Tauranga Times is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities. We are continuously working to improve the user experience for everyone and apply relevant accessibility standards.
Our objective is to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA. These guidelines provide globally recognised standards for making web content more accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities.
The Tauranga Times editorial team views accessibility as an ongoing endeavor. We routinely review our practices and implement enhancements to maintain and exceed WCAG 2.2 AA compliance.
We have integrated a range of features and strategies to promote an accessible experience on taurangatimes.co.nz. Our efforts focus on aspects crucial for various assistive technologies and user preferences.
All content uses semantic HTML5 markup to structure pages logically. This includes appropriate use of headings, lists, and paragraphs, which improves navigation and comprehension for screen reader users.
Informative images have descriptive alternative text attributes. This ensures that users who cannot see the images can still understand their purpose and content. Decorative images are handled to be ignored by assistive technologies.
Keyboard navigation is fully supported across the entire site. Users can access all interactive elements, including navigation menus, links, and forms, using only a keyboard. Focus indicators are clearly visible.
Color contrast ratios meet or exceed WCAG 2.2 AA requirements. This ensures that text and graphical elements are distinguishable for users with various forms of color blindness or low vision.
Our development process includes regular testing with screen readers. This practical validation helps us identify and resolve issues that might impede access for users relying on such software.
Font sizes are adjustable through standard browser settings. Users can independently scale text to their preferred reading size without affecting page layout or functionality.
Forms include clear labels and instructions. Error messages are explicit and provide guidance on how to correct input. This improves usability for all users, particularly those navigating with assistive technologies.
While we strive for comprehensive accessibility, some limitations may exist, primarily related to elements beyond our direct control. We actively address these as solutions become available.
Third-party content integrated into our articles, such as embedded videos from external platforms or syndicated content, may not always meet the same accessibility standards as our own native content. We encourage providers of such content to improve their accessibility practices.
Older archived articles may contain some content that predates our current accessibility standards. We are progressively reviewing and updating these as resources permit.
Your feedback is important to us. If you encounter any accessibility barriers on taurangatimes.co.nz, we encourage you to inform us. Your input helps us prioritise improvements.
Please send an email detailing the issue to legal@taurangatimes.co.nz.
When reporting an issue, please specify the web page address (URL) and describe the particular problem you experienced. Providing details about the assistive technology you are using (e.g., screen reader name and version) is also helpful.
We will review your feedback and attempt to resolve the reported issue promptly. Our goal is to ensure a seamless experience for all readers.
The Tauranga Times website may link to or embed content from external websites and third-party platforms. These external sites are not under our direct control.
We cannot guarantee the accessibility of content hosted by third parties. We encourage users to contact the respective third-party providers directly with any accessibility concerns related to their content.
Examples of third-party content include embedded social media posts, interactive maps, or videos hosted on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo.
This accessibility statement will be reviewed annually to ensure its accuracy and to reflect any updates in our accessibility practices.
The last review of this statement and our associated accessibility features was conducted in June 2024. Future reviews will align with developments in web accessibility standards and our operational improvements.
This publication is owned and operated by Scholastica Media, an independent digital media company.