Recent Notices in the Community
July 2024
Gig Buddies Auckland is a brand-new initiative for Auckland, which aims to combat social isolation and help people to explore their interests, make new friends, and take part in their communities. We are looking for disabled people who want to get out and about in our city’s cultural life but need a little support to do so. We match people (18 and older) with intellectual disabilities with a volunteer who shares their interests and/or taste in music, so they can go out to gigs and do fun things together. We also provide a monthly Gig Buddies social event so Gig Buddies can meet each other and improve their social skills.
We also provide regular monthly social events as part of the initiative, so people can meet and have fun together, as well as providing a great way for people to enjoy music and practice their social skills in a comfortable setting. If people are nervous about being matched, they can start by coming along to the events, and getting to know some of the volunteers. You can find out more about the initiative here, and sign-up here.
West Auckland Enabling Good Lives Hui: SAMS and TAMA warmly invite disabled people and whanau to attend our The 4th hui aimed at building on previous hui with a focus on continuing to build EGL community leadership and on understanding the structure of EGL core groups. This is an opportunity to make ‘Enabling Good Lives’ a strong meaningful movement in the West. You can read more about this process here: https://www.enablinggoodlives.co.nz/negl/national-leadership-group-position-statements/regional-leadership-groups/
Where: Titirangi RSA, 502 South Titirangi Road
When: 28 August 2024, 10:00am to 2:00pm (light lunch will be provided).
Access needs: Please confirm all access needs asap. NOTE: Sign language interpreters will be at the hui.
The facilitation team are also available to meet for smaller online hui on the evening of 26 and 27 August. Please email, if this is of interest.
Please email egl@sams.org.nz to register. Click here for flyer
Harikoa Life is testing a new path to independent living. Join our online workshop, give feedback and help us build a more equitable future. Harikoa Life formulated a highly integrated approach to ensure the wellbeing of people with disability, even when parents and family are no longer around. This workshop aims to obtain feedback and further input to refine the model before roll-out. Let’s build a better future for people with disability, together.
Date: 17th or 24th July
Time: 7pm
Where: Online
To register, go to www.harikoa.org.nz/event-list
Contact: 09 478-0070 or visit www.Harikoa.org.nz
Adaptive Snow Sports at Whakapapa: Adaptive Ski and Snowboard lessons are now available at Whakapapa this winter, open to all ages and abilities. At Whakapapa, we are committed to creating an environment that is inclusive and accessible to
everyone, regardless of ability. Whakapapa’s Adaptive programme provides support for people with physical, sensory & cognitive impairments. This programme ensures there is no limit to enjoying the freedom of skiing and snowboarding. The term “adaptive” refers to the customisation of the sport and equipment to meet the unique needs of each individual. We have a variety of specialised equipment, including modified skis and snowboards, sit-skis, frames, and outriggers which means that we are able to meet the needs of a huge range of guests. The Whakapapa Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program offers individualized ski or snowboard instruction to meet the needs of clients with cognitive and physical disabilities. Our lessons are taught by instructors trained to use specialized equipment, techniques, and adaptations specific to the participants disability. Our instructors have experience in teaching children and adults with
Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injuries (and various other disabilities) to ski and snowboard. Email adaptive@whakapapa.com
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Immersion Camps – 3 locations: Christchurch, Hamilton and Kapiti Coast (near Wellington). Throughout the camp, you’ll be surrounded by other learners and experienced NZSL users, giving you plenty of opportunities to practice and improve your NZSL skills, with a full schedule of a Panel/Q&A, 2 workshops, lots of NZSL activities and a fun-filled Drama on Saturday evening. You’ll be able to learn and connect with others in a fun and supportive environment. By the end of the camp, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of NZSL and the Deaf community. Take this chance to take your NZSL skills to the next level and make lasting connections!
Registration is now OPEN for EARLYBIRD until the end of July! New Zealand Citizens and Residents only. Learn NZSL immersion camp for one whole weekend! To book your spot and start your NZSL learning journey, visit www.nzsl4u.co.nz/camp now!
Facebook video link More info: admin@nzsl4u.com
June 2024
Public Consultation: Modernising the approach to the 2028 Census:
To learn more about the plan for the 2028 Census online, please follow the link Modernising our approach to the 2028 Census
Alternate formats
Alternate formats are available to help you access information about the consultation in a way that best meets your needs. Formats available to download include Audio, Braille, Easy Read, Large Print, and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
Alternate formats for the Future Census consultation
Storm Recovery Information Click here
May 2024
After School Minecraft Club
Join Brain Play and The Finding Group for a weekly Minecraft class starting June 10th 4-5pm at Finding Voices 34a Constellation Drive Rosedale Auckland. Cost is $55 per session. Use carer support and individualised funding if available.
In this session we will cover basic game skills, design to whimsical themes, teach students about commands and redstone circuits, test out survival strategies, and collaborate on multiplayer servers. Each week we will cover a new topic / skill to push students’ ideas & creativity to the next level. Our class will be collaborative, supportive, and build confidence for all. Come and join us to expand and share your Minecraft skills and have a great time! Feel free to contact admin@findingvoices.co.nz for any queries or enquiries.
Yoga with Nic -Yoga with Nic is a weekly online Zoom session tailored for people with intellectual and/or physical disability. Yoga is about strengthening our body and our mind. Join Nic on IHC Media for a weekly yoga Zoom session on Thursday afternoons at 1:30 on www.ihcmedia.org.nz Yoga can be done sitting or standing and Nic makes sure it’s always fun. Go to ihcmedia.org.nz to register for these and other great live Zoom sessions you can join from home.
