Livingwell - Disability Resource Centre

Livingwell - Disability Resource Centre We are here for people with disability, older people, their whānau and the Otago community.

Serving the Otago community since 1989, Livingwell provides free disability information and advice and access to resources that support independent living.

As you know a few weeks ago we had the chance to spend time at the NZ Federation of Disability Information Centres Confe...
03/06/2026

As you know a few weeks ago we had the chance to spend time at the NZ Federation of Disability Information Centres Conference - The Federation

Looking back through the photos reminded us just how much passion and purpose this community brings to accessibility and support. Sharing a few moments that still make us smile.

Congratulations Briarna! We want to give our lovely Briarna a massive well deserved shout out on her latest achievement....
03/06/2026

Congratulations Briarna!

We want to give our lovely Briarna a massive well deserved shout out on her latest achievement.

Briarna was recently awarded her Certificate of Achievement in recognition of passing The Federation Academy Course - Building Inclusive Communities

She received some glowing feedback we would like to share here -

'Briarna, this is another excellent piece of work! I appreciate your reflection of your own culture. I think your own investigation into your roots and your appreciation for their importance is very wise and displays once again, a level of thinking that is impressive. You have also constructed a thorough and clear analysis around your values concerning the treatment and care of the disabled while also integrating some very key points around how our culture treats disability. Needless to say, I think this is a superb reflection. Well done!'

This is just a snippet of why Briarna does what she does...

"A world without disabled people is a world I would not like to live in. A world without my sister is a world without the Sun." - Briarna Kareroa 🥹🥰

"My attitude towards disability is completely based on my time spent growing up with my sister and the experience my family has had with having disabled family members.

I feel so grateful to have someone with so much compassion and empathy. To have a disabled person in your life is having a profound opportunity to experience the world from a unique, joyous and human perspective.

I feel so connected with my sister as she has taught me so many things. Patience, Empathy, Inclusiveness, Compassion, Resilience, Authenticity, and how to properly let your hair down!!!

I feel sorry for those who have not been exposed to people who have impairments and disabilities as there is such a unique shine that disabled people possess. Which is so incredible given the amount of barriers and hold backs the world has created for them."

🚨 Reminder - Don't miss out! 🚨Kia ora! I want to share some exciting news from our team at Recreate NZ, a unique Charita...
03/06/2026

🚨 Reminder - Don't miss out! 🚨

Kia ora!

I want to share some exciting news from our team at Recreate NZ, a unique Charitable Trust aimed at providing 'life changing experiences for young people with intellectual disabilities & neurodiversity'.

Through the incredible support from Sport NZ, we are able to expand into Dunedin (and Hawkes Bay) from July 2026. This adds to our presence in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Christchurch, actively serving over 600 people in total (aged 10-45 years).

Recreate run group-based programmes which fit in to Social, Recreation, Adventure and Education catergories. Our main focuses are providing respite to whānau/caregivers and providing our participants with fun and enriching opportunities for social connection and recreation. All of our programmes can be covered with Individualised Funding and/or Carer Support.

I was wondering if anyone in your team would be free to connect over teams/zoom/phone to korero about Recreate & our mahi, and to share any insight as to how we can best service the Dunedin community.

I have also attached some content to this email which may be useful to share among your community and with any whānau/individuals you think may be interested. There is a calendar which outlines our Term 3 programmes - however you can find out more on our website as well. I am also happy to whip up something suitable for a newsletter if this would be of use!

Looking forward to hearing back, and let me know if you have any questions 😄

Kia pai tō rā,

Charlotte Hamilton
Lead Programme Coordinator – Dunedin
She/Her

www.recreate.org.nz
Email 📧 [email protected]
Text/Call 📱 021 198 1578

🚨 Reminder 🚨Sports Reconnect is happening on Saturday, the 6th of June, at King’s High School Performing Arts Centre (27...
03/06/2026

🚨 Reminder 🚨

Sports Reconnect is happening on Saturday, the 6th of June, at King’s High School Performing Arts Centre (270 Bay View Road) from 11 am to 2 pm!

It's all about supporting tamariki and rangatahi to stay active and keep kids in sport.

This is a family fun day, supported by Sport Otago and King’s and Queen’s High School, with a free sausage sizzle and plenty of giveaways - so bring the whole whānau along and pick up some free sports gear.

