IHC North Canterbury

02/06/2026

Choices NZ is proud to congratulate Hamish Taverner, the very first person to choose services from Choices NZ and a valued member of the IHC CE Advisory Group, and Sam Johnson, Choices NZ Board Member, on being recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026.

This well-deserved recognition highlights your outstanding contributions, leadership, and commitment to creating inclusive communities where people can live great lives.

Hamish, your advocacy and lived experience inspire positive change and ensure voices are heard where it matters most.

Sam, your governance, and dedication continue to strengthen our organisation and sector.

We are incredibly proud to be part of your journey and celebrate this milestone with you both.

Ngā mihi nui and congratulations!

Pictured: Hamish (left) and Sam (right)

02/06/2026

Palmer­ston North man Ham­ish Tav­erner’s atti­tude has always been that people with dis­ab­il­it­ies should be treated like any­one else. Tav­erner, who has an intel­lec­tual dis­ab­il­ity and cereb­ral palsy, has spent more than 40 years...

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

The entries for the IHC Library Bookmark Design Competition are officially in, and they are incredible!

A huge thank you to everyone who took part. Each submission brought something unique, and we’ve loved taking the time to look through them all. Our judges have a tough decision ahead with so many creative and thoughtful designs. Seeing your ideas come to life through this year’s nature theme has been inspiring. 🐦🐙

We can’t wait to share the winning designs, which will be printed and sent out to IHC Library readers across Aotearoa.

👏 Watch this space for winner announcements later this month!

~~~
, Cotter & Morgan, Josh Morgan Illustration, Illustrated Publishing

29/05/2026

Do you know that MainPower Stadium have Boccia Balls you can use?! These have been donated by Boccia New Zealand for people with disabilities or low mobility to use on the newly installed courts.

Boccia is a sport designed for athletes with disabilities and has similarities to bowls and petanque. For more information on the rules and how to play check out here - https://boccia.org.nz/learn-to-play

23/05/2026

We love seeing the entries arrive for the IHC Art Awards, and today, artist Paul Holmes dropped by to deliver his entry for the 2026 awards with his latest sea-themed work. 🐢

He is no stranger to the awards, with previous works including Whispers Beneath the Waves, Underneath the Treasure Chest, and the much-loved kraken ‘The End of the World’. His work often draws people into underwater worlds built with texture, recycled materials, paint, and canvas.

Paul has been part of Pablos Art Studios Inc in Wellington since 2022. One of the things we love most about his work is how tactile it is. He wants people to be able to feel it as well as see it.

“My art is for blind people to enjoy,” he says, and he is passionate about making exhibitions more accessible for everyone.

Thanks for visiting Paul!

13/05/2026

Places for Horizons Courses in 2026 - Full scholarships may be possible from MSD. Enquiries to

Andrea Smart
Disability & Inclusion Specialist
MOB: 027 273 1131
Physical: 20 Beaumont Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
outwardbound.co.nz

04/05/2026

Thanks to the legends at Halberg Foundation and Special Olympics have these upcoming accessible sporting events happening at MainPower Stadium in May!

03/05/2026

25/04/2026

Beauty & Bloom's latest Love Bundle made especially for Mother's Day 💜 🩷 💜