DSS Consultation

From now until 31 July, disabled people, families, whānau and carers can have their say and help shape the next improvements to disability support services.

• Make a submission by email or post
• Do the online survey
• Register for a workshop.  In-person consultation workshops: 
  • MANGERE, SOUTH AUCKLAND - Tuesday, 30 June - 10am - 12pm
  • ELLERSLIE, CENTRAL AUCKLAND - Wednesday, 1 July - 10am - 12pm
  • HAMILTON CENTRAL, HAMILTON - Thursday, 2 July - 10am - 12pm
  • CHRISTCHURCH, CHRISTCHURCH CITY - Thursday, 30 July - 10am - 12pm
  • DUNEDIN, Wednesday, 29 July - 10am - 12pm

For more information or to register, visit the Disability Support Services website: Have your say on further improvements to services | Disability Support Services

Your input is extremely important. What you share now will help shape the next improvements to how services work.

Please register online and have your voice heard.

Te Anua Nua Trust Residential Services

Disability Connect CEO Mike Potter and Disability Information Advisor Masina recently visited Te Anua Nua Trust in Manurewa, meeting CEO Len Moodley, Service Manager Angel Liu Chan and their dedicated team.

They were welcomed into a warm, nurturing home where aroha, respect and genuine care were evident from the moment they arrived. Residents clearly experience belonging, supported by compassionate staff and a whānau‑centred approach.

Te Anua Nua Trust provides residential disability support grounded in kaupapa Māori values and strongly aligned with Enabling Good Lives principles. The service is genuinely person‑centred, supporting self‑determination, everyday participation and strong whānau and community connections.

Under Len Moodley’s leadership, the team shows a clear commitment to individualised support, continuous improvement and uplifting those they serve. This is more than a residential service — it is a home, reflected in the happiness and confidence of resident whānau.

A rare room is currently available. For enquiries, contact Angel at office@teanuanuatrust.com or phone 09 953 5964, or visit https://teanuanuatrust.org.nz/

Community Housing Association Conference

Last week, members of our team, plus Board Chair Colleen Brown, and Board Member Gerard attended the Community Housing Association Conference at AUT. During the event, Colleen took the opportunity to question Housing Minister Chris Bishop about the removal of Kāinga Ora’s previous 15% accessibility target for disabled people and their families. The Minister responded that accessibility typologies are now being incorporated into most new builds, making formal targets unnecessary. However, this explanation was not convincing to us. We strongly believe that, just as the government sets health targets, it should also maintain clear accessibility targets for social housing to ensure accountability and meaningful progress.

Mike also contributed to a workshop focused on accessible, adaptable, safe, and affordable housing for disabled people and their families. It was encouraging to see strong interest, with more than 100 attendees, including developers and community housing providers who are keen to improve their practices. Our Disability Housing Information Service continues to play an important role in informing this advocacy work. If you or someone you know is looking for a place to live, our service is here to provide support and guidance throughout your search process.

Chinese Family Disability Support Group - June

Our June session brought together 19 families (20 attendees) . We were privileged to host Brigit and her colleague Steve from IHC, who delivered an insightful presentation on the Friendship Programme – its purpose, operations, volunteer recruitment, and application process. We also extend our sincere thanks to parents Lili Wang, Sophia Tang, Angela Liang, and our colleague Jessica for arriving early to help set up the venue.

The presentation sparked thoughtful questions from parents, covering topics such as cost‑sharing for outings, eligibility for adult children with high support needs (e.g., non‑verbal), and how volunteers can be supported to better understand each individual’s disability. Brigit and Steve answered patiently, clarifying how the programme builds genuine one‑to‑one friendships based on shared interests – distinctly different from paid support workers or carers, and rooted in authentic companionship.

Feedback from attending families was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing strong interest in enrolling their adult children. This session reaffirmed that real friendship is possible for our loved ones. CFDSG remains a trusted space where families gain knowledge, support, and hope.

AI For Good- Part Two

FREE WORKSHOP- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used for many tasks within the digital world. From writing emails, reports, or promotional content, it can be useful in lots of practical ways.

In this workshop, you will learn how AI is available in the Apps and software you already use, and how you can tailor it to be a useful tool for your work, study, or personal use.

🗓️ Tuesday, 30 June
🕒 9:30am - 12pm
📍 Community Waitakere - Te Au o Te Koopua

For more information or to register: AI For Good- Part Two

MINN Webinar – Parenting Neurodiversity

For migrant and ethnic families, navigating a child’s unique needs can often feel isolating or overwhelming. In this webinar, presenter Tsitsi Kavumbura (a Health Improvement Practitioner and Neuro-affirming Mental Health Clinician) will offer practical strategies, clinical insights, and honest reflections on the daily realities of a neurodivergent household. 