Proudly brought to you by Dream South D

Sports Reconnect
Reuse, recycle, and rehome quality secondhand sports gear and clothing.
Free preloved sports Gear!
Giveaways - Spot Prizes - Free Sausage Sizzle.
11am - 2pm Saturday 6th June, King's High School, 270 Bay View Road, 9012
Donations welcome - find out more at dreamsouthd.org.nz

03/06/2026

Want to have your say on the Disability Support Services (DSS) Bill, but not sure how? We've put together a submission guide to help you through the process – link in the comments below.

Remember, you have until 1.00pm on Friday 12 June to make your submission.

Image description: A simple illustration of a dark blue loudspeaker on a pale blue background. Below, also in dark blue, are the words: How to have your say on the Disability Support Services Bill. Image has rounded corners, a white border, and the CCS Disability Action icon in the top left corner.

Congratulations Briarna! We want to give our lovely Briarna a massive well deserved shout out on her latest achievement....
02/06/2026

Congratulations Briarna!

We want to give our lovely Briarna a massive well deserved shout out on her latest achievement.

Briarna was recently awarded her Certificate of Achievement in recognition of passing The Federation Academy Course - Building Inclusive Communities

She received some glowing feedback we would like to share here -

'Briarna, this is another excellent piece of work! I appreciate your reflection of your own culture. I think your own investigation into your roots and your appreciation for their importance is very wise and displays once again, a level of thinking that is impressive. You have also constructed a thorough and clear analysis around your values concerning the treatment and care of the disabled while also integrating some very key points around how our culture treats disability. Needless to say, I think this is a superb reflection. Well done!'

This is just a snippet of why Briarna does what she does...

"A world without disabled people is a world I would not like to live in. A world without my sister is a world without the Sun." - Briarna Kareroa 🥹🥰

"My attitude towards disability is completely based on my time spent growing up with my sister and the experience my family has had with having disabled family members.

I feel so grateful to have someone with so much compassion and empathy. To have a disabled person in your life is having a profound opportunity to experience the world from a unique, joyous and human perspective.

I feel so connected with my sister as she has taught me so many things. Patience, Empathy, Inclusiveness, Compassion, Resilience, Authenticity, and how to properly let your hair down!!!

I feel sorry for those who have not been exposed to people who have impairments and disabilities as there is such a unique shine that disabled people possess. Which is so incredible given the amount of barriers and hold backs the world has created for them."

02/06/2026

Kia ora 👋 Disabled people, families, whānau and carers are being invited to help shape further improvements to Disability Support Services (DSS).

We want to improve services in key areas that the disability community has told us matter most to them.

We are building on what the community has told us over the past two years. This feedback has already helped shape some important changes across DSS, and we know there is more to do.

Now we want to know what good support looks like.

From 8 June to 31 July, DSS will be running a community consultation focused on key areas including:
💬 Outcomes that matter, including how supports make a difference in disabled people’s everyday lives and safety
💬 Earlier, proactive and planned support as people’s needs change over time
💬 Feedback and complaints processes that make it easier to speak up about DSS services
💬 Better options for carer respite, making it easier for family, whānau and carers to take a break
💬 More choice and control in services, including more flexibility in supports funded outside of flexible funding
💬 Improved information and advice to make supports and services easier to access

We are seeking feedback from people who receive DSS funding, and people who support or advocate for those who do.

From today, you can read the consultation documents and register for workshops ahead of the consultation officially opening on 8 June.

You can take part in a way that works for you, including online and in-person workshops, written or recorded submissions, and an online survey. Workshops will be running throughout June and July.

Your input will help shape the next improvements to services and supports.

Visit the DSS website below to read the consultation documents, learn more about the consultation, and register for upcoming workshops 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/improving-dss/have-your-say-on-further-improvements-to-services

This consultation is separate from the Disability Support Services Bill and is focused on improvements to DSS-funded supports and services.

The Bill is a separate Parliamentary process that sets the legal framework for DSS.

Our NEW The Sensory Corner made its debut in the newsletter, but if you didn’t see it, we’ve got you covered. We’re so e...
01/06/2026

Our NEW The Sensory Corner made its debut in the newsletter, but if you didn’t see it, we’ve got you covered.

We’re so excited to introduce you to our newest sensory products — all now stocked in the shop.

Check out more sensory and motor therapy equipment on the Sensory Corner website here https://www.sensorycorner.co.nz

31/05/2026

See you all Tuesday when we’re back open!

28/05/2026

We have put together a list of tools and resources that are useful for making a submission on the DSS Bill. This includes submission cheat sheets, plain language summaries and writing workshops.

A big mihi to the people who provided the tools! ⭐

Check it out here: tinyurl.com/yc5x3je4

Address

Cnr George & Bath Streets, Burns House, 10 George Street
Dunedin
9016

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+64800115891

Website

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