Disabilities Resource Centre

07/10/2025

Do you or a loved one need a medical alarm?

Work and Income may be able to support you through the Disability Allowance.

You can apply for yourself, your partner, or your child if the person needing the alarm:
• Has a disability likely to last 6+ months, or
• Has a life expectancy of less than 6 months due to a terminal illness
• AND has regular, ongoing costs not fully covered elsewhere.
• Eligibility also depends on household income.

Call Work and Income on 0800 559 009 to check if you qualify.

02/10/2025

🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨

Join us for Emergency Services Open Day featuring Disability and Community Support Services - a vibrant, inclusive celebration of preparedness, resilience & accessibility

Fun for the whole whānau and it’s FREE, but a Koha to Hospice Eastern Bay on the day is appreciated.

What’s On:
🔥 🚑 🚔 Live Emergency Service Demos
🚒 Vintage Fire Truck Rides
🎶 DJ No Hands brining the vibes
🍔 Food Stalls selling amazing kai
🎈 Kids’ Activities, Bouncy Castle & Facepainting
🎪 Circability - all abilities 'Have a Go' circus workshop
♿ Disability & Community Support Stalls
🗺️ Scavenger Hunt – Be in to win some great prizes
🎙️ MC Interviews with the experts
📅 Saturday 8 November | 10am – 2pm
📍 Whakatāne High School Rugby Field

Bring the whānau, learn, connect & have FUN!

30/09/2025

It is International Day of Older Persons. Let us honour our kaumātua & grandparents who paved the way for us.

Hug your nan, call your koro, shout your neighbour a cuppa ☕💐

25/09/2025

Join the rural health roadshow with Associate Health Minister Hon Matt Doocey to talk about local health care in Whakatāne on Friday 24 October.

When: 12 noon – 1.30pm on Friday 24 October
Where: Whakatāne War Memorial Hall
This meeting is open to all members of the public.

To register scan the poster or visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/rural-health-roadshow-in-whakatane-tickets-1740279174859?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

23/09/2025

Short of breath? You are not alone.

COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions can make even the simplest daily tasks feel like climbing Mt Everest. We understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be but you don’t have to face it alone.

Our COPD Liaison Officer is here to help you take control of your breathing and your wellbeing. Together, you’ll create a personalised plan to support your health, set achievable goals, and stay on track with ongoing guidance for you and your whānau.

• The service includes:
• Monthly support group meetings
• Monthly newsletters
• Nebulizer hire (via GP referral)
• Referrals to other services

For more info, give our COPD Liaison Officer Services Fact Sheet or call us on 0800 227 363.

This Breathe Better September, take the first step towards easier breathing and a healthier future.

10/09/2025

Looking for ideas these school holidays? Here are a few great accessible options to check out around Aotearoa:

Firstport has a list of accessible places and activities:
https://firstport.co.nz/events-places/places?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOXJYeGV2d01nT0Z0N2JCVAEe3cAKSEkY5Q5TzPkmiuIrNlIuo6yU2QcfwEnt6SwMtGN0p8kgX-c7o7y-1C0_aem_1py-m7uubt55h2CRHssCHA

Grab Your Wheels has lots of ideas for accessible adventures:
https://grabyourwheels.nz/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOXJYeGV2d01nT0Z0N2JCVAEen0-ZWU8DcdpMLttR5Xz4DUTuz4c95p4tMrkFAzTeBJnuUU27wkbyfsF0bgk_aem_BWS7obqLositGtvOmbMw1g

07/09/2025

We were proud to celebrate the launch of the new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy on Saturday.

This kaupapa ensures all voices are heard and all people belong in Whakatāne.

E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū. There is strength in our uniqueness

04/09/2025

Are you getting your car pool together? Grab your sisters, cousins, workmates or besties and get your cervical screening done.

Cervical screening only takes a few minutes, but it could save your life. Going together makes it easier (and maybe even fun!).

Book your appointment, pick your crew, and keep our hauora first this September.

It is normal to feel whakamā when going to a cervical screen… why not gather some of your friends or whānau and go together?

02/09/2025

Disability Support Services upcoming changes in 2026 - Minister Upston has made an announcement this morning.

Once we receive more information and clarification we will let you know.

For now, please see below link for the video and transcript.

Changes to disability support services will be coming in 2026. People will get more choice and control in their use of flexible funding, in changes informed ...

31/08/2025

Each September, people across the globe unite to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.

This year’s campaign encourages open conversations through and helping to change perceptions, normalise asking questions, and build greater understanding.

Dementia impacts over 55 million people worldwide, along with their families and carers. By taking part, we can all play a role in creating a more supportive and informed community.

Join the movement this September:
* Learn more about dementia
* Ask questions
* Share resources and stories
* Help spread awareness

Together, we can make a difference. 💜

31/08/2025

Breathe Better September is the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s annual campaign to raise funds and awareness for New Zealanders living with respiratory disease.

Every Kiwi knows someone with a breathing condition.

* Over 1 million people in Aotearoa are affected – that’s 1 in 5 of us.
* Respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis are the third most common cause of death in New Zealand.
* They cost the country an estimated $8.4 billion every year.

This month, the Foundation is calling on New Zealanders to learn more, show support, and take action. Through education, advocacy, research, and support, they are working to improve the lives of people living with respiratory conditions.

💙 Get involved. Learn more. Support change.

For more information visit: asthmafoundation.org.nz