The city council say it is aware of these concerns and will put in place measures to improve accessibility.
Spreydon-Cashmere Community Board chairwoman Karolin Potter said wheelchair access at the venue is not good enough and the rest of the board agrees.
Ms Potter brought to the board a wheelchair user’s concerns about having trouble seeing when they use the wheelchair seating areas at the venue to watch sport.
For wheelchair users, Ms Potter said: “The fence around the field is at their eyeline or just below it, so you’re either looking through wire netting or you’re looking at the fence post along the top rail.”
Ms Potter who used to work for the Human Rights Commission said this is not good enough.
“My experience over the years is that we fail and fail and fail again on the issue of disability access. Nga Puna Wai is brand new and this made me feel more angry than I could possibly discuss with you about this issue. It’s just outrageous.”
The board has asked city council staff to investigate accessibility issues at Nga Puna Wai, including introducing space for spectators in wheelchairs to have an unobstructed view of the sports fields.
Said city council manager of recreation and sports facilities David Bailey: “We value the concerns and have investigated one complaint about the hockey wheelchair spectator area not being accessible. In this instance, the limited access was due to temporary fencing incorrectly closing off the area. The issue was rectified on the same day.”
Ms Potter said some of the wheelchair seating at Nga Puna Wai is separated from the other spectator areas with little shelter from the elements.
Said Mr Bailey: “Within the covered spectator seating for hockey there are dedicated spaces at the top of the stand for people who use wheelchairs. Fixed seats are below this viewing platform for other spectators. The covered seating provides some protection from the weather, specifically rain. The rear and sides of the stand provide some wind protection.”
Ms Potter said accessibility and inclusiveness at the facility has to be improved.
“The premise is, is that everything we do should be just like an open door, it should be built for everyone.”
Mr Bailey said the city council’s current plans to improve accessibility at Nga Puna Wai will involve installing “improved signage directing wheelchair users to the accessible viewing stands.”
