Pool provides accessible changing room – but there’s a catch
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A changing room will be exclusively designated for disabled pool users at the EA Networks Centre in Ashburton.
But whether it can actually be enforced - and therefore have a positive impact - has been questioned by the council.
The decision to provide one accessible changing room followed a request through a public submission.
Mark Somerville asked the council in December to consider making the poolside accessible change rooms solely for disabled people and their carers, following a previous submission in 2016.
EA Networks Centre aquatic centre has four disabled changing rooms available, including one with an electric hoist. The hoist was paid for by external funding sourced by Somerville.
However, unlike disabled car parks, there is no legislation enforcing who can use accessible changing rooms, only that they should be provided.
In a report recently presented to council, staff recommended not making any changes to the status quo - having both pool-side accessible rooms be open to all pool users.
But councillors decided to designate the changing room with the hoist to be exclusively for disabled use, in six votes to four.
As the motion was put forward for a vote, Ashburton mayor Neil Brown pointed out “the staff don’t have any ability to enforce this, be aware of that”.
Councillor Richard Wilson said he was not opposed to accessible toilets, but was opposed to exclusive use of the changing rooms.
“One of the biggest problems at a pool is code browns and you want as many toilets open to all people as possible.
“I’d rather see them open to all.”
Councillor Leen Braam said it was out of respect to those with a disability in the community who may find it harder to access the pool.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron agreed, believing at least one dedicated room for people with disabilities “is the minimum we can do to ensure that our disabled community can access a publicly provided facility”.
“When you look at the footprint of the [aquatic centre], it’s not that vast that people can’t go to a bathroom further away.”
Councillor Tony Todd said he was sympathetic, but understand the inability of staff to enforce the toilet's use.
New signage will be installed to indicate exclusive use to those with a disability in one change room, but it won’t guarantee use of facilities.
People and facilities group manager Sarah Mosley said the number of disabled users at the pools was not monitored as staff couldn't always identify or determine if a person has a disability, with some disabilities not being visible.
This meant staff will not be able to enforce who is eligible to use the changing room.
Sport and recreation manager Richard Wood said he has never personally observed someone with a visible disability having to wait for a disabled change room.
The hoist cannot be used without staff “providing a piece of equipment”, Wood said
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.4% Yes
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46.6% No
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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