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My name is Shelley Waters.  I am married to Jeff and we have three daughters – Rochelle, Jess and Gemma.  We live in West Melton, Christchurch, where Rochelle, Jess and Gemma all attended Darfield High School.  Rochelle welcomed us to the wonderful world of Down syndrome when she arrived in December 1994, and we have embraced it ever since.  

I have been a member of the NZDSA for 29 years.  I am currently the Treasurer on the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA) National Committee, and I have also previously been the Zone Rep for the Canterbury Down Syndrome Association.  I have also been a past Committee Member of the Waikato Down Syndrome Association, as we lived in Hamilton for five years. I was previously on the National Board of Parent to Parent NZ Inc from 2002-2008 and am still a Support Parent for Parent to Parent.

I feel very privileged to be part of the NZDSA and all the wonderful work that goes on behind the scenes.  I really enjoy working with the wonderful team we have within the NZDSA and meeting new families whenever the opportunity arises.  My life has certainly been enriched through having Rochelle and all the wonderful people I’ve met, and the organisations I have been a part of along the way and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the NZDSA’s Mission and Vision to ensure people with Down syndrome are respected, valued and equal members of their community fulfilling their potential and aspirations.