Recent Notices in the Community

October 2024

Skillet is Now Access Maps: Your world, your way! – Access Maps is excited to unveil our new brand identity! This rebrand reflects our commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive world. Our interactive maps, apps, and pages empower individuals to explore their communities with confidence. We’re proud to have partnered with Tauranga City Council on their ambitious accessibility initiatives and look forward to bringing our mahi to more cities throughout the country.

For now, please enjoy our work on your next trip to Tauranga and make the most of summer with our partners at Aktive and Auckland Council Pools. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings.

For more information visit our website at http://www.accessmaps.com or get in touch with us at info@accessmaps.com if you’d like more information.  To keep up with our latest news, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

ASID New Zealand Conference – ASID New Zealand is inviting expression of interest to present at their upcoming conference titled – ‘Data, Design and Delivery: Research to support people with a learning (intellectual) disability’. The conference is proposed to be held at Harbourside Conference Centre in Wellington on Monday, 17 March 2025.  Click here for the ‘Save the Date’ flyer; and click here for the ‘Expression of Interest’ form to be a speaker in the standard and here for the Easy Read format.   We would love to hear from people with a lived experience of learning (intellectual) disability, whānau members, researchers, and health and disability professionals. The closing deadline for Expression of Interest is 31 October 2024.  For further information, click here.

ATSNZ Disability Expo, 6 – 7 November –  In November, Assistive Technologies Suppliers New Zealand will be hosting their 5th ATSNZ Disability Expo in Auckland.  The Expo will:

  • Showcase a broad range of assistive technology and lifestyle services to support choice and control for those with disablity, seniors and caregivers.
  • Educate visitors in the latest advances in assistive technology and related services, and support the development of their technical skills and knowledge.
  • Help people improve their independence, dignity, mental health, physical health and well-being through awareness of assistive technology product and service solutions

Registration is free.  Register now online and receive a complimentary drink from the Expo cafe.

  • When: 6-7 November
  • Where: Due Drop Event Centre, Manukau
  • Time: Wednesday 8:30am – 4pm / Thursday 8:30am – 3pm

Primary Schools All Abilities Sports Day, 7 November – Halberg and Special Olympics are coming together to run this amazing day for Primary School Aged students with any disability or impairment to get out of school and experience locally based sports with other young people similar to them!  Click here for the event flyer and click here to register.  Contact: Rachael@Halberg.co.nz for more information.

  • When: 7th November
  • Where: Birkenhead College
  • Time: 9am-2:30pm

InterACT Festival 2024: Stars – Just Shine! 23 – 25 October – InterACT is a free 3 day festival that brings together people with disabilities from all over Auckland (sometimes from out of Auckland too!), providing an opportunity for disabled artists and performers to express their talents. Audience, performers and participants come together to celebrate the creative achievements of disabled people in the arts.

  • Wednesday 23 – Friday 25 October 2024
  • 10am – 2pm
  • Corbans Estate Arts Centre/Te Pou Theatre (2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland)

To enquire about performing in the festival, email John: john@interacting.org.nz.  Or click here for the flyer or check out their website for more information.

September 2024

New Zealand Down Syndrome Association: Assume I Can Virtual Conference, 3-21 October – The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) is excited to invite you to our Assume I Can Virtual Conference, running from the 3rd to the 21st October 2024! This year’s event features over 21 sessions and more than 30 inspiring national and international speakers, making it our largest conference yet.  Secure your spot, read the programme, and stay updated at NZDSA’s website.  Free registrations open in late September.  Click here for the conference flyer.  Spread the word and share this opportunity with friends and colleagues who could benefit from attending.

My Business Starter Programme – the Disability Business Network is running a starter programme for disabled people who want to be self-employed.  This is an introductory, nine-week course for those who want to get clear on a business idea.  The final My Business Starter Programme for 2024 commences on 1 October.

You will be working on ZOOM, in a larger group for the training sessions and break into smaller groups for coaching.  By the time you have completed this course you will have a short business plan. When you have done this, you will receive a certificate to say you have completed the programme and then be eligible to join the Disability Business Network who meet -up monthly.  Working in a group setting with other disabled people from all around the country provides lots of opportunities to build relationships with disabled people and to have many cheerleaders, including course facilitators Selwyn Cook, Sandra Budd and Julie Woods.

If you’re eligible, the course is free.  To find out more click here or either send an email to the programme’s partners CCS Disability Action at   Support@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz or phone  027 213 1820.

Be Green & Be Seen – Coinciding with World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6, October is the month to show your support for people living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.  The Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ going all out to raise awareness for the 10,000 Kiwis living with Cerebral Palsy.

