Disabilities Resource Centre

09/12/2025

As the year winds down and life speeds up, make space for your Hauora. Take 5 minutes today to breathe, reset, and recharge.

💭 Breathe deeply
🚶‍♂️ Get some fresh air
☕ Check in on a friend
💧 Drink some water
📱 Take a short break from your screen
🧘‍♀️ Do some stretches

05/12/2025

Summer is officially here, Aotearoa!

If you are heading away on holiday, now is the perfect time to explore some of the amazing accessible destinations our beautiful country has to offer.

From beaches with access mats, to inclusive playgrounds, mobility-friendly trails, and fully accessible attractions, there are incredible places across New Zealand designed so everyone can enjoy the sunshine.

Check out Firstports website for more information: www.firstport.co.nz/events-places/places

02/12/2025

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day to recognise the strengths, contributions, and diversity of disabled people, and to reflect on how we can create more inclusive, accessible communities for everyone.

It’s about celebrating progress, acknowledging the barriers that still exist, and committing to doing better together.

What does inclusion mean to you?

We would love to hear your thoughts. Your voice matters.
Let’s keep the kōrero going and continue building spaces where everyone belongs.

28/11/2025

Christmas Food Parcel for Seniors – Help Spread the Word
This Christmas, we’re here to support seniors aged 65+ in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region who may be facing challenges with food insecurity, health, or social isolation. With the generous support of Craigs Investment Partners we’re again delivering free food parcels to 100 seniors in our community!
Each food parcel will include essential groceries and a leaflet with details about local services available to seniors.
If you or someone you know is aged 65+ and could benefit from this, please call the Here to Help U helpline on 0800 568 273 to sign up. Referrals close on Friday 12th of December – don’t wait!
Deliveries will take place between December 15th-19th – so spread the word to your whānau, neighbors, and friends! Let’s make sure no senior is left behind this holiday season.

20/11/2025

👀🏄‍♀️

Watch this space.......

With support from Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District Council and in collaboration with Salt Spray Surf School we have our Ōcean & Harbour Whanau Fun Days coming this Summer.... Registrations will be open soon 😍

12/11/2025

Highlights from an unforgettable day! 🔥

Whānau, fun and community spirit all in one place 💛

12/11/2025

We are excited to be out and about in the community again this Saturday, this time in Kawerau. Come 'Meet the Locals' doing great things in the Kawerau community. Learn what services we provide in the area, as well as all the other amazing support organisations.

We are excited to be collaborating with Kawerau organisations to help showcase their amazing community spirit.

10/11/2025

Experience a day in the life of our vocational programme…Empowering independence, building skills, and creating memories, that’s what our vocational days are all about.

10/11/2025

That’s a Wrap!

What an incredible day 🚒🚑🚓
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Emergency Services Open Day featuring Disability & Community Support Services.

From live demos and vintage fire trucks to community stalls, kai, and smiles all around, our hearts are full! The spirit of connection, inclusion, and resilience was truly alive in Whakatāne on Saturday.

🎥 Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming event highlights reel, you might just spot yourself!

👉 Follow our page to stay up to date with future community events, workshops, and celebrations.

Ngā mihi nui to all the emergency services, community organisations, and volunteers who made the day such a success and of course our sponsors - Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District Council Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council Family Safety Network, Whakatāne High School - Te Kura Tuarua ō Te Mānuka Tūtahi , Bay Towing and Radio 1XX our statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster for Whakatāne. That means 1XX will provide vital information and updates as they come to hand on air and online during an emergency.

03/11/2025

Let's unite to recognize the unsung heroes and exceptional businesses that contribute to our community's prosperity! We are still accepting nominations for our esteemed "Bev Grammar" excellence awards, and we have simplified the process by providing physical paper nomination forms at the following locations: DRC-Disability Resource Centre Whakatane, Whakatane Hospital-main reception, Whakatane Library, and Next Step Gym. Alternatively, you can also submit your nominations via text or email by sending us your name, contact details, the name of your nominee, their contact details, and the reason behind your nomination. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate excellence! Nominations close at 5:00pm on Monday, 10 November. Phone: 020 4537233 Email: wai.whakatane@gmail.com

03/11/2025

🚨 Whakatāne — ARE YOU READY?! 🚨
The Emergency Services Open Day featuring Disability & Community Support Services is happening THIS SATURDAY – and it’s going to be massive!

💥 See our real-life heroes in action:
🚁 LANDSAR Helicopter Demonstration
🐕 NZ Police Dog Demo
🔥 Fire & Emergency NZ Kitchen Fire and Waterways Demo
🚓 Multi-agency Car Crash Rescue Simulation
🚑 St John CPR & First Aid Demos

🎪 Circability – All Abilities Circus Workshop
🎶 DJ No Hands pumping out the beats
🚒 Vintage Fire Truck Rides - Koha for Hospice
🍔 Food trucks with delicious kai
🎈 Lots of kids activities
👋Disability & Community Support Stalls showcasing local services

📅 Saturday 8 November | 10.00 am – 3.00 pm
📍 Whakatāne High School Rugby Field
💜 FREE ENTRY! Koha to Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty appreciated.

Bring the whānau, meet our frontline heroes, learn life-saving skills and have some serious fun, a day you won’t want to miss!

28/10/2025

Every 15 minutes, someone in Aotearoa has a stroke. But with awareness and action, we can save lives.

🚨 Know the F.A.S.T. signs:

👤 Face – Is one side drooping?
💪 Arm – Is one arm weak?
🗣️ Speech – Is it slurred or strange?
⏰ Time – Call 111 immediately!

Early action = better recovery.