Halberg Foundation

29/05/2026

A year ago, Delphine loved the water but couldn’t swim, finding herself at the back of her school group during lessons. However, there’s been steady progress made. With private swimming lessons- floating and kicking to going underwater and coordinating strokes, it all became easy. Soon those milestones turned into meaningful progress.

Delphine can independently backstroke and has developed movements for freestyle. She also moved into the mid-group of her cohort in school. Her commitment has extended to extra visits to the pool and a newfound comfort in the water, including during family beach trips.

She has now stepped into advanced group swimming lessons. While there are still challenges to navigate, her progress reflects the impact of consistent support and the confidence that comes with it. What once felt uncertain is now something she embraces with joy.

28/05/2026

🏃‍♀️💙 The Halberg Mile is back for 2026!
We’re now inviting schools to register to take part in this nationwide movement.
Run, walk or roll 1.6km while raising funds to help young Kiwis with physical disabilities access PE and sport at school — just like their peers.
Inspired by Sir Murray Halberg’s legacy, it’s a simple, fun way to build inclusion and make a real difference in your school community.
📅 We encourage schools to take part during the week of 2 September.
Register your school now and be part of something bigger 💙

https://halberg.tfaforms.net/5160243

26/05/2026

🏁 Amazing Race Whakatāne – Registrations Now Open!

Get ready for a fun day out with whānau, friends, or colleagues at our all-abilities Amazing Race — designed for the whole community to take part and enjoy.

📅 Saturday 6 June
⏰ 11.00am – 2.00pm
📍 River Edge Park, McAlister Street Car park

Teams will move around a series of interactive stations hosted by local organisations, completing quick challenges along the way. Expect a mix of fun, laughter, and a few surprises, all in a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone can participate.

Whether you are competitive, or just keen for a great day out, this event is all about connection, community, and having a go.

👉 Register now, phone: 0800 227 363 or email: jo@parafedbop.co.nz or click the below link for the online registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17jiPxIMl8wGVAUTpGUTHOshFQRbNdx_0ICW-dV4IrFg/edit

Delivered in collaboration with Disabilities Resource Centre, Parafed Bay of Plenty , VM Events, Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme and Halberg Foundation.

26/05/2026

At the heart of what we do are our incredible Halberg Regional Advisors - Supporting tamariki and rangatahi with physical disabilities to access sport and recreation opportunities right across Aotearoa 💛💙

With a few new faces joining the team, we thought it would be perfect time to re-introduce our Regional Advisors and share where they're based across the country.

Whether you're a whānau, school, sports club, or community organisation wanting to connect with Halberg in your region, our advisors are here to help!

Check out the map at the end of this post to find your local contact, or head over to our website to get in touch 📲 https://halberg.co.nz/club/advisors/

24/05/2026

20/05/2026

💬 “Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard.”

This Youth Week, we’re proud to share the story of Jakob Openshaw-Clark — a young person using his voice to advocate for inclusion, representation, and opportunity for disabled rangatahi across Aotearoa. 🙌

As part of the Halberg community, Jakob is passionate about helping create spaces where young people feel empowered to speak up, be themselves, and know their voices truly matter.

By sharing his experiences and perspectives, Jakob is helping challenge barriers and inspire positive change for the next generation.

Read Jakob’s story here: https://ow.ly/QQt550Z2smE

19/05/2026

💬 "Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard"

For Youth Week, we're proud to spotlight Toby Ireland from the Halberg Youth Council in Wellington 💙

Toby is a passionate advocate and athlete who is using his voice to challenge perceptions, break down barriers, and create more inclusive opportunities for young disabled people in sport and recreation across Aotearoa.

Through his leadership, lived experience, and determination, Toby shows us what it means to turn advocacy into action, and why youth voice is so powerful when it's truly listened to 🙌

This Youth Week, we celebrate rangatahi like Toby who are shaping a more inclusive future for all!

Read Toby's story here: https://halberg.co.nz/youth-week-toby-ireland/

18/05/2026

18/05/2026