1310 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

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

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21 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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6 hours ago

Denim, but make it one-of-a-kind 💙

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

Not every pair of jeans makes it to the rack... but that doesn’t mean their story ends there. Our talented volunteer Annie has been transforming damaged denim into handcrafted bags, hats and aprons in our Onehunga SPCA Op Shop ✂️🧵

This latest batch even features her own hand-sewn designs, and customers have been loving them, they sell almost as soon as they hit the shelf!

It’s creativity, sustainability and community all stitched together, helping animals in need 🐾

📍 217 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga
🕘 9am–5pm, 7 days