Accessible Waihi Beach

Last year, Waihi Beach local Jacqui Whyte posted a comment about her partner in a wheelchair not being able to access the beach easily. So many people from the community replied, saying that access at Waihi Beach should be available and easy for all.

And so this started the Accessible Waihi Beach movement.Step 1: Two beach wheelchairs were generously donated in January by a beach resident and LJ Hooker. These are available for free use all year round!

Step 2: Now we want easy access for ALL onto to our beach! We can do this by introducing Accessibility Mats which enables people in wheelchairs, those with mobility issues, our elderly community and even young families to get onto the beach. Waihi Beach wants to achieve this goal as a community. Guided by local Dave MacCalman, Halberg Foundation, we have a plan to purchase and install mats near the mobility toilets at the north end of Waihi Beach. Waihi Beach RSA was one of the first to hear of the project and have pledged sponsorship, as have LJ Hooker. Beach Contractors & Landscape Supplies are on board with donating their contracting services, and Waihi Beach Surf Lifesaving Club are also in full support. We are applying to local and regional grants; as well as calling on businesses AND locals to sponsor this project. Every little bit will work towards making this happen.