designs.

DPA references the Waka Kotahi/MR Cagney report on the transport experiences of disabled people, which highlights ongoing accessibility challenges with public transport. This report introduces two key concepts: the 'whole-of-journey approach' (improving access across the entire path of travel) and 'accessible journeys for all' (a transport system providing accessible journeys for everyone). DPA explains that critical points in an accessible journey occur at transitions between built environments (buildings, transport, public spaces), where absent accessible features can "break" the journey. DPA provides anecdotal examples of disabled individuals struggling with inaccessible footpaths and playgrounds.

DPA recommends that Council work with Barrier Free Advisors, architects, and landscape designers to implement these approaches for the Johnson Reserve upgrade.

The submission focuses on ensuring accessibility for all in the reserve, particularly stressing the importance of accessible playgrounds for disabled children, disabled parents, and older family members. DPA provides detailed design recommendations for playgrounds, including inclusive play equipment, varied seating with armrests, wheelchair-friendly tables, universally accessible pathways (free of obstructions), sufficient mobility parking, fully accessible public toilets and showers, wheelchair-user-friendly drinking fountains, and shade structures.

In terms of community inclusion, DPA notes Auckland Council's guidelines on shared spaces had disability input. However, DPA expresses concern about the increasing number of e-scooters blocking pathways or being ridden dangerously, forcing disabled people off pathways and increasing their personal transport costs. DPA recommends that Council investigate the impact of e-scooters on the disability community. DPA also advocates for the inclusion of disabled people in all aspects of community life, including artistic, cultural, sporting, and social events, and recommends consulting with Māori and Pacific disabled people's organizations regarding cultural events in the area.

Key Recommendation/Finding:

That the following design features be included: playground should have more inclusive play equipment installed with the mixture of nature-inspired play elements and themed structures, thereby giving every child the opportunity to participate in play.

Supporting Statement 1:

“…inclusive playground design incorporates accessibility but goes a step further. As the name says, it creates inclusive play experiences for children of all abilities. Inclusive equipment like universally designed swings or see-saws can be used by all children, breaking down barriers and promoting social benefits.”

Supporting Statement 2:

“Most facilities can be made welcoming and be used by everyone. Good physical design is an imperative for new facilities. Accessible spaces and places may allow you to ‘get there’ - but inclusivity means you want to stay and participate. Much of a person’s experience of place is created by those managing the facility.”