Entries by Coen Lammers

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Edward enjoying his new flat

My name is Edward Borkin and I have always lived with Mum and Dad, but I was independent when they went away. I have been working at Pak n Save Botany for the last 19 years as a trolley boy. I am also a member of STRIVE which consists of members with Down syndrome who […]

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Amber’s movie to have world premiere in New York

Amber Ranson and her fellow cast from the short film Peninsula, will soon be shining on the silver screens of New York City when the New Zealand production makes its official world premiere at the high-profile Tribeca film festival. Producer Scott Flyger said the team was “thrilled” that Peninsula on Friday was officially selected in […]

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Reforms to the Health System in New Zealand

Message from Hon Carmel Sepuloni MP, Minister for Disability Issues. This week Health Minister Andrew Little announced reforms to the Health System in New Zealand, in response to the Health and Disability System Review. Our Health and Disability System has not performed consistently in providing quality health care and equitable health outcomes for the disabled […]

A helping hand and a shout-out online nets Glen his first job

by Libby Wilson The power of social media got Glen Terry noticed, but it was his enthusiasm for hard yakka that got him into work boots and a high-vis shirt. The 30-year-old, who has Down Syndrome, is proud of the job title for his first mainstream role: store manager’s assistant at Gilmours Hamilton. “It actually […]

So what does the NZDSA do for you?

National Executive Officer Zandra Vaccarino is frequently asked what the NZDSA does. To provide some more clarity she will share in each 2021 edition of CHAT 21, some of the things that the NZDSA does. The NZDSA work programme is driven by our mission to work alongside families, whānau and carers to support and empower […]

Casting call for Down For Love show on TV2

Attitude Pictures is currently casting Down For Love, a primetime television series for TVNZ 2. Down for Love will focus on people living with Down Syndrome who are on a quest for romance. With a sensitive and dignified approach, this show is a documentary series that will highlight the strength and diversity of the Down […]

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Director’s brother with Down Syndrome inspires crime thriller

 Innocence is an award-wining short film, starring actors with Down syndrome, Tommy Jessop (BAFTA Nominated Coming Down The Mountain) and Bethany Asher (Wild Bill), which was released this week for World Down Syndrome Day. Jessop and Asher play alongside Alice Lowe (EMMY Award-winning Black Mirror), Laurence Spellman (Ready Player One), Richard Glover (Rogue One), […]

Star-studded zoom party celebrates WDSD 2021

Around 100 families on Saturday joined the BIG CONNECT, which may be New Zealand’s largest zoom call, to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. The global theme for World Down Syndrome Day asked people to connect in response to the Covid restrictions which have impacted the disabled community particularly hard. “In response, the New Zealand Down […]