WellAble

25/01/2026

WI DANCE - KĀPITI AND LEVING OPEN CLASSES

Term 1 2026
Feb 4th - 25th March

LEVIN: 11am - 12pm, $7/class
KĀPITI: 6 - 7.30pm 12/class or $80 /term

TO BOOK and for more info:
sumara@widance.nz
021 050 1565

https://www.facebook.com/share/17hXirxRB4/

alt text: promotional flyer for Wellington Inclusive Dance (WIDance) advertising Term 1 2026 open dance classes in Kapiti and Levin. The background features a blue-to-purple gradient with circular photo cutouts of participants dancing. The WIDance logo appears at the top. Text details include class dates (Feb 4–Mar 25), times (Levin: 11am–12pm, Kapiti: 6–7:30pm), costs ($7/class in Levin, $12/class or $80/term in Kapiti), and booking contact (sumara@widance.nz, 021 050 1565). Logos for Creative Communities NZ and Kāpiti Coast District Council are at the bottom.

22/01/2026

21/01/2026

✨Walking Stick Safety✨

Do you use a walking stick? Did you know it's really important to keep an eye on the ferrule at the end of your stick? When it starts to show signs of wear and tear, such as worn treads, cracks, if you start to see the inner metal or if your stick has been slipping, then it's time to replace it! A worn down ferrule can cause a fall risk. Make sure you are checking them regularly, for frequent users checking around every 3-6 months is ideal.

We have replacement ferrules available online and in our Centre. In our Centre, our lovely staff are happy to help. Feel free to bring in your stick so we can make sure we get the right size for you, we'll even help get the old one off and the new one on 😀

If you use a walking stick why not give them a check now!

Alt Text - image shows the end of a walking stick on a table, next to the walking stick is a new ferrule

19/01/2026

Dementia Wellington - KĀPITI ACTIVITIES resuming in February

All Kapiti group activities are now on Thursdays, and there is a new venue for the Cog Cafes.

* KĀPITI COG CAFE
February 26th: 10.00am -11.00am (4th Thursday of the month).
Truffles Café - 9 Milne Drive, Paraparaumu.
A casual ‘get together’ over a coffee, for people living with Dementia/ Mate Wareware and their supporters. New faces are always very welcome!

* LIVING WELL GROUP – Active Brain and Connection group
Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month and resumes in February.
For people living with dementia/mate wareware, in the earlier stages. For further information email jackie@dementiawellington.org.nz

* SUPPORTER GROUP MEETING
Resuming on Thursday February 12th: 1.30pm - 3:00pm in the Aquatic Centre Meeting Room, Brett Ambler Way, Paraparaumu

2nd Thursday of each month alternating between Paraparaumu and Waikanae venues. This meeting is for family and/or friends who are supporting a person living with a dementia.

* INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS - up to one hour
Available 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Tuesday of the month 10:00am and 1.30pm.
Can be in person, online or by phone.

* DROP-IN CLINIC
10:00am — 11:00am, 2nd Tuesday of the month.
For public enquiries (no appointment or referral needed).
Appointments are held at Dementia Wellington Kāpiti Office, 9 Mahara Place, Waikanae.

Any questions - contact jackie@dementiawellington.org.nz or phone 0204 069 3919

* DEMENTIA FRIENDLY COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Please visit the Dementia Wellington website to see a list of other community based activities - https://dementiawellington.org.nz/get-support/our-services/keeping-active-programme/

* ALL ABILITIES GOLF
An initiative run by Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club with the support of Dementia Wellington.
Resumes February 2026. Email Jackie - jackie@dementiawellington for more information.

* YOUNGER ONSET DEMENTIA ACTIVITIES
Please contact Mai Christeller if you would like to be connected to her activities and supports - mai@dementiawellington.org.nz

18/01/2026

WellAble is closed for Wellington Anniversary.

We will reopen on Tuesday 20th January at 9:00am.

alt text - picture of Freyberg Beach in Wellington with golden sand looking out to Wellington Habour and the houses along Oriental Bay. There are people sitting on the beach and swimming in the sea. The fountain in the sea is spraying water into the air. The sky is blue and there are a few clouds in the sky.

16/01/2026

Happy Wellington Anniversary Weekend! 😎

WellAble will reopen on Tuesday 20th January at 9:00am.

alt text - picture of a signpost with a yellow diamond shaped sign displaying the words 'long weekend ahead' in black text.

16/01/2026

FREYBERG BEACH TO GET IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY

Temporary beach matting is being installed to improve accessibility at Freyberg Beach.

The pilot project will help people in wheelchairs move down the beach as they spend time with friends and whānau.

A small concrete ramp is being constructed before the matting is installed today.

Read more here -

Wellington City Council starts installing infrastructure for temporary beach matting this week as part of a trial to improve accessibility at Freyberg Beach. 

15/01/2026

Meet the first autistic Barbie from Mattel 💛

Developed with guidance from ASAN (Autistic Self-Advocacy Network), this Barbie celebrates inclusion and representation in the Barbie Fashionistas range.

With thoughtful details like stimming-friendly movement, a stim toy, noise-cancelling headphones, a communication tablet and sensory-friendly clothing, she reflects how some autistic people experience the world.

No two autistic individuals are the same, but this doll is a superb example of representation.

We’d love to see her wearing a Sunflower lanyard 🌻

In partnership with Mattel and Yellow Ladybugs for the Australian release.

15/01/2026

GHUZNEE STREET UPGRADE

Wellington City Council is completing a coordinated programme of essential upgrades on Ghuznee Street from 5–27 January 2026.

Work will happen in three stages, with temporary closures to keep everyone safe and reduce disruption later in the year. More information including pathway closures can be found here -

Wellington City Council is completing a coordinated programme of essential upgrades on Ghuznee Street from 5–27 January 2026.

14/01/2026

UP COMING ACCESS RADIO SHOW - Dementia Wellington
28th January 1.30pm

Judith Parkington talks to Tina Carter and Sheena Farquhar from Dementia Wellington.

They tell us about the different types of dementia, how to go through the diagnosis process and the education and support initiatives they offer for people living with dementia, and their families.

Replays 4 February 1.30pm

07/01/2026

Save the date! What's Outside the Box? Transition Expo 2026 will be on 13th August 2026 - mark the date in your calendar and keep an eye out for more information to come!

SAVE THE DATE - 2026 Transition Expo
WHEN: Thursday 13th August 2026
WHERE: Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, Kilbirnie, Wellington
TIME: 10:00am to 2.00pm

To keep up to date with expo information, go to https://www.well-able.org.nz/page/whats-outside-the-box-transition-expo

alt text: poster displaying the expo details provided in the post above. At the top of the poster there is the 'what's outside the box logo, which is made up of an image of an open box with yellow, orange, green and blue sides and the words 'what's outside the box?'. Underneath the expo logo are the words '2026 transition expo'. Below that, on the left hand side of the poster is a red speech bubble containing the words 'save the date'. There is another smaller red circle on the top and overlaying the speech bubble that contains an image of a megaphone. There is wording on the right side of the poster that details the time of the expo the date of the expo and the expo. There are three images below, spaced out on a blue stripe. The left side image contains a photo of two smiling people having their photo taken inside a large photo frame. The second image is a photo taken from high up that shows approximately 10 different stalls displaying different service information. The third image on the right is a photo of three people from 'Dance Out Crew' dancing on a stage.
At the bottom of the poster are the words 'this free event is proudly brought to you by and displays the logos of WellAble, Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga/Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Development/Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora

04/01/2026

Yes, WE ARE OPEN!

9:00AM - 3:00PM