New Zealand Down Syndrome Association

New Zealand Down Syndrome Association We are the National organisation representing the Down Syndrome community in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jennifer Del Bel and Downlights for...
17/06/2026

The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jennifer Del Bel and Downlights for their longstanding support of people with Down syndrome and their whānau.

An important arm of Downlights was the establishment of the Downlights Trust. The NZDSA was fortunate to be one of a number of organisations that received funding from the Trust through the sale of Downlights products. This funding helped support our free online Virtual Conference, held from 3–21 October, enabling people with Down syndrome, their whānau, and supporters from across Aotearoa New Zealand to access valuable information, education, and connection opportunities.

Jennifer has been the driving force behind Downlights and its commitment to making a difference in the lives of disabled people and their whānau. Through Downlights, she has created meaningful Living Wage employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome while also supporting community organisations and initiatives that promote inclusion, participation, and equity.

We are saddened to see Downlights closing after years of dedicated service and community support. The impact Jennifer and Downlights have had on people with Down syndrome and their whānau will continue to be felt for many years to come.

As Downlights prepares to close, they are holding a final clearance sale with 50% off everything online. Whether you are stocking up on everyday favourites or discovering a fragrance you have never tried before, now is the perfect time to shop. Once products are sold out, they will not be returning.

We encourage our community to show their support one final time and help celebrate the remarkable contribution Jennifer and Downlights have made.

Thank you, Jennifer, for your vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for people with Down syndrome and supporting disabled people and their whānau.

Your legacy will leave a lasting impact on our community.

https://www.downlightsnz.com

A good adult life doesn’t happen by chance. It starts early, with small steps.Join Care Matters and New Zealand Down Syn...
16/06/2026

A good adult life doesn’t happen by chance. It starts early, with small steps.

Join Care Matters and New Zealand Down Syndrome Association in Palmerston North for a free, practical workshop exploring what a good life could look like for your disabled young person, including learning, work, where to live and the people who matter.

We’ll also look at available supports and create space for whānau to think about their own future as roles change.

The Journey to Adulthood and Life After School
Date: 20 June 2026
Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm
Location: Palmerston North

Register here:

https://carematters.org.nz/events/journey-to-adulthood/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSav-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJzWkpDY2lYNWNhSkxZVHRtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv3RCGfqNWXrL8ZAcBcmwGAoqt8P0Pu3d4yDyBarI3TM_RBZ8f0vBkm7il2i_aem_i6hbKBTYocUoMcFi_p0A-w

Celebrating Vinnie’s Volunteer SpiritWe are delighted to celebrate STRIVE member Vincenzo Vaccarino, who was recognised ...
16/06/2026

Celebrating Vinnie’s Volunteer Spirit

We are delighted to celebrate STRIVE member Vincenzo Vaccarino, who was recognised at the Volunteer Recognition Event (VRE) 2026, hosted by Volunteer Central in Palmerston North.

Vinnie was acknowledged for his outstanding volunteering with City Mission Palmerston North, where his commitment and contribution have made a real difference.

The ceremony, held on 5th June 2026, was part of International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026) celebrations and highlighted the important role volunteers play across our community.

NZDSA congratulates Vinnie on this well-deserved recognition.

If you have a volunteering story you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

Happy National Volunteer Week!

We know that Down syndrome is a family affair. There are plenty of resources for parents, carers, and people with Down s...
15/06/2026

We know that Down syndrome is a family affair. There are plenty of resources for parents, carers, and people with Down syndrome. But for siblings, the support often stops after the picture book “Why is my sibling different?”

Plus One is here to change that. It’s a new project designed specifically for siblings aged 18+ across Aotearoa.

It’s a space to connect with other siblings, learn together, and talk honestly about what life as a sibling really looks like.

Led by Siobhan Vaccarino, a younger sibling working in the disability sector, these online workshops will explore the topics siblings actually want to discuss.

The good.
The complicated.
And the things we don’t usually say out loud.

Our first online workshop will be in early July.

If you're a sibling wanting to connect with others who "get it", complete our survey to help shape the conversation and register your interest.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=b2s7uZKv90u-hRJw0w3OuU_obAay5x5Hj_L4jEBL7zZUOVVVTUswRVBCT0g0NVRWNU8wMEJYMks3Qy4u&route=shorturl

National Volunteer Week | 14–20 JuneYour Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūaoThis National Volunteer Week, we want to ...
14/06/2026

National Volunteer Week | 14–20 June

Your Year to Volunteer – Tōu tau ki te tūao

This National Volunteer Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers who support people with Down syndrome and their whānau across Aotearoa.

