Notices & Events in the Community

2026 Upcoming Events


2026 Notices

Accessible House Swap Opportunity – Dresden, Germany 2026/2027

Hi everyone! 👋
I am looking for somebody to start an an adventure with me and is willing to change his/her home with mine – I’m Nadin, 42, from Dresden in east Germany – a cultural city with lots of creative character. I could talk for hours about this lovely, historic, must-have-seen town, but you should see yourself. I’ve been using a wheelchair since 2011, after getting food poisoning — but that doesn’t stop me from exploring the world! 🌍

I wonder, if anyone might be up for a flat swap with me for about 2–3 months. I’d like to swap with someone who also needs accessibility features so we can reliably exchange information about suitability. But thats no must. If someone even doesn’t want a change at all, he/ she maybe has a spare room for me for a month, or so…

In Dresden, I live in a cozy flat (around 56 m²) in a young, creative neighborhood. In my bathroom I have a shower-chair and a holding rod from floor to ceiling to help me with the toilet (no grab handles).The building has several apartments, an elevator and an automatic door. As I live in a lively city and want to go to a (at least a kind of) lively city, too.

I haven’t decided where to go yet, but my dream destination would be New Zealand 🥰

I’m thinking about traveling sometime in 2026 or 2027.
Here you wouldn’t be alone of of course – there are lots of activities and and friends I’d hand you over to 😉

Maybe you’ve also dreamed of spending a few months abroad?
I’d love to hear of your thoughts or questions — feel free to message me anytime!

Contact: nadin_hepper@web.de

Access Activator

The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, in partnership with Creative HQ, is seeking applications from across New Zealand for the Access Activator pilot programme.  Ideas should improve access for Deaf and disabled people, Turi Māori, tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau. Transport, digital services, the built environment and emergency management are key areas of focus.  Successful applicants will be supported and mentored, helping to bring their ideas to fruition so that they can be implemented.  For more information, visit their website: Access Activator | Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People

Flying Kites – Free 1:1 Support Navigation Sessions

Feeling stuck navigating disability support in Aotearoa? Flying Kites is offering free 1:1 online support sessions to help you work through one specific issue and create a clear plan forward.

Available to whānau in the Auckland region, with two focused sessions per person.  For more information, click here.

Flying Kites – Soaring Beyond School – 1:1 Coaching

Flying Kites are hosting 1:1 coaching for disabled and neurodivergent learners (aged 15-22 years), who live in Otara/Papatoetoe, Puketapapa and/or Tauranga. If you want to start planning for your future contact: robyn@flyingkites.org.nz .

Papatoetoe/Otara flyer.

Puketapapa Flyer.

Tauranga Flyer.

Illuminate Market is an annual community event proudly presented by Recreate NZ’s Moxie programme, supporting young people with diverse abilities to build confidence, skills and meaningful pathways into adulthood. With a whole new vibrant look, Illuminate isn’t just a market or festival — it’s a platform for building capability, confidence and connection!

If you have a small enterprise, food truck, are a talented performer or public speaker, we’d love to hear from you! Saturday 28th March 2026, 4-8pm at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall and Reserve. Interested stallholders & performers please get in touch! moxie@recreate.org.nz 

For more information: https://www.recreate.org.nz/illuminate

Toa Malosi Garden Programme is open to the Pasifika Disability Community. An opportunity for you as an individual, a family or with your support team to participate. For more details see flyer

Bollywood-Inspired Movement Class 

The Weekday Afternoon Bollywood-Inspired Movement Class offers a gentle, inclusive movement experience inspired by Bollywood music and rhythms. The class focuses on simple movements, coordination, flexibility, and joyful expression, with options for seated or standing participation to suit different mobility levels.

Designed especially for older adults and people with disabilities, this class encourages well-being, connection, and confidence in a relaxed and supportive environment. No dance experience is needed — participants are welcome to move at their own pace and comfort level.

Weekday afternoons (Wednesday 4 Feb 26) For 10 weeks – Ongoing programme.

 

Release of the Disability and Cancer Reports 2025 – Ahead of World Disability Day, which will be observed on Wednesday 3 December, Te Aho o Te Kahu – Cancer Control Agency have released two significant reports. These reports highlight the experiences of disabled people with cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Both reports are available in a range of formats on their website.Changes to Disability Supports: On 3 September, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston announced changes to Disability Supports.  Click here to view details of her announcement. Nothing will change right away – changes will take effect from February 2026 for new DSS users, and from April 2026 for people already receiving DSS-funded supports. These changes will apply to people who get their supports through a Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisation (NASC).The main changes are:

  • People will get more choice and control in their use of flexible funding.
  • From next year the purchasing guidelines will be removed.
  • People who get flexible funding will be provided with a budget for them to manage within.
  • People will get guidance to help manage their budget. This will make flexible funding easier to use.
  • All NASCs around the country will do their assessments the same way. This is so their decisions on support are fairer and more consistent.
  • Families and carers will be included in assessments, where that’s relevant.

