Submissions

To: Wellington City Council
Date: November 2024

Purpose

The submission’s core purpose is to ensure that the precinct's final design and construction explicitly incorporate Universal Design (UD) standards and SOS (safe, obvious, and step-free) principles. This is aimed at creating a truly inclusive and accessible environment for everyone, particularly disabled people, thereby addressing existing accessibility barriers in public spaces. DPA also used the opportunity to highlight the crucial need for consultation materials themselves to be accessible to all community members, including those with print disabilities or sensory impairments.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA expressed support for the WCC's aspiration to create an accessible precinct for both disabled and non-disabled people. A foundational recommendation from DPA is that the precinct's final design and construction must integrate Universal Design (UD) standards and strictly adhere to SOS (safe, obvious, and step-free) principles to ensure genuine inclusive accessibility for all. This aligns with DPA's broader mission to drive systemic change for the equity of disabled people.
However, DPA raised significant concerns regarding the existing infrastructure and the consultation process itself. Members reported that the current City to Sea Bridge already presents accessibility challenges due to its overly steep slopes and many steps, underscoring the urgent need for any future connection to the harbour to be universally accessible. A critical finding was that the consultation documents for this project were inaccessible to some of DPA's disabled members, specifically blind and Deafblind individuals, which prevented their participation. DPA emphasized that ensuring accessibility in all consultation processes, including information dissemination, is paramount for genuine public engagement.
 
DPA provided several detailed recommendations for the precinct's development. For any new bridge connecting the precinct to the harbour, it must be step-free and embody universal design principles, including features like tactile strips for blind and low vision people and adequate lighting for safety at night. The inclusion of viewing areas and seating for rest, without impeding pedestrian flow, was also recommended to accommodate individuals with mobility or energy limitations. Regarding the precinct's green spaces, DPA advocated for them to be universally accessible, incorporating UD principles, with signage that includes QR codes linking to information in accessible formats such as NZ Sign Language, large print, Braille, and audio. Pathways should be wide enough for all users, and sufficient lighting is crucial for safety and accessibility after dark.
Further recommendations pertained to essential amenities and overall precinct functionality. DPA called for sufficient shelter in Civic Square and ample seating throughout the precinct to provide spaces for rest and socialisation. Mobility parking was identified as a vital component, with DPA recommending an increase in these spaces within easy reach of the precinct, particularly noting the impact of the Wellington Public Library's closure on accessible parking availability. The provision of accessible and well-signed toilets throughout the precinct was also deemed necessary, reflecting the needs of a growing and ageing population. Lastly, DPA suggested making the Jack Ilott Green more fully accessible to ensure universal enjoyment.

 
Key Recommendation:

That the Te Ngākau Precinct's final design and construction explicitly incorporate Universal Design (UD) standards and SOS (safe, obvious, and step-free) principles to ensure genuinely inclusive accessibility for all people.
 
Supporting Statement 1:

"DPA members who commented on this submission have said that the existing City to Sea Bridge has not fully met accessibility requirements, with overly steep slopes and many steps.".
 
"All green spaces must be accessible for all people, including disabled people and be designed according to UD principles. This includes, for example, that signage about any plants and other features include a QR code that links to the information in accessible formats such as NZ Sign Language, large print, Braille and audio formats to enable everyone to enjoy and learn more about these spaces.".