Aspire Canterbury

01/04/2026

Pass it forward for Easter!
We have very kindly been donated some items that are looking for new homes. If interested in one or more items, please call 0800 347 242 or email admin@aspirecanterbury.org.nz

Waterproof Mattress Protector - fitted queen size
- midnight blue colour
- 100% waterproof
- breathable, gentle on skin
- anti-microbial, anti-fungal
- washing machine and dryer friendly

Kitchen Preparation Board
- whisk, grate, peel and cut one-handed
- includes board and fixtures for securing food/kitchen items
- both sides can be used, suckers are included for fixing to bench
(other accessories - knife, food)

Swivel Seat Cushion
- lightweight, portable, transfer aid, swivels 360 degrees
- can be used for any seat types, including car seats, dining chairs etc.
- hard base, soft polyester cover, foam filling
- size: 39 x 39 x 5cm

29/03/2026

I.Lead is going on a nation-wide roadshow showcasing their mahi (committees, consultations, programs, youth panels and more) and to engage with disabled youth across the country. Each showcase will be built around the strengths and challenges in each region, with brainstorms surrounding what can be implemented in the region to make life more accessible for rangatahi whaikaha and how I.Lead can help facilitate these projects.
Register by scanning the QR code and completing the online registration form.

I.Lead is a movement for youth aged 16-30 years with lived experience of disabilities. They aim to amplify the voices of disabled youth to not only have their voices heard, but also gain skills in networking, communications and other essential skills that help them live full meaningful lives, and potentially further ready them for employment.

Showcase Dates:
Auckland - Thursday 14 May
Christchurch - Thursday 21 May
Blenheim - Monday 8 June
Whangarei - Monday 15 June
Dunedin - Friday 17 July
Tauranga - Wednesday 22 July
Invercargill - Friday 14 August
Waikato - Thursday 20 August
Manawatu - Wednesday 16 September
Wellington - Wednesday 21 October

23/03/2026

Enabling Love & Friendship Christchurch Coffee Club in Christchurch.
10am Monday 30th March, Prima Roastery Cafe, 387 Brougham Street.

The cafe has wheelchair access, road parking and more parking around the back. They sell cabinet food including pies and scones.

Event details on Eventfinda at https://share.google/hswtR3yDKMeQL41bV

10/03/2026

Invitation to Share Your Experience with Individualised Funding
I am Samanthi Bandara, a PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury. My PhD research examines how, why, for whom, and under what conditions individualised funding affects choice, control, participation, inclusion, and equity for disabled people and their families/whānau.

Your experience matters. By sharing your story, you will contribute to this study, reflecting real impact, future needs, and aspirations.

Who can join?
• Receiving individualised funding for more than three (03) years
• May or may not be with Enabling Good Lives (EGL)
• Lives in Canterbury/Waikato
• Aged 18-64

What is involved?
• In-person interview (100 minutes)
• An online workshop (optional- 60 minutes)
• Bring your family/whānau or carer
• Providing information sheets and consent forms in accessible formats

Your privacy and confidentiality are assured. This research has been approved by the University of Canterbury Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) [HREC Ref: 2025/53]. You will receive a $20 Pak’nSave voucher as a token of appreciation.

Interested?
Email: samanthi.bandara@pg.canterbury.ac.nz
Call/text: 021 0277 8644

09/03/2026

Announcement from DSS about flexible funding budgets from 1 April.

From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS) will have more flexibility in how they use their funding for disability-related supports.

The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed, while people’s allocated budgets stay the same as they are now. This means there will be no disruption to current supports.

These changes apply to people who use flexible funding. If you don’t receive flexible funding, nothing changes for you.

We know the last period of change has been hard for many disabled people, families, whānau and carers, and that it created uncertainty for many. Since then, work has been underway to improve the disability support system so it is fairer, more consistent, and easier to understand.

In February, DSS introduced a nationally consistent way of assessing needs and allocating funding. These April changes build on that work and reflect what the disability community told us through consultation.

