BigFunNZ

25/02/2026

HI GUYS,
Well it is official we have to pack up and leave The Base over Easter Weekend. The new people take ownership on Tuesday April 7th. So I will be needing help on Good Friday April 3rd and probably Saturday April 4th to load everything from the gym into a container. The end of another era.
I am still not sure where Big Fun NZ's next move is but I am still looking. Anyone know of a large warehouse with a high ceiling that won't cost too much to rent/lease???
I will keep you informed of what is happening.
Cheers
Michelle Leathart
Big Fun NZ

18/02/2026

I just received this email and thought people may be interested in this.
Kia ora!

My name is Hannah and I’m the Southern Region Coordinator for I.Lead - a disabled youth organisation focused on advocacy, leadership, and systems change.

I’m reaching out as I’m keen to make connections in Canterbury and share our mahi with the community. To do this, I am also hosting an online Q&A/Meet n Greet session on Tuesday 10th of March at 3.30pm via Teams which you can join via this link https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/4825025128274?p=4ojT2VQT8JLPdkSQu7 and there should be a calendar invite attached to this email. You are also welcome to share this meeting link with your wider networks!

In a nutshell, I.Lead works alongside disabled young people (16–30) to amplify their voices on issues that matter to them like housing, transport, education, and access. We give young disabled people the platform and tools and to turn those ideas into real change in their communities and nationally. We have recently started a new committee in Canterbury and are looking for connections as well as new members who may be interested in joining our movement. We have a wide range of members across the country with varying disabilities and we welcome anyone aged 16-30 who identifies as having a disability, this includes people who identify as neurodivergent, people with physical, intellectual or learning disabilities and we welcome a diverse range of other chronic illnesses as well. People can come with support and we work with the young people to ensure they can participate to their fullest potential!

You can read more here: https://www.ilead.org.nz/

We also offer a free learner licensing programme, I.Drive, for people of any age with a disability or learning difference (including ADHD and dyslexia). It’s a one-day, supportive, hands-on workshop designed to build confidence with the road code. We have an upcoming workshop in Christchurch Learner’s Licence (Christchurch – Youth Hub Christchurch: 109 Salisbury Street, Central Christchurch): Thursday, 26th February [10AM ~ 3PM] and you can read more here: https://www.ilead.org.nz/programs-i-drive-licensing-program/

As this is a large group email, please let me know by a seperate email if you're keen to catch up outside of this via Teams/Zoom or over the phone. As I'm based in Dunedin, I do come up and visit Christchurch every so often so if you'd prefer in person I can let you know my next dates heading up there!
Ngā mihi nui



Hannah Butson

Southern Region I.Lead Coordinator

Yes Disability Resource Centre

14/12/2025

Well said

19/11/2025

Yep you gotta move if you want to become aware of your body

24/09/2025

Please support this if you can

12/09/2025

Another Social Even held by Team Social.

Dance your socks off at our Neon Disco. Food and soft drinks are included in the ticket price. Team Social is run by parent volunteers.

01/09/2025

Boosted is Aotearoa New Zealand’s only arts crowdfunding platform. We’re here to bring creatives and supporters together to grow creativity. With our mentored approach to crowdfunding, we have one of the world's highest crowdfunding success rates and have helped creatives raise millions since 20...

12/08/2025

I thought people might like this poem

A powerful Description of being autistic by This beautiful little Girl

Congratulations to 12-year-old secondary school student Ava who has won a national poetry competition with her entry about living with autism 📝

You can read her winning ‘Power of Poetry’ entry below:

“Take a seat and sit with me

I want to talk about ASD

If you don't mind I'd like to explain

A little thing called autism and how it affects my brain

It can make me anxious, angry and afraid

But this stays in my head, on my face it's not displayed

I may seem heartless and question your meanings

But it takes me a little longer to process the feelings

Take a seat and sit with me I want to show you ASD

A girl sitting quietly is all you see

But inside my mind I am far from free

My thoughts collide, my senses take over

I become overwhelmed by the smallest sound

Clicking pens, ticking clocks

That boy's chair and the way it rocks

All different smells attacking me

The perfumes, the coffee, the teacher's tea

Take a seat and sit with me

But not too close, I have ASD

I try to be social, I try to fit in

I come across rude, I can never win

I am very literal and straight to the point

If you want the truth I won't disappoint

When my brain is overloaded I sometimes lash out

My control fades, I scream and shout

I get confused and it all spills out

Intense emotions all trapped inside

Finally have nowhere to hide

Take a seat and sit with me I want to tell you about ASD

Please understand I am not to blame I've just got an atypical brain

But it's not all doom and gloom

I'm often the sportiest girl in the room

I'm quirky, unique, kind and caring

I'm loyal, protective and always sharing

I'm obsessed with frogs and all things green

I'm the youngest trendsetter you've ever seen

Take a seat and sit with me

I am Ava, I am me

I'm not just my label of ASD.”

