11/08/2026
“I want to feel welcome. I want to roll in those doors with my friends, regardless of our disability, and be proud to be in that space. The best thing in the world is knowing I can take part.”
That’s how Disability advocate Tracy Peters describes the experience she wants for disabled people at the new Te Unua Museum of Southland set to open in Invercargill next year.
To make that ambition a reality, Invercargill City Council is working with accessibility advocates and community organisations to build accessibility into every part of the museum experience.
Features include accessible parking spaces close to the entrance, exhibition galleries on a single level with one surface type, Braille signage, tactile objects, and audio tours for people who are blind or have low vision. The museum will also offer low-sensory hours for people who find bright lights, loud noise, or crowds overwhelming.
These are just some of the accessibility features being planned, and the museum team is welcoming ideas from the disabled community.
The decisions councils make about the accessibility of their facilities – from community centres to playgrounds – has a big impact on the lives of disabled people. We think it’s great disabled people are part of such an important project for Southland.
Learn more about the museum via the link in comments 🔗
Image description: Two women wearing bright pink hard hats and high-vis vests are smiling and standing behind a newly installed accessible reception desk at the museum. They are Team Leader for Operations and Visitor Services Saniya Thompson and Museum Director Eloise Wallace. Behind them is a brick wall with exposed cabling and in the distance two people working on the construction.
