Baker said his actions were about supporting people who used the shopping centre daily, especially the elderly and disabled communities. <\/p>\n
On Facebook, Baker shared a photo of himself in front of the newly painted mobility parks.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccessibility, even in its most basic form, matters\u201d, he wrote, describing it as essential to ensure equal opportunity to access information and services or even just visiting a local caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n
Two repainted mobility car parks at the Maungatapu Shopping Centre, which councillor Hautapu Baker spraypainted on April 27. Photo \/ Hautapu Baker<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about creating an inclusive and equitable environment for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baker said he decided to \u201ctake matters into my own hands\u201d, as a temporary measure, and hoped it would encourage the property owner to make \u201cmeaningful improvements\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, it\u2019s private property. And yes, it\u2019s technically vandalism.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baker told the Bay of Plenty Times that he tried to raise residents\u2019 concerns with the property owner over several months from late 2024 into early 2025. <\/p>\n
He claimed the owner agreed to meet with him in early 2025. However, this did not eventuate, and there was no response to further attempts to contact them.<\/p>\n
He said at least five residents had raised their accessibility concerns with him \u2013 one repeatedly.<\/p>\n
Tauranga City Council Welcome Bay ward councillor Hautapu Baker. Photo \/ David Hall<\/p>\n
\u201cToo often these parks are occupied for far longer than the posted limits, leaving elderly residents and people with disabilities to walk unnecessary distances. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor some, it means missing out on groceries, medications, postage, a haircut or even a quick bite from their local cafe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baker said he hoped painting the symbols would lead the property owner to contact him so they could work together on a permanent solution.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not encouraging people to break the law, but I feel very passionate about accessibility in all forms.\u201d <\/p>\n
He said about 25% of residents had a disability and the city had an aging population, so the issue affected lots of locals.<\/p>\n
Maungatapu Shopping Centre. Photo \/ Sandra Conchie<\/p>\n
Owners of businesses at the Maungatapu Shopping Centre, who spoke to the Bay of Plenty Times on the condition of anonymity, said they became aware of the newly marked mobility parks on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
One couple said they had been surprised how quickly the change happened, as there had been no mobility signage in place on Saturday, and they had not been consulted.<\/p>\n
They said finding a park in the area had become increasingly difficult.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost people only spend a short time in the parking spaces, but we do get members of walking groups who turn up and park their vehicles here for several hours and go for a ramble,\u201d one owner said.<\/p>\n
She said while it was nice to see parking spaces allocated for people with mobility issues, the change should have been done through official channels.<\/p>\n
A staff member at another business said she \u201c100% supported\u201d the move, as elderly people and those with disabilities needed access to parks near the front of the shops. <\/p>\n
Western Bay of Plenty disability support trust board member Wendy Neilson, who has mobility issues, said the matter was \u201cvery important\u201d and affected a significant portion of the local population.<\/p>\n
Western Bay of Plenty Disability Support Trust trustee Wendy Neilson. <\/p>\n
Neilson said mobility parking allowed people with limited mobility to move around the city more freely and safely, to carry out the same activities as others.<\/p>\n
She said the New Zealand Building Code required mobility parking to be provided on private property such as shopping centres and supermarkets.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is the responsibility of property owners to maintain these parks and ensure they are used correctly.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Tauranga City Council spokesperson said the council was not aware of any complaints regarding the matter, and \u201cthere were no plans at this stage to take further action\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Bay of Plenty Times made several attempts to contact the shopping centre landlord, S & K Chohan Family Trust, for comment.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, a spokesman said he needed time to look into this matter. He did not respond to further attempts to contact him.<\/p>\n