Wellington Down Syndrome Association

02/02/2026

🎤 Have you ever dreamed of speaking at the United Nations?
We are looking for speakers for World Down Syndrome Day 2026 to talk about our theme, "Together Against Loneliness".

For those who are brave! Take the chance!

🎤 Have you ever dreamed of speaking at the United Nations? 🎤

We are looking for speakers for World Down Syndrome Day 2026 to talk about our theme, "Together Against Loneliness".

Don't live in New York? No problem! ✈️ You can apply to present in person at the UN or share your message through a pre-recorded video to be shown on the big screen. We want to hear from advocates all over the world to make sure every voice is heard!

Help us transform lives through advocacy. Apply today: https://zurl.co/dZB7K

28/01/2026

Heyyy everyone!

New Year, New Connections, Adult Gathering 🌟
https://www.wdsa.co.nz/calendar/feb-2026-parent-connection?fbclid=IwY2xjawPn1JtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCZkJaU2lmQU93T0dZTEtic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqa4Yao5omM2bN4a3S_BMAMMhELB3v-IbPCIAWW78824E0TSLryw7OuT6WPb_aem_zHeu0sRYoSz-q_kn4nhloA

Join the Wellington Down Syndrome Association for our first adult gathering of the year a relaxed evening to connect, share, and unwind over a drink or two.
📅 Wed 25 Feb 2026 | ⏰ 7:30–9:30pm
📍 Sprig + Fern Petone

💬 We’ll chat about the new year, reconnecting with other families, networking, and how the start of the school year is going for our children. It’s a friendly, supportive space, we all have questions, and we’ll explore them together. Come have a laugh, break up the week, and enjoy connecting with others who share similar experiences.

✨ Save the date, we’d love to see you there!

New Year, New Connections – Adult Gathering Join the Wellington Down Syndrome Association for our first adult gathering of the year at Spring & Fern. This relaxed, social evening is a chance to connect over a drink or two and catch up in a welcoming space. 🗂 Topics of the evening will i

28/01/2026

Kia ora whānau! Registrations are now live for the Special Olympics NZ Young Athletes Term 1 Weekend Programme 🏃‍♀️🎉

These fun, supportive, and structured sessions are open to tamariki aged 2-10 with intellectual disabilities and takiwātanga – autism. Sessions are running Saturdays 14th Feb - 21st March in Taitā, Lower Hutt, and Okowai, Porirua.

Parents can register here - https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/487246 before Sunday 8th Feb.

FB post, found here - https://www.facebook.com/share/1aJeNpE5HX/

28/01/2026

We’re so happy to be back!
Have you had a good start to the year? The team from WDSA is ready for an awesome one, and we’d love you to be part of it ✨

In other news… WIDance is open for registrations in February!
Slide, bounce, wiggle, roll, and move together as we dance our way into Term 1, 2026.
📅 Starting February, everyone is welcome!

👉 Wellington Open and Youth Classes
https://www.facebook.com/share/1B8TrT5DTL/

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.