Waitaki District Council
Confused
Q1: Do you provide communal single-sex changing and showering facilities?
Yes. Male and female changing rooms include private changing cubicles, separate shower cubicles, and toilets as well as an open space for changing and will be for the sole use by these groups.
Q2: Do you provide single occupancy changing and showering facilities? If so, how many at each site?
Waitaki Aquatic Centre have two Private/single occupancy changing rooms that can be used by anyone. These are not restricted to only families or disabled. We have changed our signage for the changing rooms to be more inclusive – please see attachment.
Q3: Please provide any policies or procedures that apply to trans-identified people who wish to use the changing and showering facilities in your sites.
Waitaki District Council follow the guidelines issued by Recreation Aotearoa. Please see attached. The following is an excerpt from our (Waitaki Aquatic Centre) Normal Operating Procedures Manual in relation to changing rooms:
“3.14 Changing Room Policy
Private Changing Rooms
Private changing rooms can be used by anyone. These are not restricted to only families or disabled. We have changed our signage for the changing rooms to be more inclusive.
Male/female Changing Room Use and Behaviour
Male and female changing rooms include private changing cubicles, separate shower cubicles and toilets as well as an open space for changing and will be for the sole use by these groups.
When a male or female change room is closed for cleaning patrons will be directed to the private change rooms.
If anyone in their changing area or in the facility are subject to any inappropriate behaviour, they need to report their concern immediately to the Senior lifeguard, who is trained on how to deal with any concerns, and depending on the situation may include:
1. Discussing and de-escalating the situation with the parties involved; or
2. Issue of a trespass notice; or
3. Calling the police
Inappropriate behaviour may include but not limited to:
1. Exposing oneself to another
2. Derogatory or lewd comments
3. Use of mobile phones in the changing rooms
4. Assault
5. Aggressive or sexual behaviour
3.15 In the Event of Suspicious Behaviour That is Sexual by Nature
(Inappropriate sexual liaison or possible child abuse case)
Advise Facility Lead of such action.
Facility Lead to take action according to the Child Vulnerability Act 2014. “
Q4: How are your different changing and showering facilities labelled and described?
Sign for the private changing rooms has been provided, it is inclusive signage and is appropriate for the rooms.
Q5: At your sites, which changing room and showering facilities is a trans-identified male permitted to use?
Either of our two private changing rooms
Q6: If applicable, do your facilities allow trans-identifying males to attend Women Only swim sessions?
N/A
Our Verdict
Although Waitaki state that trans identified males can only use the private changing rooms, their repy is at odds with their claim that they follow the Recreation Aotearoa guidelines.