Here’s how you can get involved and go green this October:

  • Share the love on social media.  Click here for their facebook page.
  • Host a green-themed event – whether it’s a non-uniform day, a green morning tea at work or home, or just dressing up in green, every bit helps!
  • Get #beACTIVE – Choose a fun challenge, set up a fundraising page, and get moving for a great cause.  Sign up for #beACTIVE here

Click here for more details about Be Green & Be Seen month.

Dogtober is a month-long opportunity to raise funds for Mobility Dogs, and we invite you to join the fun! This October, we’re bringing together humans and their pet dogs to have fun together and make a positive impact on the lives of disabled New Zealanders.  Each week, you and your pet will commit to learning one new challenge, and you’ll share your progress online while raising vital funds for Mobility Dogs.

All funds raised will support the cost of the two-year extensive training programme that all Mobility Dogs undergo, as they prepare for their future career as service dogs.

It’s completely free to take part in Dogtober – we invite you and your pet to sign up and join us today!  It’s as simple as:

1: Choosing your challenge;
2: Setting up your fundraising page
3: Having fun with your pet!

1 – 31 October 2024 Nationwide.  Click here for more information.

August 2024

Anxiety NZ Trust with the help of Ministry of Social Development has created Empowered – a free online wellbeing programme that is accessible 24/7 anywhere in New Zealand.  Empowered is a free, self-paced, online course from Anxiety NZ to help people improve their 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 with in many ways. There are videos, a text-based version and an audio version. From what wellbeing is, to mental wellbeing for those with health challenges or 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 summarise and to help you to work on your goals.  Click here for the flyer.  You can sign up for Empowered here.

Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: With the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games starting on 29 August, the New Zealand Paralympic Team will give New Zealand something to talk about!  TVNZ will broadcast the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in New Zealand. Paris 2024 will see the most extensive coverage for a Paralympic Games in New Zealand to date. This will include coverage on TVNZ 1 from 7.30pm, five dedicated TVNZ+ pop-up channels covering live and delayed content, plus replays and highlights.  With all the excitement and hype around the Paralympics, Paralympics New Zealand is also calling on more disabled New Zealanders to participate, engage and be active in Para sport. Could you be a future Paralympian? Everyone starts somewhere, so register your details here to find out what is possible.

Asian Hauora Day – 6 September 10am – 4pm: Asian Family Services in collaboration with 11 health service providers and 9 community groups are organising the Asian Hauora Day, a FREE health check and information event for Asian communities living in the South Auckland region.  Location: Otahuhu Town Hall Community Centre.  Registration is now open – scan the QR code on the flyer here.

The Liz Soper Foundation of Care exists to reduce the financial barriers that stop adults living with complex disabilities from enjoying life’s extras, those unforgettable, unimaginable experiences. What is the extra-care-icular activity you have always wanted to experience? Lets make it happen! Complete an application detailing your experience and a breakdown of the costs. A maximum of $1000 per applicant will be award in the SPRING 2024 funding round.  To make an application apply by Friday 30th August here.

Flying Kites new Soaring Beyond Schools service: Planning for life after school is important. Flying Kites can help with goal planning, system navigation and connecting with community organisations to enable a smooth transition beyond school. We want to help you dream big and create a roadmap to achieve your goals. We also help you find and recruit the people you need to help make the most out of your disability supports. No eligibility criteria, most people pay for Flying Kites’ services out of Individualised Funding Flying Kites offers Comprehensive support for disabled school leavers throughout Auckland. Our support is unique and tailored for you and your goals. We can help with developing a plan for life after school and offer you flexible support to help bring that plan to life. From one off conversations to in depth multi-year assistance, we design and quote our services to help you achieve your goals.  Visit www.flyingkites.org.nz  for more information or email hello@flyingkites.org.nz to get in touch.

Driven For Success – An alternative educational tool to  support New Zealanders with passing their theory driving test or simply as an extra study tool. Driven To Success was founded in 2021. Since this time 1500 games have been sold and are supporting over 100 schools and colleges ,13 prisons, libraries, hospitals, deaf society, learning disabilities outlets and driving support agencies throughout New Zealand. Driven for Success has featured on 2 tv interviews with Seven Sharp and TV AM as well as radio, podcase and media articles over the past 2 years from our release date. Driven To Success Ltd have moved to phase 2 and currently have our game prototypes being play tested in in Australia.  Visit our shop  or to see our progress click here.   Facebook

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. . Harikoa Life formulated a highly integrated approach to ensure the wellbeing of people with disability, even when parents and family are no longer around. Let’s build a better future for people with disability, together.
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.