Capital ‘could do better for disabled’

An Australian who sang the praises of a South Island town for being completely accessible to those with disabilities cannot say the same about Wellington.

This is despite a British travel blogger recently praising the capital as the most wheelchair-friendly city he had visited out of dozens of countries.

Quadriplegic Paul McKenzie felt Wellington was not quite up to the standard of its South Island counterpart Blenheim, which the Perth resident believed was the most accessible town he had ever been to.

The Australian disability advocate said he and his Kiwi wife, Jess, who are travelling with baby Eleven, had found it much harder to find parks, get into shops, and even cross the road in the capital.

‘‘I’m not having a go ... Wellington is good, it’s just not excellent.’’

Before the family travelled from Perth to visit Jess’ home, the couple had to plan weeks ahead to ensure they could get accommodation that catered for McKenzie’s needs.

‘‘Wellington’s just your run-ofthe-mill sort of place. They have done what they had to do, they haven’t gone better and beyond. They haven’t made a huge effort like they have in Blenheim.’’

Earlier this year, travel blogger Anthony William, who writes for the Geordie Traveller website, commented in online British newspaper The Independent that Wellington was one of the easiest places to visit for someone in a wheelchair.

"[Wellington] have done what they had to do, they haven't gone better and beyond." Quadriplegic Paul McKenzie

‘‘Wellington in New Zealand ranks extremely high in terms of ease of access,’’ he reported at the time.

But McKenzie said accessibility in the Kiwi capital needed to be extended for all. For example, disabled car parks should cater for mobility vehicles where a person might get out from either side of the automobile, or the rear.

If councils sought advice from groups representing all disabilities, and then implemented their suggestions, they could do things once, and do them right, he added.

Wellington City Council spokeswoman Victoria Barton-Chapple said it was proud of the city’s generally positive reputation – both here and overseas – for being accessible, but the council was aware it could always do better.

It worked closely with its Accessibility Advisory Group, seeking feedback from people living with impairments, and supported Be Accessible, a social enterprise that helps local groups better assist people with access needs.

Council staff were also working on initiatives to improve access in the capital, including a review of suburban mobility parks.

PHOTO: SCOTT HAMMOND/FAIRFAX NZ Disability advocate Paul McKenzie was not impressed by Wellington during a recent visit with his wife Jess Parker and daughter Eleven.

The Australian says Wellington hasn’t put enough effort into being accessible for people with disabilities, especially when compared to smaller rival Blenheim.