We want Tauranga to be an inclusive city where everyone in our community can participate fully.
To support this goal, we’re working to remove barriers faced by disabled people. These facilities have been designed to support our disabled community and others who are unable to use the existing accessible public toilets.
If you are unable to use existing accessible public toilets, and would like to receive a free swipe tag to use the Accessible Changing Facilities
Please complete an application form to request your own free swipe tag. This will be posted out to you at the address provided.
Request a free Tauranga City Council swipe tag
If you are unable to fill in the form please contact our call centre for assistance, phone (07) 577 7000.
If you would like to become a member of the Changing Places NZ network which provides access to similar facilities nationwide go to Changing Places NZ website and apply for an access tag. (Note: there is a charge for this tag.)
We have two facilities: one alongside the Tauranga waterfront playground in the city centre, and one at Hopukiore – Mount Drury.
Tauranga city centre waterfront playground
The facility complements this highly accessible play space. A full amenity block is located adjacent and integrated with the playground, featuring accessible toilets, external changing cubicles, showers and hand wash basins.
The new waterfront playground also includes accessible swings, a waka see-saw, accessible merry-go-round, wheelchair-friendly sand and water play and space for parents and caregivers to assist on the elevated pathway and waka tower structure.
Accessible routes are also included throughout the playground so children of all abilities can enjoy their time exploring the different play zones and everyone gets a great experience together in the same space.
This is the second accessible changing facility in Tauranga. The first, at Hopukiore – Mount Drury was created in partnership with Changing Places NZ, while the waterfront playground facility has been created by Tauranga City Council. Council manages both facilities day-to-day, including cleaning both facilities daily and supporting users to access the facilities.
How do I access the waterfront playground accessible changing facility?
There are two ways to access this facility:
- With your own Tauranga City Council swipe tag
Hold it over the access control panel and the door will open for you. See below to request a free swipe tag.
Request a swipe tag
- Using the on site intercom
Press the silver button on the black call assist panel and a member of our team will speak to you to provide access to the facility.
To keep this facility available for those who need it, and to prevent damage, it is locked.
When can I use the waterfront playground accessible changing facility?
The facility will be open between the hours of 7am and 10pm.
Hopukiore - Mount Drury
Features include a height adjustable toilet and sink, ceiling hoist and adult changing table.
This facility was requested by the Tauranga Special School and supported by the Tauranga Disability Advisory Group to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy themselves in our coastal environment. It was the first fully accessible changing facility in our city and we have teamed up with Changing Places NZ to become a facility within its New Zealand network too.
How do I access the Hopukiore facility?
There will be three ways to access the facility:
- With your own Tauranga City Council swipe tag
Hold it over the access control panel and the door will open for you. See below to request a free swipe tag.
Request a swipe tag
- With your Changing Places NZ swipe tag
Hold it over the Changing Places NZ access control panel and the door will open for you.
- Using the on site intercom
Press the silver button on the black call assist panel and a member of our team will speak to you to provide access to the facility.
The facility is locked to maximise availability for people who need it, when they need it, and to reduce the risk of damage to the facility and its fixtures and fittings.
When can I use the Hopukiore facility?
The facility will be open between the hours of 7am to 8pm daily.
Instructions on how to use the facility equipment
Change table user guide (5mb pdf) Wash basin lifter user guide (2mb pdf)
Toilet lifter lever user guide (3.8mb pdf) Hoist user guide (1.6mb pdf)
Other important information
The Hopukiore facility includes a height adjustable toilet and sink, adult changing table, shower and hoist – you will need to bring your own sling and the hoist has a weight limit of 200kg. Only experienced users will be able to operate the hoist.
This facility does not meet the needs of self-transferring wheelchair users.
On entry to the Hopukiore facility, you will hear an automated voiceover followed by music. There are levers to adjust the height of the toilet and sink.
There is a time limit on the Hopukiore facility for 40 minutes. After this the door will open automatically.
There is a heater over the changing table that can be turned on by pressing a button. The heater will automatically turn off after 10 minutes.
Cleaning will be carried out at the facility daily, however if you believe it needs cleaning urgently, please use the intercom on site to advise our team.
Top tips
- Don’t leave the hoist in front of the heater as the heat will damage the hoist
- Use the intercom to communicate with Council if you feel the facility needs additional cleaning
- To raise the sink, press the lever twice. To lower the sink, press and hold the lever once
Your feedback
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