From 1 April:
👉 Purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
👉 People keep the same allocated budgets for flexible funding they have now.
👉 This gives more choice and control over disability-related supports, including respite options for carers
👉 You still need to keep your spending within your allocated budgets
👉 Flexible funding must still be used in line with people’s plans
👉 A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval
👉 There will be more support to help people to plan and manage their flexible funding.

These changes mean people can feel confident their supports will continue to reflect their assessed needs. You don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes. Your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.

If you have questions about your own situation, your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site is the best place to talk through what this means for you.

Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements.

You can find more information below 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/more-choice-control-and-certainty-for-disabled-people-with-flexible-funding

01/03/2026

Hohepa Canterbury and Christchurch City Council are hosting an Inclusive Sports day at Spencer Park on Friday 6th March 10:30am-2pm. The event is free and open to anyone with a disability to have a go at a range of sports including hockey, netball, cricket, blokarts, and the ever-popular pickleball.
Just turn up on the day, have a go and enjoy a free sausage sizzle for lunch.

18/02/2026

Kia ora Aspire family,
We still have a couple of items that have kindly been donated to pass forward. If you or anyone you know would like to rehome any of the items or would like more information, please contact Aspire Canterbury on 0800 347 242 or email:
support@aspirecanterbury.org.nz
Please note, items are free.

Items include:
• Fix Food Preparation Board
• Goldfern Adjustable Shower Chair
• Walker/wheelchair
• Swivel Seat Cushion

15/02/2026

Disabilities Resource Centre Trust are pleased to invite you to an upcoming online hui with Disability Support Services (DSS) to talk through the upcoming changes to Individualised (Flexible) Funding coming into effect in April.
Joining us will be Alastair Hill, General Manager from DSS Transformation.

This session will cover:
• What the upcoming Flexible Funding changes in April mean in practice.
• What is changing and what is staying the same (with a focus on reassurance).
• Common questions and misunderstandings around funding use.
• How people with disabilities, whānau and carers can best navigate and access supports.

Wednesday 11 March 10.00 am, Online (Zoom link to be sent to registered participants)

To register phone: 0800 227 363 and ask for our Information Services Co-ordinator or email: information@drct.co.nz

There will also be dedicated time for questions and open discussion.

This is a great opportunity to hear directly from DSS, gain clarity, and feel more confident about what these changes mean. This hui is available for tāngata whaikaha/people with disabilities, whānau, carers and organisations.

11/02/2026

Don’t let disability stop you from learning martial arts!

Proudly supported by Aspire Canterbury and run by Proactive Martial Arts, these classes offer the opportunity to:
• Learn self defence
• Build confidence
• Get stronger
• Exercise your brain

Time: 10.30am - 11.20am
Day: Thursdays (10 week term starting 19th February)
Location: 107 Blenheim Road
Cost: $15pp per class, $150 per term

Email support@aspirecanterbury.org.nz or call 0800 347 242 to find out more or register.
No gear needed!

16/12/2025

Christmas Giveaway!! 🎅
Pass-it-forward - very kindly donated from the community!

FIX Kitchen Preparation Board
Enables you to whisk, grate, peel and cut one-handed. Includes board and fixtures for securing kitchen items.
Both sides can be used and suckers are included for fixing to bench.
(other accessories - grater, pot, knife etc not included)

If you are interested please phone Aspire on 0800 347 242, please collect on or before 23rd Dec.
Meri Kirihimete from Team Aspire x

16/12/2025

The Kettle Tipper has found a new home, and is no longer available thank you!
....................................................................................................
Christmas Giveaway!! 🎅
Pass-it-forward - very kindly donated from the community!

Cordless Kettle Tipper
Enables user to pour water from a kettle into a cup without getting help or lifting. Ideal for people with limited grip or strength.
Size: 262W x 210L x 190H mm, weight: 405g

If you are interested please phone Aspire on 0800 347 242, please collect on or before 23rd Dec.
Meri Kirihimete from Team Aspire x