21/06/2025

Ph: 0273808470 email: bigfun@hotmail.co.nz
HI ALL,

Time is flying and we have reached the shortest day. So roll on summer. But noting that we still have a fair amount of winter to get through, remember it can be very cold in the gym during the winter months. Load up on the socks and the extra layer. Especially if you are sitting and watching.
We welcomed a new coach, Isabella, who is working on Monday's and Wednesday's (while Sven is away) and will do alternate Saturdays from next term.
Everyone has had fun with the blow up but it will take a rest next term.

End of the Term
The last day for term 2 will be Saturday June 28th

Holiday Sessions:
Week 1 Monday 30th June to Thursday the 3rd July
Week 2 Tuesday 8th July to Friday 11th July

REMEMBER TO BOOK IN FOR HOLIDAY SESSIONS
Either email or text
IF I DON'T KNOW YOU ARE COMING I MIGHT NOT BE HERE

Term 2 Start
Term 2 will start on Monday July 14th

Session Times
If you would like to change your session time or day please let me know and I will see what I can do.

General Reminder
You will be charged for the full term at the beginning of the term unless you have made other arrangements with me

Have a nice holiday break. Enjoy the snow if you get to play in it.
Otherwise keep warm and see you in Term 3 for more fun.
Michelle Leathart, Sven Balvan, Ella Jackson and Isabella Winder
The Big Fun NZ Crew

Ph: 0273808470 email: bigfun@hotmail.co.nz
HI ALL,

Time is flying are we have reached the longest day. So roll on summer. But noting that we still have a fair amount of winter to get through, remember it can be very cold in the gym during the winter months. Load up on the socks and the extra layer. Especially if you are sitting and watching.
We welcomed a new coach, Isabella, who is working on Monday's and Wednesday's (while Sven is away) and will do alternate Sarurdays from next term.
Everyone has had fun with the blow up but it will take a rest next term.

End of the Term
The last day for term 2 will be Saturday June 28th

Holiday Sessions:
Week 1 Monday 30th June to Thursday the 3rd July
Week 2 Tuesday 8th July to Friday 11th July

REMEMBER TO BOOK IN FOR HOLIDAY SESSIONS
Either email or text
IF I DON'T KNOW YOU ARE COMING I MIGHT NOT BE HERE

Term 2 Start
Term 2 will start on Monday July 14th

Session Times
If you would like to change your session time or day please let me know and I will see what I can do.

General Reminder
You will be charged for the full term at the beginning of the term unless you have made other arrangements with me

Have a nice holiday break. Enjoy the snow if you get to play in it.
Otherwise keep warm and see you in Term 3 for more fun.
Michelle Leathart, Sven Balvan, Ella Jackson and Isabella Winder
The Big Fun NZ Crew

30/05/2025

Here is an article about a programme that some of the people at Big Fun NZ attend. I Love going to the shows. They are always interesting and have a bit of humour. It is also awesome to see some of the people that have left Big Fun NZ.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepress.co.nz%2Fculture%2F360684245%2Fperformance-academy-goes-viral-while-re-writing-disability-narratives&h=AT10JgHSeZMYIL1JboO67EdCy_Sf4BQvM1a5pOafhCKAiKIQlqk_DP1ImK8DPwYR40FXgcEWGZwKRt0Exh2Lh3sRh3ilj4YZEysy6z1oDwCWorn3ijhEViOR3gOtavaNJ1h9zrtjwox081gd&s=1

Christchurch’s Inclusive Performance Academy is writing and directing shows by - not about - people with disabilities.

04/05/2025

Hi Everyone, I am wondering if anyone has jars with metal lids that they don't want. I am making more relishes and need jars to put them in. So if you have any empty jars could you please bring them to gym with you Thanks.