Welcoming destinations

We want to create safe and welcoming destinations for everyone to enjoy.

Westfield destinations in NZ were awarded the Accessibility Tick certification in 2020, acknowledging our approach to creating inclusive places. The Accessibility Tick Programme assists New Zealand organisations to become more accessible and inclusive of people with disabilities.

Initiatives designed to support customers’ experience at their local Westfield include:

Quiet time

During Quiet Time, we have a dedicated music playlist that is at a reduced volume, we reduce the volume of our concierge telephones and safely reduce lighting.

Sensitive Santa

Sensitive Santa is a tailored experience for those with sensory challenges, anxiety, disabilities or families who simply require more time.

Auslan Santa

Auslan Santa offers children who use Auslan as their primary form of communication the chance to share their Christmas wish list directly with an Auslan-fluent Santa.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities, also known as hidden disabilities or invisible disabilities. We make sunflower lanyards available to customers, allowing them to choose to let people around them know they have a non‑visible disability and that they may need a helping hand, understanding or simply more time.

We have trained our team to identify the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, gain a deeper understanding of hidden disabilities and learn how to approach and support customers. Trained team members wear pins to identify themselves to customers.

Sensory maps

We have started introducing tailored sensory maps that indicate areas in the centre that have heightened lighting, noise or smell to support people plan their trip to avoid those areas of sensitivity if they wish.