Auckland City confirms commitment to disabled access at Matiatia wharf
Auckland City Council has reinforced the benefits of the Matiatia passengers ferry terminal upgrade by including greatly
improved disability parking and related services.
Since the start of the work on Waiheke Island in June, alternative mobility parking spaces have been provided near the
old wharf. This temporary situation has not been ideal and Council has proposed the following enhanced solutions as soon
as the terminal is completed: disabled permit holders will be able to ring to make all necessary arrangements before
coming to the terminal. They can book a wheel chair and a special escort to help if required in addition, permit holders
are able to ring if they require access to the wharf at the keyhole end of the wharf, three new parking spaces can be
used by those with a severe disability.
Longer term: disabled parking will be moved to the current rental cars’ location. Spaces will be wider and more
practical for those with wheelchairs. It will provide an extra drop off point with slightly extended times for greater
convenience.
“We’ve improved both the disabled car parks and drop off zones,” says Councillor Greg McKeown, Transport Committee
chairperson. “Council staff met with Coalition for Disability Services to discuss possible alternatives as it is
important to ensure that good access is given to all. We believe that the parking options, automatic sliding doors and
escort services provided are a huge improvement on the past.”
These improvements are in concert with Auckland City’s endorsement last July 2003 of the Disability Framework for
Action, which sets out its proposals to become more disability aware across all its operations. The framework aims to
make the city more accessible to the 56,000 Aucklanders who have a disability.
Work on the upgraded terminal should be finished by the end of this year.