A sense of community pride and inclusion filled Waihī Beach last Saturday as people gathered to celebrate the official opening of a new high-needs accessible changing facility in the Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services building.

The facility, a partnership between Live Well Waihī Beach and Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services Inc, marks the next milestone in a community-led journey to make the beach accessible for everyone.

Wheelchair races on Waihī Beach helped mark the official opening of a new facility. Photo / Supplied

About 80 people attended the opening, with adaptive beach activities hosted by Achilles NZ and Parafed Waikato, allowing participants to experience the beach through accessible races and adaptive surfing.

The ceremony brought together families, local organisations and students from Waihī Beach School who performed waiata (song) to mark the occasion.

Highlight

A highlight of the day was the cutting of the ribbon by rangatahi Emmet Schaare, representing young people who continue to challenge barriers and redefine what is possible.

Also in attendance was Dame Catriona Williams, who was one of New Zealand’s leading international equestrian riders, having competed on the international stage at Badminton and the Open European Championships. Williams is the founder of the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, an initiative she came up with after a horse-riding incident in 2002 left her a tetraplegic and confined to a wheelchair.

A community celebration was held to open the accessible changing room. Photo / Supplied

The accessible changing room features a ceiling hoist, adult changing table, accessible shower and toilet, and automatic sliding door. Located metres from the beach mats, accessible water station and picnic area, it allows people with high and complex needs to enjoy the full beach experience, from getting into a beach wheelchair, to swimming, and comfortably changing afterwards.

Dual purpose

The space will also provide additional resources and equipment for Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services that can be used in emergencies and as part of the club’s first aid response.

The project is the second stage of a community accessibility initiative that began in 2020 after a local social media post described a man in a wheelchair who was unable to reach the shoreline. The story prompted the community to act.

In 2021, more than $70,000 was raised to install beach access mats and provide two beach wheelchairs.

A number of participants prepare to try adaptive surfing at Waihī Beach. Photo / Supplied

Since then, the mats have benefited wheelchair users as well as families with prams, people using walkers, those recovering from injuries and others with mobility challenges. The accessible set-up has also attracted adaptive surf groups from around the region.

Live Well Waihī Beach accessibility advocate and ambassador Dave MacCalman said the new facility takes that vision to the next level.

The full experience

“This facility means people with complex needs can enjoy the full beach experience, from getting into a beach wheelchair, to swimming, to getting warm and dressed again afterwards. It’s a game-changer for accessible recreation across New Zealand.”

For many families in attendance, the impact of the facility was personal.

Finlay Graham and mum Kimberly check out the new accessible changing facility. Photo / Supplied

Emmet Schaare’s father, who grew up at Waihī Beach, said the opening was an emotional moment.

“Yesterday was wonderful, not just for the disability community but for everyone. I see real benefits in an emergency situation as well,” he said.

“Waihī Beach will always be home for our family. It’s been Emmet’s beach his whole life. When he was little, he loved the water and sand. It’s getting harder for him to experience nature and the beach now, so having facilities like this means a lot.”

Emmet, who is studying for a degree in business, has represented Parafed Waikato, New Zealand and Auckland FC in Powerchair Football and was one of the first participants in an adaptive Outward Bound course.

What is possible

Those who attended the opening said the facility demonstrates what is possible when communities prioritise accessibility.

Accessible facilities at Waihī Beach provide safe beach access. Photo / Supplied

“Facilities like this matter,” said attendee Ollie Goulden.

“They mean disabled people, older people and anyone with additional access needs can come to the beach with their families and friends and actually participate, not just visit, but belong.

“I hope communities around Aotearoa see what’s been created here and realise what’s possible. Access isn’t just about infrastructure – it’s about opening the door for more people to share in the simple joy of being part of community life.

“And if yesterday proved anything, it’s that when access exists, people don’t just show up – they thrive.”

Most accessible

With the accessible changing facility now open, the project completes a vision to create one of the most accessible beachfront experiences in the country.

The major sponsors of the facilities were TECT, Round Table Trust, Valder Ohinemuri Charitable Trust Inc, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, LJ Hooker and the Gattung Foundation.

For more information about the accessibility initiatives at Waihī Beach, visit:www.livewellwaihibeach.co.nz/accessibility