News from the NZDSA
A selection of articles, stories and updates from the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
News, Articles & Stories
NZDSA Fortnightly Enews
You can view our recent fortnightly Enews here.
Facebook Updates
5,352
New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
We are the National organisation representing the Down Syndrome community in New Zealand.
My voice helps me combat loneliness.![]()
![]()
This World Down Syndrome Day, we’re focusing on Together Against Loneliness.![]()
![]()
Loneliness isn’t just a feeling; it’s shaped by whether people are included in everyday life: in community, at school, at work, and in social and cultural spaces. Connection grows when people have real opportunities to belong, build relationships, and take part.![]()
![]()
That’s what The Big Connect is about — coming together across Aotearoa to share stories of inclusion in action, and how we stand Together Against Loneliness.![]()
![]()
If you have a story of how real inclusion has helped combat loneliness, we’d love to hear it.![]()
![]()
The Big Connect is back,![]()
Save the date:![]()
www.facebook.com/share/18VcCS4AHm/
NUMICON KITS �CALLING FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ![]()
![]()
Yes, now is the time to start thinking about whether you would be interested in loaning the NZDSA Numicon kits for 2026. ![]()
![]()
Numicon is a multi-sensory, structured maths programme. If you would like to know more about Numicon, the website is www.numicon.co.nz/![]()
![]()
The NZDSA has 16 kits to loan to NZDSA members. ![]()
![]()
These kits can be used at home or school. ![]()
![]()
The loan period is from February/March to the end of November. ![]()
The NZDSA does require you to pay a refundable bond of $60.00. ![]()
The NZDSA will reimburse you the $60.00 bond if the kits are returned clean and complete. ![]()
![]()
The only cost to you is the courier and handling fee which is $40.00 and the cost of returning the kit to the NZDSA.![]()
![]()
�If you would like to loan a kit please email Maddie at [email protected]
Save the date: the STRIVE Afternoon Tea Club is coming up on Saturday, 14th of March![]()
![]()
The STRIVE Afternoon Tea Club—a fun social session run by people with Down syndrome, for people with Down syndrome.![]()
![]()
We will see you there!
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
Ready to be inspired by the trip of a lifetime? ![]()
![]()
Join Andrew Oswin, CHAT 21’s feature writer, as he shares his unforgettable six-week adventure through Hong Kong, London, Budapest, and beyond! From magical moments at Victoria Peak and the Royal Albert Hall to cruising down the Danube and exploring castles, Andrew’s story is packed with excitement, travel tips, and heartfelt reflections on accessibility. ![]()
![]()
Curious to know how he made the most of every stop? ![]()
Read the full article in the last edition of CHAT 21 here:![]()
nzdsa.org.nz/chat-21-spring-2025/
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 – 8.30pm![]()
Online via Zoom.![]()
us02web.zoom.us/j/89888084692...![]()
Meeting ID: 898 8808 4692![]()
Passcode: 684429![]()
![]()
Or here is a link to our event:![]()
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.