The Champion Centre

22/09/2026

We’re excited to launch this year’s NZDSA Virtual Conference with two special self-advocate-led sessions on Saturday 3 October.

And you don’t have to wait for full conference registrations; special pre-registration for these first two sessions is open now.

4:00 pm — Alex’s Good Life: How Did It Happen?

Join Alex Snedden, self-advocate and experienced public speaker, as he shares his journey towards creating his Good Life.

Alex will talk about what a Good Life means to him, the importance of having choice and control, and what he has learned along the way. Drawing on his own experiences, Alex hopes to inspire others and show what is possible.

4:30 pm — My Life in the Far North

Join self-advocate Talia Leach as she shares her life in Taheke in the Hokianga and her experience working as a Patient Support Assistant at Rawene Hospital.

Talia will share a glimpse into her work, her community and the life she has built in the Far North.

Both sessions are free to attend and open to everyone.

Register now for our two opening sessions:

Alex:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/AuPIzR1ySEOzLmP34RIpUs0t-KDfglg9qwWfEx41JXCUHzEjSO4f~ApxnIJFweyNGjcVOKI0cJ8N90H-Vr_xnWRKA6CsIM9eqUET5R8tIQFUOmg

Talia:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkL475pw74A1vXybRM3ohA6rvqQyWzSqcMEmu1nGNBilnds6lwiu~An4XkR0km4SdMfQR40C1ASprV_vB1YWNGFESS98Mw61LG9Gl5y0ASzap4Q

These are just the beginning!

Full registration for the NZDSA Virtual Conference will open this Sunday, with more than 30 sessions taking place throughout Down syndrome awareness month.

Stay tuned...

16/09/2026

What a week it's been!

We're celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Speech and Language Therapy Awareness Week, and the release of our latest article on how a gift in your will can create a lasting legacy.

🌿 Explore Te Wiki o te Reo Māori webinars: https://www.reomaori.co.nz/te-wiki-webinars-2026

🗣️ Find out more about Speech and Language Therapy Awareness Week: https://speechtherapy.org.nz/for-whanau/slt-awareness-week

💛 Read our latest article, Why Having a Will Matters: https://www.championcentre.org.nz/post/why-having-a-will-matters

There's still time this week to get involved, learn something new, and celebrate the many ways language and communication bring people together.

Join us online from 15–19 September 2026 as we mark another year of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with an exciting webinar lineup at lunch time every weekday, delivered in reo rua.

16/09/2026

15/09/2026

Check out our latest article!

Life is busy. There are many demands on our time and never enough hours in the day. Most of us know the importance of having a will, but writing one is something many people struggle to get around to.And the numbers back this up. 50% of Kiwis don’t have a will.Your will provides for your family an...

14/09/2026

SLT Awareness Week 2026 | Te Whai Ao

This week we're celebrating students and the pathways that bring them to Speech-Language Therapy.

For Niamh, the inspiration started early:

"My younger sister had a lot of speech therapy growing up, and seeing the difference it made inspired me from an early age."

Combined with a background in speech and drama and a passion for working with children and families, it led Niamh to a career that felt like the perfect match.

We're delighted to have Niamh on placement with us this year 💛

12/09/2026

Have you supported your child through the autism diagnosis journey?

Researchers are seeking parents to share their experiences of the autism referral and diagnosis process.

To register your interest, contact Cat Noakes-Duncan at [email protected].

Learn more below ⬇️

10/09/2026

Build confidence, skills, and independence through play!

Join our five-day Therapeutic Holiday Programme and support your child's development in a fun, engaging environment.

Head to our website for more details or to register your interest: https://www.championcentre.org.nz/workshops

28/08/2026

Good in the Hood 2026 has officially begun!

We're excited to be one of the local organisations taking part this year.

If you're passing through Z Templeton between 18 August and 15 September, consider voting for Champion Centre. Simply collect your orange token and place it in our voting box.

Every token counts! Your support helps us continue the work we do in our community. 💛

14/08/2026

Today we have been talking to George from the Cerebral Palsy and Scoliosis peer support service. Please have a look at the website if you are interested in becoming a peer supporter, or feel you would benefit from some support. Here’s their website: https://peersupport.nz/

09/08/2026

We’d like to sincerely thank Georgia & the Champion Foundation Trust for putting on a special night to celebrate the Champion Centre Mums recently.
was such a great venue, the vibe was lovely, and the food and drinks were incredible!
We have had really positive feedback about how awesome the night was, and that the Mums really enjoyed having a night out to connect away from the Centre.
We really appreciate the time and effort that was put into making the night a success 🍸🍹