Fern Collective

12/03/2026

🌿 Unmasking for Autistic Individuals

Today, we talked about the journey of unmasking for autistic ferns! For many, wearing a mask is a survival tactic, but unmasking is about embracing authenticity and self-acceptance. It’s time to create a world where everyone feels safe, seen, heard, and validated!

From the voice of Fern:

🔍 Safety: A supportive environment is crucial. We need spaces where autistic ferns can express themselves without fear of judgment. Safety is key!

👀 Being Seen: It’s vital to recognise and celebrate the unique perspectives and talents of autistic ferns. Let’s appreciate the diversity within our community!

🎤 Being Heard: Amplifying autistic voices is essential. Listening to their experiences and insights fosters understanding and connection. Every voice matters!

🤗 Validation: Everyone deserves to feel that their feelings and experiences are valid. Let’s affirm the realities of autism and provide support without criticism.

Together, we can break down barriers and encourage unmasking. Let’s uplift each other and create a future where authenticity shines!

Community Inclusion

11/03/2026

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/otago-university-confirms-meningococcal-case?fbclid=IwdGRzaAQeGJpjbGNrBB4YimV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHucXerbBuoZnQY2QSxz6tux5rQl34q35fQHILTjBE7s0fQGqphxr56iU6NSy_aem_qvGmtO6p5JlaodKvmqt2Qg&sfnsn=mo

The University of Otago has confirmed a case of meningococcal disease within the student community. In an email to students, vice-chancellor Grant...

11/03/2026

🌿 Lego maths! What fun and a wonderful way of making it engaging and opening up communication!

11/03/2026

🌿 Starting the day with a view like this! Yeeees!

11/03/2026

🌿 Exploring and grounding in nature! We love this!

11/03/2026

🌿 Nature walks and bottle painting was a great activity for mindfulness today for one our ferns. How cool is this!

11/03/2026

🌿 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AxsDDGqBC/

Street Festival Repair Station

Do you have an item in need of repair? We may have the solution! Anything from dodgy toasters to wonky lamps to ripped shirts to guitars in urgent need of TLC. Drop by the Makerspace, Te Wāhi Auaha, in the South Dunedin Community Library during the street festival this Saturday 14 March, 10 - 2.30.

You’ll find a wide range of skills and knowledge on hand to help assess and repair your belongings. From electronics and appliances to clothing, toys, and musical instruments, our local repair community is here to help!

The Makerspace also offers ongoing support for DIY projects, so if we can’t solve something on the day, you’re welcome to come back during a future open‑door session for more guidance.

This event is proudly supported by the Dunedin Gasworks Museum. Keep an eye out for their blacksmiths at work in King Edward Street during the Festival!

11/03/2026

🌿 A bit of fun as you come in or leave!

10/03/2026

10/03/2026

🌿 Updates that may be important for you and your funding.

From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS) will have more flexibility in how they use their funding for disability-related supports.

The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed, while people’s allocated budgets stay the same as they are now. This means there will be no disruption to current supports.

These changes apply to people who use flexible funding. If you don’t receive flexible funding, nothing changes for you.

We know the last period of change has been hard for many disabled people, families, whānau and carers, and that it created uncertainty for many. Since then, work has been underway to improve the disability support system so it is fairer, more consistent, and easier to understand.

In February, DSS introduced a nationally consistent way of assessing needs and allocating funding. These April changes build on that work and reflect what the disability community told us through consultation.

From 1 April:
👉 Purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
👉 People keep the same allocated budgets for flexible funding they have now.
👉 This gives more choice and control over disability-related supports, including respite options for carers
👉 You still need to keep your spending within your allocated budgets
👉 Flexible funding must still be used in line with people’s plans
👉 A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval
👉 There will be more support to help people to plan and manage their flexible funding.

These changes mean people can feel confident their supports will continue to reflect their assessed needs. You don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes. Your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.

If you have questions about your own situation, your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site is the best place to talk through what this means for you.

Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements.

You can find more information below 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/more-choice-control-and-certainty-for-disabled-people-with-flexible-funding

09/03/2026

🌿 Parent feedback is so great to receive. It helps us to reflect on our connections with the youth. Especially the ferns who just need a deeper connection and rapport built.

09/03/2026

🌿 Check out our latest product review blog! We absolutely love the nightlight!

At Fern Collective, we know that bedtime can sometimes feel like the final boss battle of the day. After navigating school, sensory input, big emotions, and busy routines, the transition to sleep i…