Disabilities Resource Centre

01/10/2026

What do you get when you put 80 people in a room to celebrate International Day of Older Persons? 👀

☕ Kai
💬 Connection
😂 Plenty of laughs
🤝 New connections
💛 And a whole lot of community!!

Disabilities Resource Centre and Eastern Bay Villages teamed up to put on an afternoon tea celebrating the absolute legends of our older community. 🥰

We were joined by some fantastic local services too — because sometimes knowing what support is out there (and who to talk to!) can make all the difference.

The room was buzzing, the entertainment was on point… and we reckon that’s a pretty good sign of a great afternoon! 🙌

Because ageing well isn’t just about the years it’s about staying connected, feeling supported and being part of a community that cares.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who came along and everyone who helped make the day happen.

80 people. One room. One pretty awesome community. 💜

20/09/2026

Got mobility equipment sitting at home that you no longer use? 👀

Check for an Enable New Zealand sticker like the one in the photo below 👇

If it has one, get in touch with Enable New Zealand and they can organise collection.

Rather than having equipment sitting unused in the garage or cupboard, it may be able to be checked, refurbished and put back into use for someone else who needs it. 😀

If you have a wheelchair, walker, shower stool, or other assistive equipment that's no longer needed, returning it could help someone else get the support they need sooner.

When equipment comes back to Enable New Zealand, we clean it, safety check it, and refurbish it. It can then be reissued to another person who needs it.

Not sure whether the equipment came from us? Look for an Enable New Zealand sticker on the item.

Returning equipment is simple, and collection is free.

Request a collection at https://enable.co.nz/collect

10/09/2026

The Disabilities Resource Centre and Virtual Eastern Bay Villages - Te Kokoru Manaakitanga invite you to celebrate International Day of Older Persons.

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon celebrating the older people in our community.

Come along for afternoon tea, entertainment, good company, and the opportunity to meet local organisations and services that support older people and their whānau.

📅 Thursday 1 October
1.00pm – 3.00pm
Knox Church, Domain Road, Whakatāne

Whether you would like to find out more about what support is available locally, connect with others, or simply enjoy a lovely afternoon out, we would love to have you join us.

Bring along a friend, neighbour, Mum, Dad, Nana or Koro.

Spaces are limited, so please RSVP to Naomi at the Disabilities Resource Centre: 0800 227 363 or email: [email protected]

09/09/2026

✈️ RECONNAISSANCE MISSION: AUCKLAND 👀😂

Today our Information Services Co-ordinator flew up to Auckland to check out Disability Connect’s Transition Expo, attend the EGL Awards and pinch a few good ideas… I mean, conduct some very serious research.

And now we can finally say it…

🎉 A Transition Expo is coming to the Eastern Bay in 2027!

We are planning Te Ara Anamata – Pathways to the Future, bringing together disability, health, education, community and support services in one place to help people and whānau navigate the many transitions that happen throughout life.

From early childhood and school, through young adulthood, employment and independent living, right through to ageing and changes in health — the aim is to make it easier to know what support is out there, who does what, and where to start.

Today’s mission: see how the pros do it. ✅
Next mission: bring something awesome home to the Eastern Bay.

Watch this space… we are VERY excited about this one! 👀✨

24/08/2026

How cool is this little piece of history!

One of our clients brought along their original pocket inhaler, first prescribed to them in 1956, to share with our COPD Support Group.

It was fascinating to see how respiratory care has changed over the past 70 years from this tiny glass “Silbe” Pocket Atomizer to the inhalers and treatments available today.

We love moments like this at our support groups — sharing stories, experiences and a bit of history along the way. 😊

20/08/2026

What a wheelie good time! 🛵💨

We had such a fun day at yesterday’s Mobility Scooter Safety Session, plenty of laughs, great conversations, practical safety tips, and even Richard couldn’t resist having a go at zipping around! 😂👏

A big thank you to everyone who came along, joined in, and helped make the day such a success. It was awesome seeing our community coming together to support safer, more confident mobility scooter use.

And judging by that smile… we’re not entirely sure Richard wanted to give the scooter back! 😆

DisabilitiesResourceCentre

13/08/2026

Check out today’s mahi on our Instagram page…

Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau Hauora turned it ON today!

We started off sharing information and resources with their kaumātua group… and somehow ended up with one of our best jobs yet — guest judging the 2026 Kaumātua Fashion Show! ✨

There was style, confidence, plenty of laughs and some seriously tough judging decisions!

And behind the scenes? The less glamorous part of the day was us dashing through the rain trying to keep ourselves — and all our resources — dry! ☔️🤣

Ngā mihi nui for such a fun and welcoming afternoon!

06/08/2026

Our friends at Alzheimers Society Eastern Bay of Plenty Incorporated are holding a movie fundraiser, and we would love to help spread the word.

They do such incredible work supporting people living with dementia, as well as their whānau and carers right here in our local community. The information, connection, practical support and understanding they provide can make such a difference to families navigating what can be a challenging journey.

A movie fundraiser is a pretty great excuse for a night out too! 🍿🎥

If you are able to, get behind this wonderful local service, grab some tickets and help support the important mahi they do for whānau across our rohe. 💙

Check out the details below 👇

🎬🍿 Save the date!

Looking for a great time out with friends while supporting a local cause?

Join us on Monday 14 September for June Again – a heartwarming Australian film full of laughter, love and hope.

💬 Message us if you'd like to reserve your seat early.