MDC Disability Advisory Group keen for community insights

The Masterton community is being invited to share feedback and insights on the accessibility wins and challenges currently experienced across the Masterton District.

This work is being led by the Masterton District Council Disability Advisory Group, which is made up of elected members and whaikaha/disabled community representatives. The group works to provide advice, information and recommendations to Council on a range of matters, including policies, plans and strategies, while advocating for accessibility across our communities.

Community Development Manager Kelsi Rutene-Lett said the engagement was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the community and help the group understand current accessibility experiences, while informing its advocacy and advice for Council-owned public spaces and projects.

"With the next Long-Term Plan opening for engagement in the new year, along with several other major consultation processes and capital projects on the horizon, understanding the challenges people face, as well as what is working well, will help guide where the group focuses its energy and advocacy," she said.

"We have a passionate and dedicated group of people leading this work. We want Masterton to be an accessible and inclusive place for everyone, and gaining a better understanding of people's experiences is an important step towards achieving that."

Engagement opens on Thursday, 29 October and runs until midnight on Sunday, 6 December.

Community members are encouraged to share their views and experiences through the What's Up Whakaoriori site, where they can drop pins on a map of Masterton and share information and photos highlighting current accessibility challenges, as well as examples of where accessibility is working well.