BigFunNZ

03/04/2026

I would like to thank all the people who helped out yesterday. It was amazing how quickly it all went. Theresa, whose van like car with a ramp was filled to the gunnels more than once, Sharon, Rochelle, Ella, Elise, Liam who filled up more cars and then emptied them into the new gym. It definitely would not have fitted into the 2 containers without you guys taking all the small stuff. Simon, for helping me move stuff on Thursday night and then working hard out all day. Taryn who came and organised the moving of the trampoline. John, Shane, Steve, Shar, Lucas, Natalea, Harry, Lisa for all thedismantling, heavy lifting, and making sure everything went into the containers. IT WAS A HUGE EFFORT AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD SUCH AN AWESOME TEAM.
I have added photos of the containers arriving, I thought some people might like to watch the videos of the container being lifted off the truck.
The gym ready for the move, the full containers and then an empty gym.

03/04/2026

Here is a, not that great, photo of, Liam, the last person to have a session at The Base.

14/03/2026

Well guys we have a new home!!! We are on the move to Templeton.
I will send you more info in an email next week.

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.”