Meet Judge

Late last month, Masina joined us as our new Community Disability Information Advisor.  She is bubbly, full of energy and an amazing person.   

Attached is a photo of Masina's son, Judge Boatwright, who is 19 years old. Judge has Down Syndrome. He continues to live at home where he is strongly supported by his whanau and many other professionals. Throughout the week he attends Real World Living in Papakura, where he continues to embrace life to the fullest, engaging in activities that bring him joy—especially his absolute favourite, woodwork. His impressive creations include birdhouses, race cars, planter boxes, crosses, and swords. The attached photo showcases a cool mouse he made.

Amazing work Judge!  We look forward to seeing more of your wonderful creations!

Denise at NATINA Parenting To Thrive, Not Just Survive! Workshop

This was a very informative, encouraging and well planned course. Learning about neuroscience and the impact on our children and ourselves our experiences in everyday life can have. The importance of connection for learning and self care. I put into action some of the learned strategies the very next day with success.  Scroll down below for more details about the workshop.

Masina at Papatoetoe Community Network

On Thursday, Disability Connect had the privilege of attending the Papatoetoe Community Network hui! If you ever get the chance to attend a local community gathering, don’t miss out—it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect, engage, and be part of something bigger.

These meetings bring together inspiring guest speakers from a wide range of government sectors, offering valuable insights and resources. At Papatoetoe’s latest hui, we had the pleasure of hearing from Age Concern, Living Smokefree Service, and Asian Family Services, each delivering impactful presentations.

Beyond the talks, these gatherings provide a golden chance to mingle and network, helping you build meaningful connections and make your presence felt in the community.

The next Papatoetoe hui is scheduled for 14 August 2025—mark your calendars! For more details, feel free to reach out via email at narend.atc@gmail.com

Parents' Support Group - How To Identify Bullying and Other Social Issues

This month, we invited Arletta van den Bosch to host a ZOOM presentation for our families and discuss the difficult topic of social struggles and bullying.  Unfortunately, it does happen, and it is important to know the possible signs and how to respond.  Thank you, Arletta, for an informative session.  

The topics of our monthly Support Groups change each month and can provide a night of fun or invaluable information. Make sure you have a look at what's coming up so you don't miss out! We look forward to seeing you at one of our events!

Mike's Radio Interview

Tune into the radio show SOAR With Jack on Radio Southland 96.4FM on 18 June at 12:10pm to hear Mike's recent interview.  This weekly radio show highlights services available to those with disabilities and raises awareness around different types of disabilities.

For more information about S.O.A.R. visit their website here.  You can also listen to previous episodes here.

Housing Navigation Service

We are offering a new Disability Housing Navigation Service, first of its kind, here in Auckland. Led and staffed by disabled people and their parents, our free service provides an advisor to support disabled people and their families to research, broker and find a suitable place to live.

Do start early.  If you need help finding a home, email us at: admin@disabilityconnect.org.nz with the word "housing" in the subject line or call 09 636 0351.

Transition Expo - Wednesday 3 September

Countdown to our annual Transition Expo!

The Expo is an amazing opportunity for everyone to connect, share information, learn, and ask questions. We are extremely proud to be able to make this happen for our community every year.

Make sure you save the date: 3 September 2025. Click here to find out more.

Parent to Parent Workshop - Inclusion & Rights in Education

Do you have a disabled or neurodivergent child at school or in Early Childhood Education? Learn to work alongside educators to ensure effective support for your child.

When: Thursday, 19 June and Thursday, 26 June. Note: this is a two-part workshop, delivered via Zoom a week apart.

Time: 9:30am - 12pm

Click here for more information or to register for the event.

Parenting To Thrive, Not Just Survive!

Responding to Distress Through a Relational Neuroscience & Trauma-Informed Hauora Lens

FREE Full-Day Workshop for Auckland Parents of Intellectually Disabled Children.

Join IHC and NATINA for an empowering, trauma-informed workshop designed to uplift and support whānau of children with intellectual disability.  

📍 **East Auckland:** Tuesday 24 June – Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, Mt Wellington

🕘 **Time:** 9.00am – 4:00pm (full-day workshop)

🎟️ Register via email to ihc.events@ihc.org.nz and please state the age of your child.

Click here for a copy of the flyer.

Calling All Residents of Mangere, Otahuhu, Otara and Manurewa

Free classes offered to support individuals in gaining their learner licence, which can be a critical step toward employment and independence.

Participants must be 16 years+ and require identification (NZ Birth Certificate, NZ passport or any passport, Permanent Residency visa etc).  ID and a signed enrolment form will secure your place.

For more information or to enrol, please call 09 239 0316 or 021 038 6329, or email info.c2@literacy.org.nzail.  

