Arts Access AotearoaAccessibility and inclusion are built into the heart of Te Unua Museum of Southland, with the new regional museum in Invercargill designed to welcome every visitor. Construction is due to be completed later this year, with the museum opening to the public in 2027.
Saniya Thompson, Te Unua Museum of Southland Team Leader Operations and Visitor Services, says accessibility has been embedded throughout the museum’s development.
The team works with accessibility advocates and community organisations, including Arts Access Aotearoa, Well Child Network, BarrierFree (a division of CCS Disability Action), Disabled United NZ and Blind Low Vision NZ.
"We want to ensure accessibility features are fully integrated throughout both the building and the museum experience," Saniya says. "The foundations of facilities like museums are built on partnership and collaboration within a community.
"Input by advocacy groups representing people who live, work and go to school in our community give us the opportunity to create an experience that is inclusive from the ground up."
Setting a very high standard for accessibility
Katie Querin, Arts for All Activator Whakahohe a Toi Ōritetanga at Arts Access Aotearoa, commends Te Unua’s commitment.
"These guys drove all the way up to Dunedin in May to present at the regional Arts For All Network hui and attend the front of house accessibility training," Katie says. "They have been working hard to set a very high standard for accessibility, so a big shout-out from us."
Disability advocate Tracy Peters is one of the community members who has contributed to the project. Drawing on her experience as a tour driver and working with an accessible housing developer, she understands why accessibility must be considered from the outset.
"It's crucial to integrate accessibility right from the design phase," she says.
"When you're building a museum, you're planning your foundation – your wastewater, your lighting, your electrics. The design phase is the time to include everything. For instance, is your lighting going to be suitable for neurodivergent people?
“You have to ask, 'Who do we want to come here? Are we going to make this as open and available as possible?'"
Accessible designs benefits all
Tracy says accessible design benefits everyone.
"Disability is not an exclusive club. Disability can be temporary or permanent, or something in between. The New Zealand population is also ageing and so whatever is designed for people to engage with needs to include all people."
Te Unua aims to make every stage of the visitor journey accessible.
Before visitors arrive, they will be able to watch a welcome video explaining the museum's layout and accessibility features. Accessible parking close to the entrance, with extra space for vans, and a wheelchair-friendly reception desk will welcome manuhiri (visitors).
The exhibition galleries are all on one level with a consistent floor surface. Wayfinding signs include Braille while audio tours and tactile objects made from materials such as bronze and fibreglass help bring exhibitions to life.
Interpretive signage and captioning
Visitors who are Deaf or have hearing loss will benefit from interpretive signage, information about accessibility features and closed captioning on audiovisual displays.
An internal lift provides access to education spaces, offices and the outdoor mezzanine, while low-sensory hours are also planned once the museum opens.
"The first experience people have at Te Unua will shape their future interactions with us," Saniya says. "By the time we're ready to welcome visitors, we hope to have removed as many accessibility barriers as possible.
"The team at Te Unua has an ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusiveness. We want to listen to our community, learn from them and continue adapting along the way.
"This museum belongs to all of us. It's vital we take these steps to make sure everyone can engage with the stories it celebrates in a meaningful way."
For Tracy Peters, the goal is simple. "I want to feel welcome. I want to roll in those doors with a whole bunch of my friends, regardless of our disability, and be proud to go into that space.
"The best thing in the world is knowing I can take part. Being able to visit the café, enjoy a nice cuppa, go to the museum and experience the exhibitions – that, to me, would be incredible."
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