STRIVE

Mohit Chand

Auckland Zone 1

I like: Dancing, keeping fit and hanging with friends

As a Strive member, I participate and contribute to the workshops.

I also assist in introducing and/or giving note of thanks to the guest speakers:

Fun Fact: I am a good entertainer

Abigail Knight

Auckland Zone 1

Kia ora my name is Abigail Knight. I  live in Auckland and have worked at Woop for 3 years. 

I love to dance and spend time with friends. 

STRIVE believes in inclusion at school so I enjoy sharing that message when I present to educators at the Success in Schools workshops

Fun Fact – I studied Spanish

Vincenzo Vaccarino

Manawatū zone 3

Kia ora my name is Vincenzo Vaccarino. I  live in Palmerston North. I enjoy writing, dancing, spending time with friends and movies.

I volunteer at City Mission and I work at the Koru Lounge.

I want to be a public speaker.

I am proud to be a STRIVE member so we can talk about the rights of people with Down syndrome.

Fun fact I love making truffles and hope to start selling them soon.

Duncan Armstrong

Wellington Zone 4

I am Duncan Armstrong. I live in Wellington. I am a Dancer, actor and drummer.

I also work at Whitireia Performing Arts School.

I am a founding member of STRIVE. I enjoy supporting emerging self-advocacy.   leaders

I think it is really important to have performers with disabilities in all the arts and I am really proud to be working and excited that there are more and more opportunities for artists with disabilities.

Fun Fact I enjoy travelling.

Peter Rees

Canterbury Zone 6

My name is Peter Rees I was born in 1989 on a Sunday afternoon at the Saint George’s Hospital on Heaton Street in Christchurch New Zealand. I’ve got two sisters one older and one younger.

I am a member of Strive as a voice for people who can’t speak up for themselves and for others as well, not only am I a Strive member, but I am also the Mid-south Regional President of People First and I am on the Accessibility Advisory Group within the Christchurch City Council.

Here are some fun facts about myself:

• I got to meet and shake hands with the King Charles III and Queen Camilla of Great Britain when they were down in Christchurch for a Royal Visit which happened twice
• I got a National Award from the Governor General on World Down Syndrome Day 21 March 2008
• I got a photo taken with David Kirk at the Canterbury UPP Club’s Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser playing golf with him

Rochelle Waters

Canterbury Zone 6

My name is Rochelle waters.  I am 29 years old and live in Christchurch.

I work at the Darfield Bakery three days a week, I teach dance on a Monday morning and I am part of a dance tutor training programme on a Tuesday.

I enjoy dancing and have been doing jolt dance for about 17 years. I also enjoy swimming, ten-pin bowling and hanging out with my friends.

I enjoy being a member of the STRIVE group, being a role model and advocating for people with Down Syndrome to help them speak up and be heard.

Fun Fact – i love going to concerts and shows and having a great time.!!!