Eden Park reviews access after disabled people struggled to see at Six60 concert

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Eden Park in Auckland is assessing its south stand after wheelchair users had trouble seeing at the Six60 concert. (Video first published July 2021)

Eden Park is reviewing the accessibility of its south stand after disabled people had difficulty seeing at a Six60 concert in April.

The “street to seat” audit will be conducted by Lifemark, a group that specialises in building for disabled people, and is taking place on Monday and Wednesday.

The stadium wants to ensure it is a “universal venue” in time for the three world cup tournaments it will host over the next two years.

Eden Park accessibility consultant Sophia Malthus says the audit will identify what the stadium can do to make its south stand more accessible.

Sophia Malthus is a wheelchair user who works at Eden Park as an accessibility advisor and receptionist.

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Lifemark accessibility advisor Adam Wakeford says he has noticed areas where “further benefits” can be added.

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Wakeford says better signage and enlarged, clearer seating numbers are some examples of how the stadium can improve access.

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“At the Six60 concert we had a few months ago there was a bit of discussion on social media about how the wheelchair seating wasn't perfect for viewing the concert,” she said.

A wheelchair user at the event posted that they were seated behind a row of people who stood up, completely blocking their view. Malthus said wider discussion of the issue on social media triggered the review.

“It’s prompted this audit, and we’re looking at what we can do to make it more accessible for people with mobility impairments as well as visual impairments.”

Lifemark general manager Geoff Penrose and Wakeford are conducting the review on Monday and Wednesday.

Malthus attended the Six60 concert but was not seated in an area with restricted viewing.

“I think the team has been quite high ambitions for inclusion, and they're taking it really seriously when I make suggestions, and it's really cool to see,” she said.

The review was launched after disabled people had trouble seeing at a Six60 concert the stadium hosted in April.

The review will examine key areas within the stadium including pick-up and drop-off points, circulation areas, seating, corporate spaces and toilet facilities.

Lifemark accessibility advisor Adam Wakeford was onsite on Monday, and he said he has noticed areas where “further benefits” could be added.

Wakeford is a wheelchair user who has attended rugby games at Eden Park.

“We’re looking at putting replay screens and heating around the accessible seating spots, because from certain spots the big screen isn't visible,” he said.

“Making sure there's a bit more personal space around the seating area to stop people loitering behind you.”

Wakeford said better signage and enlarged seating numbers will help vision impaired people find their seats.

Eden Park chief executive officer Nick Sautner said the stadium wants to “exceed” the expectations of patrons regardless of age or ability, and set a “precedent” for other businesses.

“With three world cups in 2022/23, we are committed to ensuring all patrons can have an inclusive, inviting experience at New Zealand’s national stadium,” he said.

“The seat-to-street audit will help us understand the Eden Park experience from the perspective of users with lived experience of mobility impairment and disability.

“Capturing this feedback first-hand is invaluable in shaping our ongoing accessibility strategy.”

The results of the audit will be compiled into a universal design report that will guide Eden Park’s future development.