🗓️ Wednesday, 8 July
🕒 7 - 8pm
📍 Online via Google Meet (Link provided upon registration)

Registration: Click this link here

Click here to watch past MINN webinars on YouTube

I.Drive Licensing Program

Are you a disabled person living in Auckland and keen to get your Learner’s Licence? I.Drive could be for you!

Run by YES Disability Resource Centre, the I.Drive Licensing Program is an interactive, comprehensive theory-based workshop designed to support you to achieve your licence.

Upcoming sessions:

📅 16 and 17 July
📍 Mana Inc, 32 Beach Road, Pahurehure

Registration is essential – no walk-ins accepted.

Visit the website for more information: I.Drive Licensing Program – I.Lead or register here: I.Drive 2026 Registration Form – I.Lead

Universal Design For Learning: Inspiring And Empowering Every Learner

This July, internationally recognised education expert Dr Katie Novak will be presenting a full-day workshop in Auckland focused on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and practical strategies for creating learning environments that reduce barriers, increase engagement, and support the success of all learners.

📅 Monday, 27 July
🕘 8:30am – 3:30pm
📍 Hilton Auckland - 147 Quay St

Click here for more information: 2026 Dr Katie Novak: Auckland Tickets, Hilton Auckland, Auckland CBD, | TryBooking New Zealand

2026 Online Whānau Workshop - Switch Access & Switch-Adapted Technology

ATANZ is excited to host a 3 hour online workshop for whānau, caregivers and their direct support teams. This session focuses on practical, home-based strategies to empower your Tamariki or Rangatahi through switch-adapted technology.

Presenter: Jacki Mayne-Davis.

🗓️ 31 July 2026
🕒 10:30am-2:00pm
📍 Online via Zoom

Cost: $35 per person

For more information or to register online, visit the ATANZ website here: 2026-Online Whānau Workshop - Switch Access and Switch-Adapted Technology-Workshops

Flyer here. Any questions please contact: events@atanz.org.nz

Okawa - Your Journey, Your Voice

This is an exciting opportunity to explore the rich traditions of Karanga and Whaikorero in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Any d/Deaf, Disabled, Tangata Whaikaha Māori or person with an impairment can register for 1 of 3 FREE weekend workshops below:

• Karanga for Wahine (Women)
• Whaikorero for Tone (Men)
• Fundamental workshops for all genders on the meaning and importance of these practices

🗓️ Friday, 14 August - Sunday, 16 August
📍 Raungaiti Marae, 6425 State Highway 27, Waharoa, Waikato

For any queries or to register your interest, please call/text Bernadine at 022 659 2198 or email okawa@mylifemyvoice.org.nz

Blind Low Vision New Zealand Support

If your young person is nearing the end of high school, Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) is here to support their next steps.

You can contact BLVNZ on 0800 24 33 33 to learn more about services and to be connected with a Primary Support Person (PSP). They work alongside young people as they transition from school into adult life, helping them feel confident about what comes next.

Through their Employment and Youth Pathways Service, they focus on strengths, confidence, and future possibilities. Their Work Ready programme supports people at their own pace to explore education and employment pathways.

Support can include:

• Monthly online professional development webinars
• One-to-one coaching for CV writing and interviews
• Peer mentoring
• CliftonStrengths (Gallup) assessment

BLVNZ also offers a wide range of support as your young person moves into adulthood, including mobility training, skills for independence, emotional wellbeing support, and help with employment and community connection.

BLVNZ walk alongside people as they take the next step into the community, study, training, or work, with support tailored to their goals.

Orthoptic Peer Support Service

Volunteer Parent Peer Supporters Needed

Peke Waihanga, is pleased to share the launch of a new Orthotics Peer Support Service, developed in partnership with the Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand.

The service connects parents of children with cerebral palsy and/or scoliosis with trained parent peers who have lived experience, providing optional one-to-one support and guidance.

To help establish and grow the service, Peke Waihanga is currently seeking volunteer parent peer supporters. Volunteers should be parents or caregivers of a child with cerebral palsy and/or scoliosis who are interested in supporting other families on a similar journey.

For more information:

Website: https://peersupport.nz/

Volunteer sign-up: https://peersupport.nz/volunteer-orthotics/

Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/186HqbdjQc/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Click here for an Information booklet.

Fale Kai Social Supermarket – Seed2Harvest

The Fale‑Kai Social Supermarket, based in Henderson and run by Seed2Harvest, is a community initiative supporting individuals and whānau experiencing financial pressure or hardship. It provides access to affordable, quality food in a way that promotes dignity, choice, and wellbeing.

