News from the NZDSA
A selection of articles, stories and updates from the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
News, Articles & Stories
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New Zealand Down Syndrome Association
We are the National organisation representing the Down Syndrome community in New Zealand.
We know that Down syndrome is a family affair. There are plenty of resources for parents, carers, and people with Down syndrome. But for siblings, the support often stops after the picture book “Why is my sibling different?” ![]()
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Plus One is here to change that. It’s a new project designed specifically for siblings aged 18+ across Aotearoa. ![]()
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It’s a space to connect with other siblings, learn together, and talk honestly about what life as a sibling really looks like. ![]()
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Led by Siobhan Vaccarino, a younger sibling working in the disability sector, these online workshops will explore the topics siblings actually want to discuss.![]()
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The good. ![]()
The complicated. ![]()
And the things we don’t usually say out loud. ![]()
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Our first online workshop is on 8 July at 7pm. ![]()
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If you're a sibling wanting to connect with others who "get it", complete our survey to help shape the conversation and register your interest. ![]()
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forms.cloud.microsoft/r/yVSZhN2fJN
It’s National Volunteer Week, and we're celebrating people who generously give their time, energy, and talents to support causes they care about.![]()
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One of those people is George Harrison, who is currently riding a unicycle around New Zealand to raise funds and awareness for the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association.![]()
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George, a 19-year-old from New Plymouth, is completing a clockwise coastal lap of both the North and South Islands on his unicycle, and we'd love your support as he heads towards the finish line!![]()
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George chose to support NZDSA because the cause is close to his heart. Having grown up with a family friend who has Down syndrome, he has seen firsthand the value of inclusion and community.![]()
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We're incredibly grateful for George's dedication, determination, and generosity. His challenge is helping raise awareness and support for people with Down syndrome and their whānau across Aotearoa.![]()
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Please join us in cheering George on as he completes the final stages of this remarkable adventure. If you're able, consider making a donation and helping him finish his journey with an even greater impact by exceeding his fundraising goal.![]()
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Thank you, George, for going the extra mile — or rather, thousands of kilometres!![]()
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Donate here:![]()
www.justgiving.com/page/george-harrison-1769642425300
The New Zealand Down Syndrome Association would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jennifer Del Bel and Downlights for their longstanding support of people with Down syndrome and their whānau.![]()
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An important arm of Downlights was the establishment of the Downlights Trust. The NZDSA was fortunate to be one of a number of organisations that received funding from the Trust through the sale of Downlights products. This funding helped support our free online Virtual Conference, held from 3–21 October, enabling people with Down syndrome, their whānau, and supporters from across Aotearoa New Zealand to access valuable information, education, and connection opportunities.![]()
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Jennifer has been the driving force behind Downlights and its commitment to making a difference in the lives of disabled people and their whānau. Through Downlights, she has created meaningful Living Wage employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome while also supporting community organisations and initiatives that promote inclusion, participation, and equity.![]()
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We are saddened to see Downlights closing after years of dedicated service and community support. The impact Jennifer and Downlights have had on people with Down syndrome and their whānau will continue to be felt for many years to come.![]()
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As Downlights prepares to close, they are holding a final clearance sale with 50% off everything online. Whether you are stocking up on everyday favourites or discovering a fragrance you have never tried before, now is the perfect time to shop. Once products are sold out, they will not be returning.![]()
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We encourage our community to show their support one final time and help celebrate the remarkable contribution Jennifer and Downlights have made.![]()
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Thank you, Jennifer, for your vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for people with Down syndrome and supporting disabled people and their whānau. ![]()
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Your legacy will leave a lasting impact on our community.![]()
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www.downlightsnz.com
A good adult life doesn’t happen by chance. It starts early, with small steps.![]()
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Join Care Matters and New Zealand Down Syndrome Association in Palmerston North for a free, practical workshop exploring what a good life could look like for your disabled young person, including learning, work, where to live and the people who matter.![]()
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We’ll also look at available supports and create space for whānau to think about their own future as roles change.![]()
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The Journey to Adulthood and Life After School![]()
Date: 20 June 2026![]()
Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm![]()
Location: Palmerston North![]()
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Register here:![]()
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carematters.org.nz/events/journey-to-adulthood/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSav-9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJzWkpD...
Celebrating Vinnie’s Volunteer Spirit![]()
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We are delighted to celebrate STRIVE member Vincenzo Vaccarino, who was recognised at the Volunteer Recognition Event (VRE) 2026, hosted by Volunteer Central in Palmerston North.![]()
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Vinnie was acknowledged for his outstanding volunteering with City Mission Palmerston North, where his commitment and contribution have made a real difference.![]()
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The ceremony, held on 5th June 2026, was part of International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026) celebrations and highlighted the important role volunteers play across our community.![]()
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NZDSA congratulates Vinnie on this well-deserved recognition. ![]()
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If you have a volunteering story you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.![]()
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Happy National Volunteer Week!![]()
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#NationalVolunteerWeek #NVW2026 #YourYearToVolunteer #Tōutaukitetūao #NZDSA45Years #DownSyndrome #MahiAroha #VolunteeringNZ