Angelique van der Velden
Zone 5 Representative
Kia ora. My name is Angelique van der Velden, which actually means Angelique from/of the fields (In Dutch). I think this sums me up because I have a love of nature and if possible spend my time hiking or biking in new and adventurous places. I’m based in Otautahi Christchurch and have been Zone 5 rep for a few years now after being heavily involved with the CDSA community.
I wear many hats. I have a background in Education and I am a qualified communication therapist (use music, colour, movement and drama). My son Luka has Down Syndrome and he has big ideas about what he wishes to achieve and how he wants to live. I often feel I should take a leaf out of his book. He lives life like Aquaman – nothing is impossible and his life is rich and full. That is what I hope to promote and support in my role with NZDSA. Ngā mihi Angelique