It’s a great time to get out and make the most of the settled weather and long days. The good news is there’s plenty of choice when it comes to finding accessible and affordable events in your community.
Hamilton
- What: Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival
- When: 19 – 28 February
- Where: Hamilton Gardens
- Cost: varies, but many events are free or by donation
The gardens are a great place to visit any time of year, but the Arts Festival in February is an added attraction. With a range of music, theatre, film, and arts events there is something for everyone. Check out the programme and look for the many free or gold coin donation events on offer. Disability parking is available at both main car parks, and most pathways are less than 1 in 12 grade and suitable for mobility scooters. However, access by scooter to the enclosed Paradise Gardens is restricted, and steeper pathways to the Victorian Flower Garden are best avoided. Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs are available for hire during normal visitor centre opening hours. If you want to hire equipment, it’s a good idea to call ahead to plan your visit.
Tauranga
- What: NZSO National Youth Orchestra Summer Concert
- When: 6 February, 2.30pm
- Where: Baycourt Community and Arts Centre
- Cost: $10
See New Zealand’s finest young musicians performing works by Mendelssohn, Saint Saens and Schubert. The Summer Concert is conducted by Richard Gill, and features cellist Laura van der Heijden, winner of the 2012 BBC Young Musician competition. There are a number of allocated wheelchair spaces and hearing loops available in Baycourt’s Addison Theatre, and the venue welcomes enquiries to discuss any accessibility requirements you may have.
Rotorua
- What: Rotorua Lakeside Concert
- When: 20 February, 7.30pm
- Where: Village Green, Rotorua Lakeside
- Cost: General admission free, reserved seating $35
Now in its 20th year, the secret to the Rotorua Lakeside Concert is the diverse line up of Maori, classical and contemporary music. This year’s concert features the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Jackie Clarke and Tim Beverage to name a few, and will finish with a spectacular fireworks finale at 10.15pm. Disability parking is available at Whakaue St and the venue is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly, although some grassed areas may be better suited to assisted wheelchair use.
Gisborne
- What: Treble Court Markets
- When: running up until April
- Where: Treble Court
- Cost: Free
The markets run throughout summer and are often timed to coincide with the arrival of the Golden Princess Cruise Liner. Drop by and soak up the atmosphere from the cruise passengers, enjoy the free entertainment on offer and take a look at the local arts and crafts for sale. You’ll find a number of community and small business stalls too, and activities for the kids as well. Keep an eye on the Facebook page as market times vary.
Enjoying events with limited mobility by John McIntosh, Life Unlimited Community Liaison
