Gisborne disabled crusader calling out drivers illegally parking in mobility spaces

Larni Porou has called out people illegally parking in mobility spaces in Gisborne.

Disabled resident Larni Porou is fed up with people parking illegally in mobility spaces in Gisborne.

Porou, who uses a mobility scooter to get around, said she had seen instances of this at Kaiti Hub and in the city centre.

The vehicles she saw were not displaying a mobility parking permit, she said.

She called them out on Facebook in a post that gained attention locally and nationally.

She spoke of one vehicle she saw parked in a mobility park at the Hub. It did not have a permit displayed, and it appeared the person had parked there to get easier access to takeaway outlets.

She noted other instances of illegal parking in town.

“I’ve looked at the vehicles from the front to double-check they’ve got their mobility card hanging, and most vehicles don’t have one.”

Typically, people with a mobile parking card have it hanging from the mirror or on display on the dashboard of their vehicle.

Porou contacted the council about the issue and said she was also looking at connecting with the owner of Kaiti Hub.

Gisborne District Council said there was a $750 fine nationwide for parking in a mobility space without displaying a valid permit.

“In council‑controlled areas, including on‑street parking and council‑managed carparks, we encourage people to report misuse to us.

“Reports can be made by calling 0800653800 or (06) 8672049, or via the Antenno app. Providing details such as the location, time and vehicle involved (where possible) helps parking officers respond appropriately.”

The process was different for privately owned land.

“Carparks on private property are managed by the landowner or their contracted parking enforcement provider.

“In these locations, [the] council does not usually have enforcement authority. Concerns about misuse of mobility parks should be directed to the property or centre management, who can take action under their own parking management systems.

“In council‑managed areas, enforcement is usually through an infringement notice placed on the vehicle. If the infringement is not paid, follow‑up processes apply in line with national infringement procedures.

“Towing is generally reserved for situations where a vehicle is creating a safety risk or obstruction. Most mobility parking breaches are dealt with through infringement notices, rather than towing.”

Over the past 12 months, the council had issued “approximately 50 infringement notices for mobility parking violations as part of its wider parking compliance work”.

A Gisborne Herald report in June last year said the council issued 141 infringements from October 1, 2024, to May 30, 2025. The story noted the Government had increased the fine from $150 to $750 in 2024.

The council emphasised that mobility parking spaces were “a necessity, not a convenience”.

“They allow people with disabilities or limited mobility to safely access everyday services. Misusing these parks is illegal and can prevent someone from reaching essential appointments or activities.

“Motorists are urged to consider the real impact their parking choices have on others and to always respect mobility parking spaces.”

This sentiment was echoed by Porou.

“At the end of the day, there’s limitations to disabled accessibility throughout the Gisborne region to a degree,” she said. “And, you know, those parks are treasured for those that want independence.”