Disability access a focus for the Summer Festival

The Ruakaka races are always a summer favourite with locals and visitors. Photo / File

Better access for disabled people at events is in the spotlight for Whangarei's Endless Summer Festival.

Venues and Events Whangarei has compiled accessibility information about the 109 events comprising the festival.

"We wanted to provide information to the disability sector, just so the elderly or disabled can look at all the information before deciding if they want to go," said Venues and Events Whangarei marketing manager Rachel O'Gorman.

Held from January to April, the festival boasts a huge range of happenings - including concerts, guided snorkel days and comedy shows, to name a few.

"There really is something for everyone, from arts and community to sports and leisure," she said.

The guide includes icons that show which events have a viewing area for disabled or older persons, disabled carparks within 200m, wheelchair access, disabled toilets and New Zealand sign language interpreters.

Mrs O'Gorman's picks for highlights include the Interislander Summer Festival Ruakaka Races tomorrow, Summer Music Fest on January 10, the Blues versus Chiefs game on January 29, Opera in the Garden on March 14, the Whangarei Fritter Festival on March 28 and the Whangarei Heads Arts Trail on April 4 and 5.

Mrs O'Gorman said the festival was "about providing entertainment to people in the district, and also attracting visitors to our district".

She believed Whangarei was on its way to becoming New Zealand's entertainment hub.

"We are the only sub-tropical region in New Zealand. You can go to a festival here, and then go to the beach," she said.

Venues and Events Whangarei are once again hosting a competition where people who attend the most events receive a double pass to the Whangarei Fritter Festival, which is being headlined by Dave Dobbyn.

There are five double passes up for grabs.

Visit www.venuesandevents whangarei.co.nz.