Tauranga Council Building

• The main entrance and pathway provide step-free access.
• Designated drop-off and pick-up points are available within 20 metres of the main entrance, with a 5-minute time limit.
• Taxis and rideshare vehicles can drop passengers off near the entrance.
• Public transport (bus) is available within 50-100 metres of the venue's entrance, though wheelchair accessibility of these stops is uncertain.
• The pathway to the entrance is mostly smooth with a gentle slope, but does not have tactile ground surface indicators.
• Clear signage for the main entrance may be obstructed or faded.
• The main entrance features automatic doors and a wheelchair-accessible reception desk.
• While the main entrance is step-free, pathways to a secondary entrance or cafe may involve stairs, and side doors are not always open for public use.

• A clearly marked designated quiet area (wellness room) is available, along with a prayer room and parents room.
• The venue does not play music or have areas with strong scents during operating hours.
• Participants can easily remove themselves from activities if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.
• Staff are able to intervene quickly if audiovisual systems may induce seizures or be distressing.
• However, the venue does not offer a wide range of sensory experiences or stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.
• Closed captions, subtitles, Sign Language interpretation, audio descriptions, and hearing loops are not consistently available for events or activities.

• The venue hosts events and activities, some of which utilise audiovisual equipment.
• Events are held in environments suitable for visitors who are blind or have low vision (with even, non-slip flooring and unobstructed pathways).
• Events are also suitable for visitors who are deaf or have limited hearing (with clearly displayed signs or graphics) and for neurodiverse visitors.
• A designated breakout room or quiet space is available for visitors during events.
• Visitors can easily remove themselves from events if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.
• Community events may have NZSL interpreters, but council-hosted workshops might not.
• However, closed captions, subtitles, Sign Language interpretation, or audio descriptions are not generally available for video content in events.
• The ability to adjust the temperature of all indoor venues for controlled room temperatures is not available, though weather control (closing doors/windows) is possible.

• All staff have received training on accessibility and inclusion for visitors.
• Staff are aware of accessible features and services and are able to provide assistance when needed.
• Accessibility inclusion training is provided to staff annually.
• The organisation partners with accessibility initiatives such as Hidden Disability Sunflower, Disability Employers Network New Zealand, and Access Matters.
• A disability employment policy influences hiring, service, and retention practises for all staff.

Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Access

• The main entrance and pathway provide step-free access.
• Automatic doors are available at the main entrance.
• Ramps are available where steps are present, and all ramps are easily navigable.
• All entrances, passageways, and doorways have a minimum width of 0.81 metres.
• The reception desk is accessible for wheelchair users with appropriate height and clear approach.
• Accessible evacuation routes are available throughout the building.

Accessible Parking

• Designated and clearly-marked accessible parking spaces are available.
• Sufficient room for transferring to wheelchairs, powerchairs or mobility scooters is provided.
• Accessible parking spaces offer level entry or a curb cut, and are located within 50 metres of the main entrance.
• The car park is well-lit at night and is part of a larger parking structure.
• The parking structure entrance has a minimum height of 2.2 metres.
• There are no steps, curbs, or obstructions separating the parking space from the structure's nearest exit.
• Please note, some accessible spaces at the back of the parking lot may require navigating the outside of the building to reach the front door.
• One additional accessible, paid parking space is located immediately outside the building, but it does not have room for self-transferring.

Accessible Restrooms

• Gender-neutral restrooms are available.
• Accessible restrooms are clearly labelled and can be unlocked by staff in an emergency.
• The accessible restroom door can be opened, locked, and unlocked with one hand.
• The restroom interior is wheelchair accessible with cubicle dimensions of at least 2 metres x 1.6 metres.
• Grabrails are installed, and the toilet is at an accessible height (450-480mm from floor to seat).
• Transfer space for the toilet is available on the right.
• The wash basin, mirror, soap dispenser, and hand drying amenities (paper towels) are all accessible.
• Multiple accessible bathroom stalls are available, with at least one on each level.
• However, there is no emergency call button or alarm accessible from the toilet.

Blindness & Low Vision

• A safe footpath leads to the entrance for people who are blind or experience low vision.
• Tactile ground surface indicators are available at the top of each set of stairs.
• All flooring, including ramps and accessible footpaths, has non-slippery surfaces.
• Emergency alert systems produce both audio and visual warnings.
• Evacuation plans consider individuals with blindness or low vision, and routes are accessible.
• However, the pathway leading to the main entrance does not have tactile ground surface indicators.
• Audio descriptions for video content in events or activities are not available.

Deafness & Limited Hearing

• Evacuation plans take into consideration individuals with deafness or limited hearing.
• Emergency alert systems produce both audio and visual warnings (e.g., an alarm and flashing lights).
• Events are held in environments suitable for visitors who are deaf or experience limited hearing, with clearly displayed signs or graphics.
• New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreters may be available for some community events, but not for all council-hosted workshops.
• Closed captions, subtitles, or Sign Language interpretation are not available for video content in activities or events.
• Hearing loops are not available at this venue.

Neurodiverse Support

• A clearly marked designated quiet area (wellness room) is available, along with a prayer room and parents room.
• Participants can easily remove themselves from activities or events if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.
• Events are held in environments suitable for neurodiverse visitors.
• The venue does not play music through a speaker system or have areas with strong scents or fragrances during operating hours.
• Staff are able to intervene quickly if audiovisual systems may induce seizures or be distressing.
• However, the venue does not offer a wide range of sensory experiences or stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.

Service Animals

• Service animals are welcome on the premises.
• Information regarding whether service animals can access all spaces at this venue is not available.