UpsideDowns

06/10/2026

Simon and his daughter Emma are running the Auckland Half Marathon in November and helping to raise money for their pal Olivia and UpsideDowns 👟❤

If you are able, please help support these terrific runners:
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/running-for-olivia-and-upsidedowns

Thank you so much for your support Simon and Emma, we hope your training is going well!

Support Speech Therapy for Kiwi Kids with Down Syndrome. Simon and Emma's Auckland Marathon Challenge for UpsideDowns Educational Trust.

04/10/2026

We are looking forward to hearing our pal Carlos (who helped to photograph our recent Share the Dream Gala) talk at the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association Virtual Conference!

As a self-advocate, he'll be telling listeners about his latest photographic project in collaboration with the NZDSA at 4pm, Saturday, 17 October.

There are loads of other interesting and inspiring talks before then, so be sure to check out the full programme:
https://nzdsa.org.nz/virtual-conference-2026/

30/09/2026

Thursday Thanks: Angela and the team at MediaWorks New Zealand

The amazing Angela recently organised a sausage sizzle at MediaWorks to help raise money for Kiwi kids with Down syndrome! She and her generous (and hungry) colleagues raised over $300, which is going straight to funding speech and language therapy sessions for UpsideDowns members ❤❤

Massive thanks to Angela and the team, support like this is the reason we're able to give the gift of speech to Aotearoa's tamariki and rangatahi with Down syndrome.

28/09/2026

It was such a treat to have Zara Barrett come along to our Share the Dream Gala and help us auction off an official All Blacks jersey hand-signed by the squad 🤩

Zara and her family have been amazing supporters of UpsideDowns and Aotearoa's Down syndrome community. We're so glad you could come and celebrate with us, Zara!

27/09/2026

This Saturday is the beginning of the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association's Virtual Conference!

From 3–21st October you can tune in to hear national and international speakers explore connection, belonging and support for people with Down syndrome and their whānau.

Check out the full programme:
https://nzdsa.org.nz/virtual-conference-2026/

24/09/2026

It was an honour to have one of Aotearoa's most beloved media personalities MC Share the Dream 2026: thank you so much Kerre Woodham ❤🤩

You helped our guests understand the importance of UpsideDowns' work while making sure everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves at the same time. You can master our ceremony any day.

23/09/2026

Thursday Thanks: Spa Weekend screening supporters 🎬🍿

Last month, the magnificent Michelle organised a hugely successful movie screening and raffle fundraiser in Hamilton. Attendees came along to see the comedy, Spa Weekend, at the Lido Cinema, with some very cool spot prizes donated by generous local sponsors. Michelle also ran a raffle with loads of amazing goodies donated by local businesses.

Combined, the fundraiser brought in over $6100 for Kiwi kids with Down syndrome 🤩

Huge gratitude for the massive effort from Michelle in putting this fabulous event together, along with the many amazing businesses who came on board with donations and support:

Books for Kids, Boulder Co, Chipmunks Playland, Columbus Coffee, Enchanted Entertainment, Hello Stranger, Hobbiton Movie Set, House of Travel, Lido Cinema Hamilton, Lifted, Made, MediaWorks, Millenium Hotels, Mire 10, My Food Bag, New World Rototuna, Nothing Naughty, O-Studios, Prezzy Card, Sanitarium, SceneGence, Shine On, Star Group, Te Huia, Villagrad Winery, and Whittakers ❤🎊🎉

22/09/2026

Our utmost thanks to the mighty Phil Madsen Music for providing the amazing musical entertainment for this year's Share the Dream Gala 🎸🎤❤

He kept our enthusiastic dancers moving right until the end of the night (when we were politely asked to leave 🤣) Nobody packs the dance floor like you, Phil -- thanks for helping us give Kiwi kids with Down syndrome the gift of speech (and song!)

21/09/2026

"It has given her the tools to share her thoughts, personality, and ideas with the people around her, including her very cheeky sense of humour, which brings us so much joy."

Our pal Chloe has been doing speech and language therapy for 10 years! Read up about some of her awesome achievements -- including speaking in front of the whole school 🥰

https://www.upsidedowns.co.nz/news/2026/9/10/chloe-takes-centre-stage

20/09/2026

Share the Dream guests are never shy when it's time to bust some moves 💃🕺

Were you out on the dance floor? Found you photos in the Share the Dream 2026 Photo Gallery:
https://www.upsidedowns.co.nz/share-the-dream-2026-photo-gallery