Wellington Down Syndrome Association

31/12/2025

✨ Happy New Year from the WDSA whānau! ✨

As we welcome 2026, we want to send a big thank you to all our incredible families, volunteers, and supporters who filled 2025 with connection, kindness, and community. 💜

Here’s to a New Year filled with joy, growth, and bright possibilities for every one of our tamariki and whānau.
We can’t wait to make more wonderful memories with you in 2026! 🌟

Ngā mihi nui,
The Wellington Down Syndrome Association

24/12/2025

🎄 Meri Kirihimete from the WDSA Whānau! 🎄

From our community to yours, we wish you a Christmas filled with joy, laughter, and moments that warm the heart. 💜✨

Thank you to all our families, volunteers, and supporters for making 2025 such a special year.
We’re grateful for every smile, every event, and every connection.

With love,
The Wellington Down Syndrome Association

12/12/2025

Big News for Carers in Aotearoa!

The Government has opened public consultation for the new Carers’ Strategy Action Plan, launched by Minister Simmonds this week.

This is a huge milestone, especially for NZDSA and the Carers Alliance, who have long advocated for improved recognition and wellbeing support for carers. The proposed plan focuses on:
*Recognition and appreciation of carers
*Improved physical, mental, and financial wellbeing
*Stronger support for families and whānau

Consultation runs until 12 February, and this is a chance for your voice to influence real change.

To support families, the NZDSA is hosting two online consultation sessions where carers can share their experiences and feedback:

📅 Tuesday 9 December – 7:30pm (GONE)
🔗 Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86309065230?pwd=ZIS2vIbjpHA5J2VI2mmgOofH6RHLvp.1
Passcode: 681321

📅 Tuesday 27 January – 12:00pm
🔗 Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89979320476?pwd=sH2yb4bz38grH187LlBp3LZZWJ4eMD.1
Passcode: 514454

If you are a parent, caregiver, or whānau member supporting someone with Down syndrome, your voice is incredibly important.
Please take part, share your experiences, and help shape a stronger, more caring future.

11/12/2025

🚌 Independent Travel on Public Transport – Early Experiences

This wonderful article was written by Greg Sneath, who many of you met at our recent Adult Networking Social Skills event. Greg shares his family’s journey supporting his daughter Katrina as she learned to travel independently on public transport. From navigating buses to building confidence and safety skills, his story offers practical insights and lots of encouragement for families beginning this journey.

Link here: https://web.archive.org/web/20210208215959/https://wdsa.co.nz/2020/07/independent-travel-on-public-transport-early-experiences/

Enjoy the read!

10/12/2025

✨️British Vogue:

"My disability has taught me to be me and not to be scared" says May 2023 cover star

08/12/2025

🎄Thank You for an Amazing Christmas Party! ✨

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our WDSA Christmas Party last Saturday, what a fantastic afternoon! 💜
We had so much fun together enjoying the fairy entertainment, Santa’s visit, delicious food, and plenty of chatting and laughter. Seeing our families connecting, playing, and celebrating was truly heart-warming.

Thank you all for bringing your wonderful energy and making the day so special.
We can’t wait to gather again in the new year for more events, more connections, and more moments like this! 🌟

Have a beautiful holiday season, everyone!

05/12/2025

Is today!! Can't wait to see you! At our WDSA Christmas party 😁The Fairy Cat and Friends and Santa will be visiting us! + Karaoke haha.
Join us for some BBQ and end of year 'Get together'!

✨ What to bring:
A plate to share
Your child’s wrapped present (so Santa can hand it out 🎅💜)
There will be plenty of play spaces inside and outside — perfect for kids of all ages. And don’t worry about parking, there’s a large free car park on site.

05/12/2025

This is Happening tomorrow! Are you coming? Let us know, The Fairy Cat and Friends and Santa will be visiting us! Join us for some BBQ and end of year 'Get together'!

✨ What to bring:
A plate to share
Your child’s wrapped present (so Santa can hand it out 🎅💜)
There will be plenty of play spaces inside and outside — perfect for kids of all ages. And don’t worry about parking, there’s a large free car park on site.

04/12/2025

🎄✨ We’re so excited to have Fairy Cat joining us at our WDSA Christmas Party this weekend! ✨🎉
Magical moments, sparkles, and lots of smiles are guaranteed come along and join the fun! 💖🧚‍♀️

🌻 www.fairycatandfriends.com

👉 And don’t forget to hit “Going” on the event page to let us know how many people are coming!

02/12/2025

It's coming up! 🎄✨ We’re so excited to have Fairy Cat joining us at our WDSA Christmas Party this weekend! 3 to 5pm ✨🎉
Magical moments, sparkles, and lots of smiles are guaranteed, come along and join the fun! 💖🧚‍♀️

For activities we’ll be playing an elf’s workshop game, rainbow parachute, some Christmas songs and dances and a wee Christmas treasure hunt.

www.fairycatandfriends.com

Also join us for some food, chats and BBQ! 😁
✨ What to bring:
A plate to share
Your child’s wrapped present (so Santa can hand it out 🎅💜)
There will be plenty of play spaces inside and outside — perfect for kids of all ages. And don’t worry about parking, there’s a large free car park on site.

27/11/2025

🌞✨ Summer School 2026 – TIAHO! ✨🌞
Looking for an amazing opportunity over the summer? The Royal Academy of Dance is running their TIAHO Summer School, a vibrant, inclusive program celebrating movement, creativity, and the joy of dance! 💃🕺

🏫 When: 12–15 January 2026
📍 Where: 11 Hutchison Street, Newtown, Wellington

🎉 Open to dancers of all abilities, a supportive and exciting environment to explore dance, build confidence, and have fun.

Find out more and register here:
🔗 https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/en-nz/event/summer-school-2026-tiaho/

If you or someone you know loves dance, this could be the perfect summer highlight!

Booking Deadline: Event Date: Event Time: Country: Location: Available Online? Who's it for? Fee: Contact: Tīaho Course - New Zealand Summer School 2026 Join us from 14–16 January 2026 for three inspiring daysof dance!Each day, Tīaho will run two one-hour workshopsexploring movement technique an...

26/11/2025

Coming up soon! Join us :)

WDSA Christmas Party! 🎉
Join us on Saturday, 6 December for a fun, friendly, fully-fenced celebration for the whole family!
✨ What to bring:
A plate to share
Your child’s wrapped present (so Santa can hand it out 🎅💜)
There will be plenty of play spaces inside and outside — perfect for kids of all ages. And don’t worry about parking, there’s a large free car park on site.