Altogether Autism

19/09/2025

Kupu Kupu o te rā (Rāmere): Kanorau ā-roro
Word of the day (Friday): Neurodiversity

17/09/2025

Kupu o te rā: Takiwātanga, which derives from “tōku/tōna anō takiwā,” meaning “in my/her/his/their own space and time,” and was developed by linguist and rangatira Keri Opai. Keri created Te Reo Hāpai, a te reo Māori glossary for use in the mental health, addiction, and disability sectors, designed to provide positive terminology from a te ao Māori perspective.

Takiwātanga is a mana-enhancing term that regards autistic people as taonga, unique individuals with gifts and strengths.

11/09/2025

Autistic-led peer groups are creating safe, welcoming spaces across the country - places where people feel seen, understood, and connected.

In this article, peer group leaders Alta Sacra, Emma Cox, Nicolina Newcombe, and Sarah Hoefhamer share how they started, what works, and why these groups are so powerful. From small meetups over food to larger monthly gatherings, every group hopes to reduce isolation and build belonging.

👉 Thinking about starting a group in your area?
👉 Want to see how peer support is making a difference?

Read the full article here:
🔗 https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/peer-groups-building-a-connected-autistic-community-in-aotearoa/

Island of Misfits Community

Autistic experiences intersect with all aspects of life, from health and identity to relationships and community. For many Autistic people connection opportunities provided by peer groups can support the often-invisible challenges through a shared journey of visibility, understanding, and empowermen...

11/09/2025

Join us online on 18 September (via Zoom) or in person in Papamoa on 29 October to learn about everyday factors that can impact an Autistic person’s ability to engage and cope. Explore basic strategies for more effective support.

Registration is required. You can register here:
18 September (via Zoom)
https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/events/an-introduction-to-autistic-capacity-18-09-2025/?occurrence=2025-09-18

29 October (in-person, Papamoa)
https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/events/an-introduction-to-autistic-capacity-29-10-2025/?occurrence=2025-10-29

09/09/2025

🧠✨ Research Opportunity: What does "living well" mean for neurodivergent people?

The University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau is conducting important research to understand what living well looks like for neurodivergent individuals, and they need YOUR voice!

📋 Quick survey details:

- Just 15 questions (mix of multiple choice & free text)
- Takes about 8 minutes
- You can complete it yourself and again for different neurodivergent people in your life
- Full information provided before you start

Ready to share your perspective?

Head to:

In this study, we seek to understand what living well looks like for people who are neurodivergent.

03/09/2025

We welcome the Government’s announcement on changes to New Zealand’s disability support system that will give disabled people, their whānau, and carers greater choice and control around flexible funding from next year.

Our Chief executive Megan Thomas says we're pleased to see the government has heard the voices of disabled people and their whānau and removed the restrictions put in place last year.

“We are pleased to see the Government listening to the disability community’s clear message that they want choice about how they spend the money allocated for their disability support needs,” says Thomas.

Read more on our website.

Your Way | Kia Roha is welcoming the Government’s announcement on changes to New Zealand's disability support system that will give disabled people, their whānau, and carers greater choice and control around flexible funding from next year.

02/09/2025

The Government has today announced changes to disability support services and funding allocated by Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisations (NASCs) such as Your Way | Kia Roha. You can watch the Ministry of Social Development NZ's video about the changes (available captioned and in NZ Sign Language).
These changes only apply to supports funded through Disability Support Services (DSS) and coordinated by NASCs. They do not affect other supports from Work and Income, ACC, Education or Health, and no changes are planned for EGL sites at this stage.
Please note, that nothing is changing until next year. If you would like to talk about the support you currently receive through us, please contact your community facilitator.
For more details on these upcoming changes, please visit:
https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/about-us/news/changes-to-assessments-and-allocations-and-flexible-funding

12/08/2025

We're excited to attend the Auckland Transitions Expo next month!

Hosted by Disability Connect, the Expo on 3 September is an opportunity for students and young adults (ages 14 – 30) to check out some of the local and nation-wide supports and other options for after school.

Will we see you there? Learn more: https://disabilityconnect.org.nz/annual-transition-expo/

05/08/2025

We're thrilled to share that our Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE) Room in Hamilton has received a generous donation of new equipment from Sensory Sam - each piece thoughtfully chosen to support comfort, regulation, and engagement. The room has been in use for over 17 years and enables people to relax and explore their sensory environment. A huge thank you to Sensory Sam for helping us enhance this important space.

If you're curious to see (or try!) the new additions in person, come visit our sensory room 20 Palmerston Street, Hamilton Central, we'd love to show you around!

https://www.yourwaykiaroha.nz/supports/supports-programmes/waikato-community-programmes/multi-sensory-room/

03/08/2025

Do you have lived experience of mental health and addiction challenges, with experience of working in CPSLE roles? Te Pou is calling for expressions of interest to join their consumer, peer support and lived experience (CPSLE) Scopes of Practice advisory rōpū.

For the full experience please download a modern browser. Click here to find a modern browser or discuss with your IT department.

28/07/2025

🌟 It’s time to spotlight the incredible people in the community who are making a real difference — in their hapori, across Aotearoa, or the world stage.

Know someone who's creating change, lifting others up, or leading quietly but powerfully? Whether they’re a visionary, a local legend, or a behind-the-scenes hero — this is your moment to put them forward.

🗓 Nominations are open until 24 August. Let’s celebrate those shaping our future, from within our community.

Nominations are now open for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa!

It’s time to spotlight the Kiwi making a positive impact in their communities, across Aotearoa, and on the world stage. You have until 24 August to put someone forward – be it a changemaker, a quiet leader, a visionary, or a local legend.

"We’ve backed the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa for over 15 years now. At Kiwibank, our Purpose is Kiwi making Kiwi better off, and what better way to celebrate those leaders who are moving Aotearoa forward to a better future. These Awards reflect the very best of who we are as a country, and that’s exactly why we continue to back the people and the communities making Kiwi better off." Steve Jurkovich, Chief Executive, Kiwibank

Click the link to nominate - it only takes two minutes to have your say!
https://nzawards.org.nz/nominate/