Journalist and wheelchair user Sally Wenley says accessible parking is important for her at work. Photo \/ Cameron Pitney.<\/p>\n
In the video, she highlights the parking spot, part of a small bay of other visitor parks.<\/p>\n
\u201cRadio New Zealand is now in the TVNZ building and it\u2019s working out well in there,\u201d Wenley says in the video.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd here was my park, but now, allegedly, TVNZ has said I\u2019m not allowed to park there for more than two hours. So now I have to come out of the building, take my wheelchair with me.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then I have to go over and park in Sky City because they won\u2019t let me use the disabled park.\u201d<\/p>\n
One commenter described the issue as a \u201cPR fail\u201d. Several others said it was \u201cdisgusting\u201d and \u201cterrible\u201d. <\/p>\n
However, another pointed out it was a spot for visitors, and questioned whether a broader solution was needed.<\/p>\n
The disabled carpark that Sally Wenley says she’s been told she can only use for two hours. Photo \/ Screengrab<\/p>\n
A TVNZ spokeswoman said today: \u201cOur Hobson St carpark has 12 short-term parking spaces for TVNZ and RNZ visitors, including studio guests.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are limited to two hours to ensure access for all guests and include a dedicated disability parking space. <\/p>\n
\u201cTVNZ\u2019s Auckland building also has a large basement carpark for staff use, with TVNZ and RNZ each allocating their spaces in the way that best meets their needs. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs building owner, TVNZ can assist with additional accessible parking in the basement if required, without affecting disability access for guests visiting the building.\u201d<\/p>\n
An RNZ spokeswoman said the broadcaster was working directly with Wenley to find a solution.<\/p>\n
She said the carpark immediately outside the building on Hobson St was owned and operated by TVNZ, and she reinforced the point about the limits.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven there are limits on the car parks we have access to within the shared TVNZ facility, we are actively exploring all available options with building management. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe recognise that accessible parking is vital for staff with mobility and physical access requirements and want to ensure we have an arrangement that meets their needs while also recognising the limited visitor parking available at the building.\u201d<\/p>\n
Social media reaction<\/p>\n
Wenley, who is understood to have met with an RNZ building manager today to try to find a solution, told one social media follower: \u201cMaybe I will say my new shifts are for as long as I\u2019m allowed to park there \u2026 two hours.”<\/p>\n
She told her followers that when she previously worked at TVNZ, she had a park under the building, near a lift. \u201cNot allowed there and RNZ says their parks underneath aren\u2019t suitable for me. And TVNZ apparently won\u2019t allocate a wider one.\u201d<\/p>\n