WellAble

08/05/2026

29/04/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗼𝗻! 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 – 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻

We’re so excited to soon be offering our brand-new service in Wellington - Animal Therapy. A unique, connection-based support designed especially for neurodivergent children and young people.

Led by a Registered Social Worker, this support combines therapy with the calming, regulating power of animals.

✨ What’s included:
• A variety of animals to engage with
• Small or 1-1 supportive sessions tailored to each child
• Individualised goals aligned with what we already support at Positive Pathways

💡 What we work on:
• Emotional regulation
• Building confidence and self-esteem
• Social connection and communication
• Reducing anxiety and burnout
• Developing life skills through real, meaningful experiences

This isn’t just time with animals — it’s intentional, therapeutic support in a calm environment where people can feel safe, understood, and empowered.

Contact us now to register your interest and we will be in touch!

https://form.jotform.com/261138770592866

22/04/2026

🕺✨ You’re invited to IHC’s Disco! ✨💃

Get ready for a fun night of dancing, music, and good vibes!

📅 Friday 22 May
⏰ 6.30pm – 10pm
📍 Lower Hutt Events Centre, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt

🎟️ Free event – but RSVP is essential!
Email ihc.events@ihc.org.nz
with your guest names to secure your spot. Tickets will be sent out and must be presented on the night.

🪩 What to expect:
• Dancing, prizes, and a photo booth
• Supper and non-alcoholic drinks provided
• Cash bar available

👗 Dress theme: Disco – wear anything that reflects your disco style!

22/04/2026

Fast Friends – Friendship, fun, maybe something more? 🩷

Want to meet new people?
Like chatting, laughing, and making connections?

We’re getting ready to host a free speed dating event in Wellington for people with intellectual disabilities — and we’d love to hear from you.

We will be using a fully accessible venue with soft lighting and low background noise to help create a safe and comfortable environment. There will also be comfortable seating and a small breakout space for anyone who may need time out.

Who can attend?
This event is open to anyone with an intellectual disability. You’re welcome to bring a support person if you’d like, and we’ll group people with others around a similar age.

Interested in attending?
You’re not signing up just yet — the first step is to register your interest.

💡 How do you do that?
👉 Email ihc.events@ihc.org.nz to request a registration form.

Once you’ve registered your interest, we’ll be in touch at a later date with more details about the event.

20/04/2026

UPDATE: 21 April, 10.10am

🏢 All of our facilities (hubs, libraries, pools, The Dowse, and reception at Laings Road) will reopen by 11am, with minimal services as staff have been supporting the community through the night.

🤳 Walter Nash Centre, Huia Pool and Te Ngaengae Pool are open now for anyone who needs to charge their phones or shower.

For further updates today (Tuesday 21 April) see http://hutt.city/alert or https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BFPuJh1Sw/

___________

UPDATE: 20 April, 10:40pm

Wainuiomata and Kōraunui Marae are also available for overnight welfare assistance.

___________

If you’re feeling unsure or just need a safe place to go, support is available across the Hutt tonight.

If it is safe to do so, please stay with family or friends.
Otherwise, the following community hubs are open 24/7:

➡ Kōraunui Stokes Valley Neighbourhood Hub
➡ Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
➡ Walter Nash Centre (Taitā)
➡ War Memorial Library (Central Hutt)
➡ Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub

These locations provide:
➡ Device charging
➡ Tea and coffee
➡ Needs assessments
➡ A safe place to rest
➡ If you’re able, take your small domestic pets with you

We encourage people to act early and quickly. Do not wait for official warnings if you are in a low-lying area and think you may need to evacuate.

14/04/2026

Are you caring for a neurodivergent tamariki or young person?

We’re inviting applications for a new pilot peer support programme designed especially for grandparent and whānau caregivers of neurodivergent children.

This programme offers small, disability-informed peer support groups, led by trained facilitators, where carers can connect, share experiences, and pick up practical, day-to-day strategies.

✅ Fortnightly groups (5 sessions)
✅ Online and in-person options
✅ In-person groups in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Rotorua
✅ Small groups (max 12 carers)

Places are limited. Applications close this Sunday 19 April.

👉 Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/261021873713856
📘 For more information: https://www.grg.org.nz/event/peer-support-for-wh%C4%81nau-carers-of-neurodivergent-tamariki/71

If you’re unsure whether this programme is right for you, we still encourage you to apply — our team is happy to chat and help you decide.

02/04/2026

EASTER BUSINESS HOURS

Alt Text - A business closure notice displayed on a dark chalkboard-style panel beside a bright Easter scene. The text reads: “We will be closed from 3:00pm Thursday 2nd April, reopening on Tuesday 7th April at 9:00am. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Easter.” Next to the sign, two fluffy rabbits sit in a basket surrounded by colourful decorated Easter eggs and spring flowers in a sunny outdoor setting.

01/04/2026

CLIMATE FESTIVAL PŌNEKE - 18 APRIL - 9 MAY

Event: Climate Festival Pōneke
Date: 18 April - 9 May
Location: Across the city

Description:
A three-week community-led programme of events, activations, and creative climate solutions designed to bring together organisations, communities, and individuals to accelerate climate action across Wellington. Interweaving emissions reduction and caring for te taiao, the Festival provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and connection, while highlighting local initiatives and success stories that inspire and enable further action toward a resilient future.
Programme Link:

24/03/2026

🗳️ Make sure your voice is heard / Rēhita pōti

Enrolling to vote is one way disabled people / tāngata whaikaha can have a say in the decisions that shape Aotearoa.

The 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday 7 November 2026.

⏰ Enrolment closes 13 days before election day
➡️ Make sure you're enrolled by 26 October

You can enrol or update your details online using a NZ driver licence, passport, or RealMe.

👉 Enrol or update now:
https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online

👉 Get help or access alternate formats:
https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-help-to-enrol/enrolment-information-in-alternate-formats

alt text - An older couple sitting inside a voting location smile as a guide dog stands in front of them. Ballot boxes and election staff can be seen in the background.

24/03/2026

💛 Helping people get out and enjoy life

Did you know you can hire a range of mobility and accessibility equipment from WellAble?

We’ve recently received some lovely feedback from a customer:

"Our mum had a great day out at the fair, which would have been impossible without a wheelchair. The staff at WellAble went above and beyond with their service, efficiency, and kindness. They were so helpful—thank you so much."

Mobility equipment is about so much more than just practical support.

It helps people stay connected with their community and whānau, while maintaining independence and dignity.

Whether you need equipment overnight, for a weekend, a week, or longer—we’re here to help.

👉 Find out more: https://www.well-able.org.nz/hire
📞 04 298 2914
📧 info@well-able.org.nz

WellAble has a range of mobility equipment for hire in Kapiti including toilet frames, crutches, wheelchairs, knee scooters, knee walkers, shower stools, rollators, strollers, walkers, walking frames