IHC New Zealand

11/10/2026

🧡 Don't miss out! There are plenty of great sessions coming up next week as part of the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association's Virtual Conference for Down Syndrome Month, Together against loneliness! Join us at the below online sessions:

📅 Monday 12 October
• 12.00pm: Friendship matters: planning opportunities for connection, capability and wellbeing
• 7.30pm: Helping children with Down syndrome sleep better: poor sleep isn't "just part of it"

📅 Tuesday 13 October
• 12.00pm: Capacity, communication and co-regulation
• 7.30pm: Manage My Health Down syndrome style: empowering families and whānau every step of the way

📅 Wednesday 14 October
• 12.00pm: From data to dignity 2026: new insights and evidence with Shara Turner (IHC Senior Advocate)
• 1.00pm: Community connection: shifting the inclusion focus

📅 Thursday 15 October
• 12.00pm: Your health and disability Code of Rights
• 7.30pm: Friendship as a bridge from loneliness to connection: self-advocates with Down syndrome explore friendships with STRIVE members

📅 Friday 16 October
• 12.00pm: The Recreate Way across Aotearoa with Recreate NZ

📅 Saturday 17 October
• 4.00pm: Safer walking
• 4.30pm: Stories from self-advocates!
• 4.30pm: Through my eyes: my latest photographic project in collaboration with the NZDSA with Carlos Biggemann

From friendship and wellbeing to health, rights, community connection and self-advocacy, there's something for everyone.

All sessions are free to attend. Register here: https://nzdsa.org.nz/virtual-conference-2026/

Please note that sessions are live and will not be recorded, so be sure to join at the scheduled time. 🧡

08/10/2026

Have you had a chance to explore the Capture the moment online store?

View the collection: https://store.ihc.org.nz/

The finalist exhibition is currently on display at FOTOFEST in Hastings until 22 October, and prints from many of the finalist and winning photographs are available to purchase online.

Whether you're looking for a piece for your home or a thoughtful gift, every purchase supports the photographer directly, with 100% of sales going to the artist.

View and purchase prints of the 30 finalists from IHC's Capture the moment photography competition.

07/10/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Vote for Inclusive Futures: National Disability Election Forum 2026, both in person and online.

Nearly 200 people gathered in Wellington and over a hundred people joined online to hear political representatives discuss the issues that matter most to disabled people ahead of the 7 November election.

A huge thank you to our political representatives, moderator Susie Ferguson, the Electoral Commission, our partner organisations, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the event possible. Thank you also to everyone who took part, asked thoughtful questions, and contributed to lively discussions with the panel.

It was encouraging to see such strong engagement throughout the forum. The conversations highlighted the importance of ensuring disabled people are heard and included in decisions that shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.

We'll be sharing photos and a recording of the forum soon, so keep an eye on our channels for updates.

IHC was the lead organiser of the forum, supported by Access Matters Aotearoa Blind Low Vision NZ Blind Citizens NZ CCS Disability Action Deaf Aotearoa Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA New Zealand Down Syndrome Association Spectrum Care The Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust Your Way l Kia Roha.

Thank you again to everyone who was part of this important conversation.

~
Pictured: L-R: Laura McClure (ACT), Julie Anne Genter (Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand), Priyanca Radhakrishnan (New Zealand Labour Party), Rima Nakhle (New Zealand National Party), Jenny Marcroft (New Zealand First), Qiulae Wong (The Opportunity Party)

06/10/2026

📣 Together against loneliness! There are still plenty of great sessions coming up as part of the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association's Virtual Conference for World Down Syndrome Month:

📅 Today (Wednesday 7 October)
• 12.00pm: Empowering support for breastfeeding mothers of babies with Down syndrome
• 4.00pm: IHC disability election forum (online or in person in Wellington)
• 7.30pm: The power of sport: connection, belonging and participation

📅 Thursday 8 October
• 12.00pm: Rights and belonging: how practical understanding of rights can combat loneliness
• 7.30pm: Connecting with Volition

📅 Friday 9 October
• 12.00pm: An introduction to the online independent living and money game Stand Tall with Phil Clarke (IHC Library)

📅 Saturday 10 October
• 4.00pm: Friendship matters: building real connections, with Hannah Verry and Hamish Gilbert (IHC Friendship Programme)
• 4.30pm: How I keep from being lonely

From performing arts and friendship to relationships, health, rights, independence, sport and community, there's something for everyone.

All sessions are free to attend. Register here: https://nzdsa.org.nz/virtual-conference-2026/

Please note that sessions are live and will not be recorded, so don't miss out!💗

06/10/2026

📣 Reminder: Vote for Inclusive Futures - National Disability Election Forum 2026 is tomorrow!

Nothing about us without us. Disabled people deserve equal access, real choice, and a government that removes barriers instead of creating them.

Join us in person or online to hear directly from political party representatives, ask the questions that matter to you, and learn how parties would work to create a more inclusive and accessible Aotearoa New Zealand.

When: Wednesday 7 October, 4pm to 6pm
Where: Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, 2 Taranaki Street, Wellington, or join us online
This is a free event. NZSL interpreters and live captions will be provided.

🎟️ Register now: www.ihc.org.nz/election

We look forward to seeing you!

If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, please contact [email protected].

05/10/2026

👏 Congratulations to Alice Matthews on her thoughtful article for The D List NZ, 'Five Laws I'd Make if I Became Prime Minister'. Available in both written and audio formats, Alice shares her ideas for a more inclusive Aotearoa and the changes she'd like to see from New Zealand's next government. Well done, Alice!

🔗 Read or listen here:

Getting rid of the Minimum Wage Exemption, and offering free gym memberships would be on the cards if Alice Matthews was leading the country.

05/10/2026

Some powerful photos from Te Hoenga Waka Northern Regional Kapa Haka 2026! Congratulations to you all.

03/10/2026

Join us in person or online for a free community forum about disability and accessibility in Aotearoa New Zealand. Hear from guest speakers, ask questions, and be part of the conversation. To register, please visit: www.ihc.org.nz/election

📅 7 October | 📍 Wellington & online | Free

01/10/2026

Throwback to 2023! Around this time three years ago, politicians of the main parties gathered at IHC New Zealand's election forum to answer the disability community's questions.

Don't forget to register for this year's Vote for Inclusive Futures event! Join us on Wednesday 7 October, 4pm at Te Wharewaka o Poneke in Wellington or online on Zoom. Link in the comments.

Image description: Politicians sit at a long table with microphones in front of an audience. A presentation runs on the screen behind them with the words 'Accessible Democracy 2023 for Disabled Voters'.