All-terrain chairs open up the outdoors
Horowhenua has become even more accessible and inclusive to people with disabilities, with three all-terrain wheelchairs and two all-terrain walkers now available to use.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says: “I am delighted that people with disabilities will find it easier to enjoy our stunning Horowhenua beaches and scenic areas. Whether living here or just visiting, people with disabilities will be able to more easily immerse themselves in the beautiful surroundings that make Horowhenua special.”
The new equipment, funded by a Lotteries Community Grant, includes two Hippocampe all-terrain beach wheelchairs, a Sandcruiser beach wheelchair and two WheelEEZ allterrain rollators. The mobility aids, which are easily transportable, can be booked free of charge by going to horowhenua.govt.nz/ allterrainwheelchairs
The Levin Aquatic Centre team is available on (06) 368 0070 or levinaquaticcentre@horowhenua. govt.nz to assist with bookings, if needed.
“The all-terrain wheelchairs mean more people can experience the harder-to-reach places Horowhenua is rich in. People with disabilities can enjoy these special places with family and friends — something which would have been impossible in the past,” Mayor Bernie said.
The all-terrain wheelchairs are suited to people of all ages, and are able to be used on surfaces that other wheelchairs can’t access — sand, hiking trails, gravel, grass/turf, snow and cobblestones. Towed, pushed or self-propelled, the wheelchairs offer autonomy to the user, and a support person can also assist with its push bar or traction kit. Balloon wheels on the beach wheelchairs allow users to cross sand, get over obstacles and go right into the sea so they can enjoy the water.
The rollators help people to navigate challenging off-road terrains. The wider polyurethane wheels allow a safer, more stable base.
The wheelchairs were designed by specialist paramedics and were tested by people with restricted mobility. Composed of a thick and hydrophobic foam, the seat does not absorb water and dries quickly. The frame is comfortable to the touch and does not heat up in the sun. Sturdy, safe and comfortable, they can be adapted to a person’s specific needs and requirements.
Horowhenua District Council has a long history of community development and also plays a pivotal advocacy role for the community in relation to social development. The Community and Social Development Action Plan is the vehicle to drive
community wellbeing in Horowhenua.
The plan is informed by the Horowhenua Access and Inclusion Forum and is endorsed by council’s Community Wellbeing Committee. It serves as a guide and work plan for championing access and inclusion across the district.
Horowhenua has several disability-accessible playgrounds, with a wheelchair swing at Levin Adventure Park. Of the 28 standalone public toilets in Horowhenua, 21 are accessible. Its aquatics facilities provide wheelchairs, a chairlift that can provide access into the pool via a seat, sling or hoist for the aqua wheelchair, and changing rooms for people with disabilities. Horowhenua also has a wheelchair-accessible splash pad at Jubilee Park, Levin.