Tēnā koutou katoa,

My name is Maddie Daybell and I’m so excited to be joining the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association whānau! My journey with the Down syndrome community began through my big brother, Tim, who had Down syndrome. He’s always been one of my biggest inspirations, and after he passed away in 2023, I felt called to take a more active role in supporting people with Down syndrome and their whānau in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

My background is in photography, marketing, editing, and social media and website management, and I have been volunteering and working with several charities and non-profit organisations over the last six years. My master’s degree research was focused on the challenges and benefits experienced by family carers of people with Down syndrome accessing higher education in Aotearoa, which deepened my understanding and passion for advocacy in this space.

I’m based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, where I live with my husband and our cheeky papillon, Wolfie. I’m passionate about helping create meaningful change and building strong connections within our community. Please email or text me if you’d like to connect, I would love to hear from you!