I’ve often thought this is something that could easily change and become a major economic drawcard for the district.
Tourism already plays a big role in Northland, with visitors spending about $1.2 million each year. But it could be bigger, far bigger.
By making our natural attractions accessible, we can cater to all visitors, including the lucrative older tourists. Some 50% of people over the age of 65 have an impairment of one form or another, 75% of those impairments are mobility-related.
It does not require major redevelopment or large-scale investment. A smoother path, clear signage, a viewing point in the right place, or accessible parking that actually connects to where people want to go can completely change how a space is experienced.
Our councils have already started the hard yards. The Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy was developed as a shared project by the four councils of Te Tai Tokerau, including Whangārei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council, alongside a working group made up of Northlanders with access needs.
The strategy sets a clear goal that public places, parks, beaches, walks and events are barrier-free and welcoming.
This approach is about increasing the appeal of Whangārei as a destination for visitors seeking an accessible experience, while also improving everyday access for local people with access needs.
Full disclosure, I was part of that working group and I am a member of the Whangārei District Council Accessible Advisory Group.
While this perspective comes from my involvement, the views expressed here are my own and not those of the advisory group.
I will be working alongside others to identify parks and beaches that are already popular and relatively easy to improve.
Over the coming month, we will review these locations, make practical recommendations, and gather feedback through a community survey to ensure lived experience hopefully guides future improvements.
Accessibility is not just about getting somewhere. It is about being able to enjoy being there.
The opportunity would encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more, and spend more time in places such as Whangārei. When a destination is easy to navigate and enjoyable to move through, people relax and the word spreads.
Whangārei is in a strong position to build on this. We are within easy reach of Auckland, the country’s largest visitor gateway, and we already have natural attractions that people actively want to experience.
With accessible natural spaces, we would have the opportunity to create places where more people can fully enjoy being there.
Accessibility reflects the needs of a much wider group than people often realise. It includes disabled people, older adults, families with young children, people recovering from injury, and anyone who prefers a more comfortable environment.
If even a small number of visitors chose to stay longer in Whangārei because it was known as an easy and welcoming place to explore, the impact would be significant. More bookings, more visitors in local cafes and shops, and more support for businesses across the district.
We do not need to guess whether this works. Other places are already doing it. On the Gold Coast, simple additions such as beach access mats have opened up the coastline to more people. In Rotorua, accessible forest walks allow visitors to experience nature without barriers.
Whangārei has just as much to offer. With a clear focus and a commitment to getting the details right, we could become one of New Zealand’s most accessible destinations.
Accessibility is not just a social good. It is smart economic development and it is an opportunity that is right in front of us.
