Accessibility
Introduction
Fibre internet improved access in most areas, but Ohakune and rural Ōhura still had issues. Cell phone reception was good in residential areas, but patchy or absent in rural areas and highways. Copper wire telephone infrastructure was degraded and unmaintained. Public transport was very limited and informal systems helped those without personal vehicles. Grocery deliveries were available across the District. Rising fuel costs added extra burdens on families.
Key Themes
- Most areas have better internet with fibre, but Ohakune and rural Ōhura struggle
- Cell phones work well in towns, but not on farms and roads
- Old phone lines are broken and ignored
- Few buses and trains, people rely on carpooling and hitchhiking
- Groceries can be delivered everywhere, but fuel prices hurt families
In this section
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Kakahi
For the Kakahi community transport is their largest accessibility concern.
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National Park
Internet access is variable, inconsistent in quality and in some cases not good enough to conduct business.
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Ohakune
Transport is perceived as a key issue in the community especially for school students.
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Ohura
Telecommunications, cellular and internet access are patchy and inconsistent in Ohura and its surrounds.
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Owhango
Internet accessibility is perceived to be slow. Lack of transport is seen to be a factor in isolation and loneliness.
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Raetihi
Workers in Raetihi who do not have vehicles can struggle to find transport to get to work.
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Taumarunui
Transport is perceived as a barrier to accessing basic services and participating in social and community activities. Internet and phone connectivity are also problematic.
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Waiouru
Waiouru is geographically isolated from many of the services and amenities of larger towns. Access to the internet and cell phone coverage is very variable in the Waiouru area.