Wheelchair E-Bikes – Leading mobility vehicle specialist, Milner – Mobility, have launched New Zealand’s first wheelchair e-bikes. The range includes an innovative bike design that enables a wheelchair user to ride comfortably as a passenger in their own wheelchair without needing to transfer between the wheelchair and the bike. The VeloPlus e-bike features a tiltable ramp that allows users to roll onto a platform before safely securing the wheelchair to the bike with its integrated locking system. A second e-bike, OPair, a custom-designed wheelchair that can be detached for independent use once the passenger reaches their destination. The sleek frame of OPair’s detachable wheelchair is not as wide as a standard wheelchair, making it suitable for transport in narrower spaces. Suitable for children and adults the bikes offer wheelchair users and their families the joy of cycling together. Designed by award-winning Dutch manufacturer Van Raam they are available now from Milner Mobility for RRP $22,000 + GST
No Limits Netball Programme at Auckland Netball Centre – No Limits Netball is a programme of skills and netball activities for people with disabilities. The sessions provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for everyone to get out on the court and give netball a go. Sessions are held once a month on a Sunday at the Auckland Netball Centre indoor courts in St Johns. The first session will be held on Sunday 12th May, and the last session is 1st December. 📆 Monthly sessions, Sundays 10am-12pm, ⭐️ Age 5+, 🔵 Free to attend
House for rent: Settlement Road, Papakura. 5 bedrooms inside 2 bedrooms outside. Large kitchen and dining, 2 bathrooms, 2 laundries. 240m house with 30m outside covered living area. Wheelchair lift installed. This property comes with equipment. Please call Samuel Clarke on 021343228. Click here for photos.
March 2024:
Support for Mental Wellbeing
Anxiety New Zealand – Empowered is a free, self-paced, online course from Anxiety NZ to support your mental wellbeing.
- You will receive practical, easy to implement ideas to support your own and others’ mental health.
- You’ll build new skills and come away with your own personalised well-being plan to support your wellbeing goals now, and into the future.
These tools are for everyone. Your whānau. Your friends. Your workmates, and our community. When people see you taking care of your mental wellbeing, they may be inspired to do so as well. When you’re thriving, you can help others thrive too! There are 10 sections you can engage in in many ways. There are videos, a text-based version and an audio version. From what wellbeing is, to mental wellbeing for those with long-term disabilities, how to make a personal wellbeing plan and how to help loved ones with their mental wellbeing while protecting themselves from caregiver burnout. Each section also has a worksheet to summarize and to help you to work on your goals. Sign up here https://anxiety.org.nz/empowered. Stay connected for helpful tips and free resources: Subscribe to our newsletter here! Click here for the flyer.
Digital Programmes for Training and Job Hunting (MSD) are offering free online and digital programmes to help you train for a job, get qualified, and find a job that’s right for you. Click here for more information.
February 2024:
Mapura – Stroke Art Therapy by Māpura Studios – Tuesdays 10.00am – 12.30pm; Proposed dates 23 April – 9 July 2024
For all people living with Stroke-affect, join us for a special 12-week intensive Art Therapy programme. This group-centred enquiry process initiates a journey of self-reflection and in-depth examination of the experience of having stroke-affect. Art forms are introduced as tools and ways by which participants can explore emotionally and psychologically, providing insight, healing, and resolution – assisting rehabilitation, and renewing motivation and purpose in life. The group environment provides a sense of connection and community for those who may be isolated in their experience; a place to constructively & safely share & be heard. The process is dynamic & life-enhancing. Cost: $100. For enquiries and enrolments, email Ursula Valeli or phone 09 845 5361.
Neuroscience And Trauma Informed Network Aotearoa (NATINA) Rōpū Hui 2024 – Our vision is to create inclusive, safe, trauma informed schools and communities where every ākonga belongs, learns and thrives. Our mission is to promote, support, educate and advocate for neuroscience and trauma informed (NTI) approaches that enable inclusion, learning and holistic wellbeing of all ākonga. Our endeavour is to support the parent/whanau community and emerging networks of professionals who are keen to be more inclusive and trauma informed within the relevant spaces in their roles and within communities. If you are interested in this space, do email us for any queries and if you wish to receive calendar invites to the rōpū hui and other events Click here for zoom links
Follow our Facebook page & events to stay connected and access zoom links for the rōpū hui.
Star-Jam: New StarJam online workshops for young people with disabilities featuring games, dancing, singing and your favourite music – with all that comes with a StarJam workshop. All of our workshops are created to connect Jammers with their passions, peers and the wider community through workshops, gigs and events; this includes reaching our online whānau. With a maximum of 15 participants and an expert online tutor our online workshop will be a fun place to connect, share music, dance and games. Our 4 – 5.30pm Thursday online workshop is for those tamariki and young people where online suits best or you don’t have an in person StarJam workshop in your area. Please send an expression of interest.
January 2024:
Recovery Office Community Liaison Central-East – 2 February 2024 – Newsletter Includes Surveys, workshops, grants and more.
Click flyers for more information – Storm Recovery Support, Weathering the Strom Mangere April 24, Weathering the storm Mt Roskill May 24
Wilson Home Trust – Wilson Home Trust offers a range of grants that aim to assist and improve the lives of children and young adults with physical disabilities, and their whanau. If you are really struggling with back-to-school costs, you may be eligible for an emergency grant.
