Posts by Western Leader
1339 days ago

Down syndrome charity UpsideDowns opens in Avondale

Melanie Earley Reporter from Western Leader

Kia ora neighbours, Auckland’s community of young people living with Down syndrome came together in Avondale to brighten up the walls of recently relocated charity UpsideDowns, with help from fashion icon Dame Denise L'Estrange-Corbet.

UpsideDowns opened the doors of its new headquarters to host a Kids’ Art Workshop on Saturday, July 23.

Sarah Paterson-Hamlin, CEO of the charity which provides speech and language therapy for children living with Down syndrome, said: “This is the first time we’ve been able to have a space of our own like this, and having original art from some of the kids we work with on the walls is something we will be able to treasure and enjoy."

"I’m so grateful to Dame Denise for approaching us and coming up with such a great concept. We would never have thought to do this otherwise!"

The artworks will be officially unveiled by L'Estrange-Corbet at the UpsideDowns Art Opening on the evening of 10 August.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    39.7% Complete
  • 58.5% No, I enjoy it
    58.5% Complete
  • 1.8% Other - I'll share below
    1.8% Complete
939 votes
13 days ago

Have a look at other countries …

Markus from Green Bay

The Danish. The Chinese. Even the Australians FFS! Only Luxon, Trump & Co don't get it …

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1 hour ago

Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026

Murray Halberg Retirement Village

Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.

Click read more to find out more.

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