Click to view flyers: Mangere East, Otahuhu, Manurewa Group 1, Manurewa Group 2.

Accessible AI Training by My Life My Voice

Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve your life with "My Life My Voice's" introductory lessons, interactive workshops, and personalised 1-on-1 training sessions.

The 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.

Upcoming dates:

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 the AI training. Check out their website for more information.

Success in School

ADSA Workshop - 28 and 29 July

This is a 2-day workshop run by Auckland Down Syndrome Association. 10 presenters will provide inspiration, detailed information, practical guidance, and strategies for educating students with Down syndrome and others who learn differently.

This well-established workshop has been running since 2008.

When: 28 & 29 July 2025

Where: Via Zoom

Time: 8.45am to 2.30pm

Who is it for: anyone involved with education of children and teens with Down syndrome, and other learning needs.

For more information, click here or email Paula: clo@adsa.org.nz

PJ's for Papatoetoe

Attention Awesome Whānau in Papatoetoe

If your Tamariki need a cozy new pair of PJs, we’re here to help! Disability Connect is putting out the call to connect families with warm, snuggly sleepwear, thanks to our incredible friends at Middlemore Foundation.

To be eligible, families must meet the criteria of experiencing financial barriers that prevent them from purchasing PJs for their Tamariki.

If this sounds like you, send an email to masina@disabilityconnect.org.nz with your children’s size, your address, and the best contact number and they’ll be in touch to ensure your little ones are wrapped up in warmth.

Let’s make bedtime extra cozy! 💤✨

7 Winter Lights To Check Out in Auckland

Tāmaki Makaurau is glowing this winter! ❄ ✨ From light festivals to magical train rides, discover seven winter lights you won’t want to miss in Auckland! Click here for details.

For more events happening around Auckland, visit the Auckland NZ website here.

Try Before You Ride - Panmure Train Station

If you have always wanted to try metro rail travel in Auckland or are new to it, Auckland One Rail (AT’s rail operator) is piloting ‘Try before you Ride’ events at Panmure Train Station.

Join their friendly Customer Support team for a fully guided experience from arriving at the Panmure Train Station to boarding a train. You will learn about:

• Parking facilities
• Accessibility station entry and exists
• Ticketing options
• Facilities and support available

Event details:

• Wednesday, 25 June from 10am-12pm
• Saturday, 28 June from 10am-12pm

Click here for more information or email andrew.barker@aucklandonerail.co.nz to register your interest in participating.  

New series "Licence To Drive" opens 2 July

New six-part factual series Licence To Drive, will provide an intimate, compelling and empowering look at the transformative journey undertaken by a group of disabled New Zealanders from all walks of life learning to drive.

Airing on Sky Open on Wednesdays from 2 July at 7.30pm, with all episodes available to stream on Neon and Sky Go from this date.

Community Wellness Expo 2025

Come and meet Masina!

Free community event in Manurewa.  Disability Connect will have a table at the event, ready to assist the community by answering any disability-related questions. Attendees will also find many other valuable organisations present on the day, offering a wealth of knowledge and resources

Date: Thursday, 10 July

Time: 10am - 2pm

Location: Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre and Library

Click here for a copy of the flyer.

IHC Volunteer Friend

IHC’s volunteer friendship programme matches people with shared interests to spend time together. The relationship is one-to-one. This means people spend time with only one person, so that they get to know each other and form a good connection.

If you know someone with an intellectual disability who would like to meet a new friend, get in touch with IHC here.  

Click here for a copy of the Easy Read: Ask for a Volunteer Friend application form.

Adaptive Skiing and Snowsports

Adaptive skiing and snowsports is about adapting equipment and lessons to allow people with a wide range of disabilities to experience the freedom of snow sports.

With ski fields starting to open, Firstport have put together some useful information about adaptive snow programmes available in New Zealand here.

If you can't travel to the ski fields, why not try skiing at Snowplanet in Auckland? Contact them directly about their adaptive ski lessons.  

Want To Be The Voice Of Our Community?

If you want the needs of our community heard in Auckland, consider being a candidate in the local elections this year.

With elections taking place in October, prospective candidates will need to decide whether they intend to stand soon. Nominations open on Friday 4 July and close on Friday 1 August at midday.

Find out what’s involved in the elections, what happens if you’re elected and everything else there is to know about being a candidate at: voteauckland.co.nz/beacandidate

Help Us Understand How Noise Affects Individuals With Disabilities

Leon is a student that is developing an app that detects noises around Auckland based on traffic and other factors.  He invites you to complete a quick survey to share your thoughts and opinions.

Click here to complete the survey by 25 June.  

For more information, please email Leon at: le0nlpersonalpython@gmail.com