Strong Voices

In December 2025, IHC signed a landmark agreement at Parliament that marks a huge step forward for disabled students and their whānau. This would not have been achieved without the remarkable dedication and resilience of IHC’s members, supporters, staff and Board.

It was an action-packed 24 hours for a group of families with children with intellectual disability at Whenua Iti Outdoor Education Centre in the Tasman District.

Thirty-four-year-old Tessa Haanen is the first female member of the Downright Dragons to gain her black belt. The Downright Dragons is an inclusive karate programme for young people with intellectual disability that’s been running for 17 years at Wellington’s Seido Dojo.

Sasanka Mendis works as a library assistant in Auckland and lives with learning and intellectual challenges, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. He says his favourite part of the job is being surrounded by books and people and encouraging kids’ love of reading. Some days are challenging, but “as long as I’ve got a purpose and I’m working towards something, I’ll get there”, he says.

There was both excitement and some nerves in North Canterbury in January when TVNZ’s Seven Sharp crew arrived to film the team behind Beauty & Bloom.

Teacher and author Keri Opai recently met with the Chief Executive’s Advisory Group to discuss whaikaha ā-hinengaro – a new Māori term for intellectual disability.

Georgie Loft and Chris Goode are relishing new roles in Christchurch hotels.

Lachlan Oakes and Joel Forman are dance teachers with Ōtautahi-based inclusive dance company Jolt Dance. In November last year they travelled to Korea for a residency with Korean inclusive dance company ‘Light Sound Friends’. Here is their travel diary.

West Auckland Service Manager and Te Anga Paua Northern Area Representative Mary Bradfield (Ngāpuhi) said haere rā to colleagues and people we support at an emotional farewell in early February. Here she reflects on her 30-year relationship with IHC.

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My Voice is where we get to know some of the people in our community. Mark Campbell has recently taken over as IHC Board Chair.

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