For more information on the changes – please check out the MSD Facebook post or the DSS websiteHome: A Place Where You Can Be Yourself: In early 2024, the Flourishing Together research project team asked disabled people living in Aotearoa New Zealand about their housing experiences. The results have been summarised and the report highlights the voices of 134 people who responded to the survey, including disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau families.  Click here to access the summary report.  This report, alongside policy and practice recommendations, is being shared with policy advisors, housing networks, and advocacy groups. Specifically, the research findings have already been shared with the NZ Disability Strategy – Housing working group.Atoatoali’o National Pacific Disability Approach: Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People has introduced Atoatoali’o – National Pacific Disability Approach to improve disability services and support for the Pacific disability community.  Atoatoali’o is a Samoan word referring to a setting where everyone fits in or sits perfectly (atoatoa) in a circle (li’o). This concept reflects the central values of inclusivity, connectedness, and balance that are foundational of Pacific cultures. Atoatoali’o has been co-developed with Pacific communities and the wider Pacific disability sector. Click here to find out more.Learn New Zealand Sign Language: Chelsea Thomas; a passionate deaf tutor is offering online sessions or in person sessions in West Auckland.  Whether you are a beginner or looking to build on your skills, Chelsea can personalise your sessions. For more information, click here for the flyer or email Chelsea at: chelseathom00@gmail.comParent2Parent, Altogether Autism and Your Way Kia Roha – A Guide to Autism in Childhood: Complied with input from Autistic people, parents and professionals, this guidebook published by Parent2Parent is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about autism. Click here for a copy of this amazing resource.Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi: The Early Years Kete:  The team at the Cerebral Palsy Society is delighted to share with you a toolkit they created.  The Early Years Kete includes information about Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi, the services available in Aotearoa New Zealand, and examples of different organisations to connect with.  It also covers early interventions, education and looking after the wellbeing of parents and wider whānau.  Click here for the toolkit.My Business Starter Course: The next My Business Starter course begins on 29 April. If you’re a disabled person looking to build your very own business, this programme will give you the knowledge and support you need to achieve your goals. Spaces are limited so make sure you register your interest ASAP. You can find out more and how to get in touch here

Announcing Kaikaranga: From 26 March, Taikura Trust will have a new name: Kaikaranga.  Kaikaranga is focused on delivering effective navigation and connection within the disability support system and assisting other government systems that have a role to play in enabling disabled people to live their best lives.  Click here for the social story.Our Journey of A Young Adult with Autism and Beyond: Dr. Saad Al-Harran shares the story of his son who was severely bullied in one of the high schools in Palmerston North and the decision taken to create the business of Green House. Click here to read a summary of the book.  It is available on Amazon. Dr. Saad Al-Harran is keen to connect with Arabic & Muslim Group families and their young adults with special needs.  Email admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz if you would like to connect with him.A New E-Learning Course on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction:  CBM Global, an international member of the World Blind Union, has partnered with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to offer a new e-learning course on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR). This course is designed to help organisations and individuals ensure that persons with disabilities are included in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.  This free course is available to anyone interested in improving their approach to disability-inclusive disaster planning. To enrol and learn more, visit the UNDRR website.Accessible AI Training by My Life My Voice: Our training provides a solid foundation in using accessible AI tools to enhance your independence, work smarter, and take control of everyday tasks. Learn how AI can support navigation, communication, and daily routines—helping you manage life on your terms while reducing reliance on paid support. Our workshops are designed for disabled people and those supporting them, ensuring accessibility at every step. Training sessions are run regularly via Zoom and can be booked for groups at a time that suits you.For a limited time, use the discount code MLMV25 for a 25% discount.  You might also be able to use your disability support funding to pay for our AI training. Check out our website for more information.  Email: ai-training@mylifemyvoice.org.nz / Phone or text: 021 240 5427Kōnae: Citizens Advice Bureau NZ has launched Kōnae.  The website is a guide to help you find and access records created about you (or your whānau) by government agencies, faith-based organisations, or other organisations involved in decisions about your guardianship or care.  Visit the Kōnae website here.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.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.