15 October 2015

Freyberg beach to get new wheels

This Saturday, the Wellington City Council will be launching a new addition to their mobility fleet – an all-terrain beach wheelchair.

Wellington City Council in partnership with the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation has purchased a Hippocampe beach wheelchair, which enables everyone, of any age, to enjoy outdoor activities to their full ability.

The wheelchair will be officially launched during Saturday’s Heartstopper Challenge – a fundraising event for Heart Kids New Zealand which provides valuable support to individuals and families with congenital heart conditions.

Deputy Mayor Justin Lester says that the Heart Stopper Challenge is an ideal event to launch the beach wheelchair at.

“The Heartstopper Challenge marks the beginning of what we hope will be a long hot summer in Wellington, one where we’ll all take advantage of our beautiful coastline.”

“That’s why this beach wheelchair is an important addition to our fleet, because it’s so important that Wellington is accessible to everyone regardless of their mobility – especially in the precious summer months,” he says.

Councillor David Lee, Council representative on the Accessibility Advisory Group, says the wheelchair is a valuable addition to the council’s mobility fleet.

“Our harbour is one of our most treasured assets, and it should be for the enjoyment of all. The beach wheelchair is one of many initiatives designed to remove barriers and improve accessibility across the city.”

“Everyone benefits from a more accessible city - as it embodies the principles of good urban design and urban form,” he says.

The beach wheelchair will be based at Freyberg pool and can be hired for up to a day for free.

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