Recent Notices in the Community

January 2025


Access to Banking Services: Our own Denise and Mike were on 1News last week to talk about how tough it is to access banking services in New Zealand.  We’ve been advocating on behalf of disabled people, their parents and whānau to the industry. We’re glad to see some progress in Westpac’s Disability and Inclusion in Banking Report, and their call on other banks to start making improvements too.  Watch or read the story here: https://www.1news.co.nz/…/calls-to-make-banking-more…/  Click here to access the Westpac NZ Disability and Inclusion in Banking Report.


Free Tai Chi lessons for those who are blind or have low vision:  Exciting opportunity to learn Tai Chi with Joceyln Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi.  The dates will be four consecutive Sundays in February and March:

  • 16 February
  • 23 February
  • 2 March
  • 9 March

Time: 10:15am – 11am

Where: Cornwall Park – under the trees on the left-hand side about halfway up Pōhutukawa Drive

Click here for more information.


Illuminate – A Night Market with a Twist: Established in 2019, Illuminate Night Market is Recreate NZ’s annual special event, and has rapidly evolved into a vibrant celebration of Auckland’s diverse talents and innovative spirit!

Illuminate’s purpose is to create an inclusive space where people can connect, share experiences and discover the hidden talents within our community. By providing a platform for creative expression and economic participation, we aim to foster a more understanding and cohesive society. To get a feel for the Illuminate kaupapa check out this news story!

Come and enjoy this free event for all ages and all walks of life. Market stalls, food trucks, creative workshops, family activities, live performances and more!!

Saturday 1st March 2025, 5-9pm at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall and Reserve.   Click here for a copy of the flyer and here for Facebook.

 

Success in School – Auckland Down Syndrome Association: Registrations are now open for the Auckland Down Syndrome Association Success in School workshop on 3 & 4 March 2025. This is a 2 day workshop for educators (and whānau) of children with Down Syndrome and other learning challenges. Full details including course registration, timetable, and presenter list can be found here.  Click here for the event flyer. If you would like more information on the course content, please contact Paula (clo@adsa.org.nz)

 

Colour Dash: An event for all – accessible and inclusive! Participants, known as Dashers, begin the race in white attire and get covered in a spectrum of colours throughout their dash. By the end, everyone is a moving canvas of bright hues. After the dash, there will be the Colour Carnival featuring music, dancing, fun activities, photo ops and a sausage sizzle.

When: Sunday, 9 March

Where: Ngataringa Sports Fields, Devonport

Click here for more details and to purchase your tickets.

 

Show Your Ability – New Zealand’s Premier Annual Disability Equipment Show: Free entry to all visitors. On display are all kinds of equipment for disabled people and older persons care equipment.

When: Monday, 10 March

Time: 9am – 3pm

Where: Eventfinda Stadium, 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley, Auckland

Click here for a copy of the event flyer.


Dance Classes for People with Disabilities: A 1.5-hour interactive and specialised Dance Class for people with disabilities.  The purpose of this class is to create a community where students with disabilities can thrive and learn from Georgia (a dance teacher and teacher aide) and also one another. You will celebrate wins and overcome challenges together. Georgia is passionate about creating a safe place for everyone to feel like a star.  Classes will operate at the same time as the 2025 term dates.

The first class will be on Wednesday, 5 February 2025 at Empire Studios, 2 Bond Street, Grey Lynn.

Click here for more information or to register for this class.  You can also email: Georgiakendelle@gmail.com


AI Training & Workshops: My Life My Voice are excited to announce that their online AI Training and Workshops are now open to the general public! This is your chance to learn how AI can empower you.  Click here for more information or to register.


10-week Brain Injury Peer Support Programme: Making Headway is a 10-week Facilitated Peer Support Programme where individuals with brain injuries share lived experiences, connect, and grow together.

The programme will enable participants to:

  • Build meaningful, supportive relationships.
  • Develop skills to navigate life with a brain injury.
  • Discover ways to engage in community opportunities.

The programme is delivered at various locations across Auckland during the 2025 year.  Click here for the flyer, or visit the website for more information.


What would you do if Auckland elects you? Local elections are taking place in 2025 to elect Auckland’s next mayor, ward councillors and local board members. Have you ever thought about taking on something more meaningful to benefit your community? Now’s the time.

From 4 July 2025, Aucklanders are invited to nominate themselves and represent their communities to help make decisions and lead the city. Find out everything there is to know about Auckland’s elections, how to be a candidate and what’s involved if you’re elected here. And whether you intend to be a candidate, to vote you’ll need to be enrolled before voting season starts. Make sure you’re enrolled here.