New Zealand Down Syndrome Association (NZDSA)

Strive Afternoon Tea Club
2026-02-14 16:00 - 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Zoom, New Zealand
STRIVE Afternoon Tea Club
Join us for our first STRIVE Afternoon Tea Club of the year — a fun social session run by people with Down syndrome, for people with Down syndrome.
This session is open to everyone, but especially for participants aged 16 and over.
Date: Saturday 14th February 2026
Time: 4pm -5pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84054182031?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 840 5418 2031
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Regression Disorder Support Group for Parents and Whānau
2026-02-24 19:30 - 20:30 | Zoom, New Zealand
Join us for a special online gathering to connect with other parents and whānau who support people experiencing Regression Disorder.
This is a chance to share experiences, learn from one another, and be part of a supportive and understanding community.
Topic: Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD)
We will be viewing a recording of Dr Cathy Franklin’s presentation from the recent Virtual Conference.
This is an excellent opportunity to catch up if you missed the live session or to discuss the recording together.
About the Speaker:
Dr Cathy Franklin is the Director of the Queensland Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability and Autism Health at Mater Hospital, South Brisbane.
She also leads a Down syndrome clinic for adolescents and adults.
Tuesday 24 February 2026
7.30pm -8.30pm
Join Zoom Meeting – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85698082370?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 856 9808 2370
Passcode: [REDACTED]

STRIVE Afternoon Tea Club
2026-03-14 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom, New Zealand
Join us at the STRIVE Afternoon Tea Club—a fun social session run by people with Down syndrome, for people with Down syndrome.
Date: Saturday 14th March 2026
Time: 4pm -5pm
This session is open to everyone, but especially for participants aged 16 and over.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82442809092?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 824 4280 9092
Passcode: [REDACTED]

The Big Connect
2026-03-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, New Zealand
You’re invited to The Big Connect on the eve of World Down Syndrome Day!Our community, spread far and wide across Aotearoa, will come together to celebrate the incredible people with Down syndrome and their whānau as we kick off World Down Syndrome Day.
Join us:Friday 20 March 2026, 7.00pm – 8.30pmOnline via Zoom – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89888084692…Meeting ID: 898 8808 4692Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or here is a link to our event:https://www.facebook.com/share/1GSEbsC1hP/
World Down Syndrome Day – Together Against Loneliness
Loneliness is not just a feeling – it’s a human rights issue. Research in New Zealand shows many people with learning disabilities experience social isolation. When rights are upheld – to live in the community, have relationships and be part of a family, go to an inclusive school and job, and take part in cultural life, sport, and play – loneliness is reduced and people are more able to experience a good life.
What to Expect at The Big Connect
At The Big Connect, you’ll hear from self-advocates, parents, and professionals about how real inclusion helps combat loneliness. You’ll have the opportunity to take the open mic and share your own stories, joining others in standing against loneliness. Connect with people from across Aotearoa as we launch WDSD.
Let’s do more than celebrate in 2026.Let’s strengthen advocacy.Let’s challenge exclusion.Let’s stand Together Against Loneliness.

World Down Syndrome Day!
2026-03-21