Unlike traditional food parcels, Fale‑Kai operates as a semi‑social supermarket, where households can choose the items that best suit their needs using a low-cost points system. This approach empowers families to prepare meals that work for them, while contributing a small amount to help sustain the service.

In addition to the supermarket, Seed2Harvest also offers free food support through a pātaka kai (food pantry) and can connect people with wider wellbeing supports such as pastoral care, coaching, counselling, and employment services.

The service operates by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays (10am–2pm) at 96 Swanson Road, Henderson. Spaces are limited, and bookings are made online.

Fale‑Kai is grounded in a strong commitment to supporting families through tough times, ensuring communities can access food in a respectful, empowering, and community-focused way.

More information can be found here: Fale-Kai | Seed2Harvest

Self-referrals can be made via the following link: S2H FALE-KAI SOCIAL SUPERMARKET - Contact Information 2026

Ola Manuia Zumba

Ōtara Town Centre

Get active and have fun at the Ola Manuia Zumba sessions at Ōtara Town Centre! This is a free, inclusive event—everyone is welcome, no matter your fitness level.

Proudly brought to you by your Local Board, Total Healthcare, and Local Doctors, supporting community wellbeing through movement and connection.

For more information, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568187382391

Powerchair Football

Powerchair Football are looking for new player to join their club.  All ages from 8+ welcome.

Have a go at one of their training sessions on:

📅4 July 10:30am - 12:30pm / 11 July (Open Day) 11am - 1pm
📍 Massey University Rec Centre, Albany

For more information or to register your attendance, please contact 027 440 9942

Toi Tuku Matariki Dance Intensive

Toi Tuku Matarika workshops led by TC dance pros Rodney, Lish and Julie.  Inspired by the themes of Matariki.

For ages 16+, all experience levels, pros and first timers or somewhere in between. Disabled and non-disabled.

📅 6-8 July
📍 Te Puna Creative

Click here to register: TOUCH COMPASS TOI TUKU DANCE INTENSIVE REGISTRATION FORM

Sense Rugby

Looking for an inclusive sports programme these school holidays? 

Sense Rugby is an occupational therapy led rugby program designed to help tamariki and rangatahi participate in active recreation and sport.

📅 14 - 17 July
🕙 1pm-2pm Tamariki (Under 12s) / 2pm-3pm Rangatahi (Teenagers)
📍 Te Papapa Onehunga Rugby Club

For more information, visit their website Events — Sense Rugby NZ or register by emailing: info@senserugby.co.nz

NEW Dance 4 Us Youth Glen Eden

Starting In Term 3

New dance movement therapy group open to people aged 15+ with an intellectual and/or physical disability, including autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and cognitive delays. The group is youth focused, but everyone is welcome.

The programme supports social connection and emotional literacy through creative and expressive dance, and it’s designed to be a safe and fun space.

📅Wednesdays during Term 3: 22 July - 16 September
🕘 4:00 - 5:00pm
📍Glen Eden Community House, 13 Pisces Road, Glen Eden, Auckland

For more information: https://www.dancetherapy.co.nz...

To register: Enrolmy | Dance & Arts Therapy NZ - Booking Calendar for Dance 4 Us Youth Glen Eden Term 3, 2026

Able Tours - Auckland & Waiheke / Te Anau & Milford Sounds

Able Tours offer tours around New Zealand and overseas with experienced carers. All meals and transport are provided and they can offer door to door service.

Upcoming tours and flyers:

• Auckland & Waiheke Island / 15 Oct - 21 Oct / 7 days away
• Te Anau - Milford Sounds / 7 Nov - 13 Nov / 7 days away

For more information, contact: abletoursenable@gmail.com / 027 513 4707

Advocacy Guidelines - Health And Disability Commissioner - Review and Survey

HDC is refreshing its advocacy guidelines. These were last updated in 2005.

The draft Advocacy Guidelines have been released and HDC now seek feedback via the completion of a survey. 

Your completion of the survey is voluntary and would be very much appreciated.

The survey can be found on the HDC website at the following link: Advocacy Guidelines Survey — Health & Disability Commissioner

The closing date for completion is 30 June.

Shape The Future Of The NZ Relay Service

The NZ Relay Service has been helping all New Zealanders use the phone since 2004. Now, they’re looking toward 2027 and beyond, and want to know understand your preference for future service offerings, and to get feedback on a new registration process to keep prank callers out and to keep our community safe.

Ready to help shape the future? Register for a focus group or interview:

• Email: RelayConsultation@mbie.govt.nz
• Text: 021 084 15035

Here is all the information you need to take part, and a survey link is coming shortly! Or watch this video in NZSL: https://youtu.be/QPUmjmNmMb8