As NZDSA celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, we are reminded that this milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteers. From support parents, fundraisers, and event organisers to regional group leaders, Board members, advocates, STRIVE members, and committee volunteers, you help make our community stronger, more connected, and more inclusive.

Thank you for your generosity, commitment, and mahi aroha. NZDSA would not be where it is today without you.

Happy National Volunteer Week!

A good adult life doesn’t happen by chance. It starts early, with small steps.Join Care Matters and New Zealand Down Syn...
13/06/2026

A good adult life doesn’t happen by chance. It starts early, with small steps.

Join Care Matters and New Zealand Down Syndrome Association in Palmerston North for a free, practical workshop exploring what a good life could look like for your disabled young person, including learning, work, where to live and the people who matter.

We’ll also look at available supports and create space for whānau to think about their own future as roles change.

The Journey to Adulthood and Life After School
Date: 20 June 2026�
Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm�
Location: Palmerston North

Register here:
https://carematters.org.nz/events/journey-to-adulthood/

Disability Support Services Bill – Submissions close tomorrow at 1pm - this is your last chance to make your voice heard...
11/06/2026

Disability Support Services Bill – Submissions close tomorrow at 1pm - this is your last chance to make your voice heard.

The Disability Support Services Bill will shape disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand for years to come.

The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) does not support the Bill in its current form.

The NZDSA has participated in stakeholder meetings and hosted a hui to gather information and community feedback to inform our submission on the Bill.

We are currently finalising our submission, and we need your help.

Disability Support Services Bill — Your Voice Is Needed

More than 55,000 people in Aotearoa rely on Disability Support Services.

Yet during the last consultation process, only around 1,500 submissions were made.
That is not enough.

If we stay silent, decisions will be made without us. Silence can be interpreted as support.

Please join us by making your own submission.

To help you, we have compiled the NZDSA DSS Bill Resource, which provides:
- An overview of the Bill
- A summary of key community concerns
- Links to submission templates
- Links on how to write a submission
- Links to resources and tools that explain the Bill in more detail

Please follow this link for full information, the resources and further links to make your submission:
https://nzdsa.org.nz/disability-support-services-bill-what-you-need-to-know/

Every submission matters. Your experiences, concerns, and ideas can help influence the future of disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Disability Support Services Bill – Submissons close this Friday at 1pm. The Disability Support Services Bill will shape ...
09/06/2026

Disability Support Services Bill – Submissons close this Friday at 1pm.

The Disability Support Services Bill will shape disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand for years to come.

The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) does not support the Bill in its current form.

The NZDSA has participated in stakeholder meetings and hosted a hui to gather information and community feedback to inform our submission on the Bill.
We are currently finalising our submission, and we need your help.
Disability Support Services Bill — Your Voice Is Needed
More than 55,000 people in Aotearoa rely on Disability Support Services.
Yet during the last consultation process, only around 1,500 submissions were made.
That is not enough.

If we stay silent, decisions will be made without us. Silence can be interpreted as support.

Please join us by making your own submission.

To help you, we have compiled the NZDSA DSS Bill Resource, which provides:
- An overview of the Bill
- A summary of key community concerns
- Links to submission templates
- Links on how to write a submission
- Links to resources and tools that explain the Bill in more detail

Please follow this link for full information, the resources and further links to make your submission:
https://nzdsa.org.nz/disability-support-services-bill-what-you-need-to-know/

Every submission matters. Your experiences, concerns, and ideas can help influence the future of disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Disability Support Services Bill – What you need to knowThe Disability Support Services Bill will shape disability suppo...
07/06/2026

Disability Support Services Bill – What you need to know

The Disability Support Services Bill will shape disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand for years to come.

The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) does not support the Bill in its current form.

The NZDSA has participated in stakeholder meetings and hosted a hui to gather information and community feedback to inform our submission on the Bill.

We are currently finalising our submission, and we need your help.

Disability Support Services Bill — Your Voice Is Needed
More than 55,000 people in Aotearoa rely on Disability Support Services.
Yet during the last consultation process, only around 1,500 submissions were made.

That is not enough.

If we stay silent, decisions will be made without us. Silence can be interpreted as support.

Please join us by making your own submission.

To help you, we have compiled the NZDSA DSS Bill Resource, which provides:
- An overview of the Bill
- A summary of key community concerns
- Links to submission templates
- Links on how to write a submission
- Links to resources and tools that explain the Bill in more detail

Please follow this link for full information, the resources and further links to make your submission:

https://nzdsa.org.nz/disability-support-services-bill-what-you-need-to-know/

Every submission matters. Your experiences, concerns, and ideas can help influence the future of disability support in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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+64800693724

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