On Thursday 4 June, we will be celebrating Yes Disability Resource Centre’s twentieth birthday, along with Shore Junction’s fifth birthday. So exciting! During this celebration, we will reflect on the impact that Yes Disability and Shore Junction have had on their members.

I.Lead’s first two showcases in Auckland and Christchurch were huge successes! Ngā mihi to everyone who came along to learn more about our mahi and how to get involved. We have further upcoming Showcase days in Blenheim, Whangārei, Dunedin, Tauranga, Invercargill, Waikato, Manawatū, and Wellington. I.Lead’s Showcase days are an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and grow our disabled youth-led movement across Aotearoa. This roadshow of events is designed to introduce new members, partners, and supporters to I.Lead, while highlighting the impact, leadership, and advocacy driven by disabled young people in our communities. 

Each Showcase day reflects our commitment to youth leadership, inclusion, and collective action. Whether you’re a disabled young person wanting to build confidence and create change, or an organisation wanting to better engage with disabled youth, I.Lead Showcase days are a place to start. Want to know more about our Showcase days? You can learn more via the I.Lead website. 

I.Lead is bringing back its I.Drive x VTNZ Testing days to Auckland's North Shore! I.Drive is partnering with VTNZ to bring its portable testing units to Shore Junction, Takapuna. This will allow participants the opportunity to take their learner's licence test in an environment that is familiar and relaxed. There will be readers available if needed. Jaden, a previous testing day attendee, stated, “I wouldn’t do the test any other way. I think doing the test in a relaxed environment gave me the space to be around the people I know, in a place that I’m familiar with. Definitely reduced the nerves quite a lot, and they were really accessible in terms of disability, and I think the partnership is fantastic!” This testing day will occur on Wednesday 24 June at the Yes Disability building in Albany. Know anyone who may be interested? Spots are limited, so register their interest quick! You can visit the registration page on our website to secure your spot.

We are excited to continue growing our Te Ara Tāne: The Path of Men community. We’re creating a space where disabled men (18-30) can come together, be real, and have honest kōrero about the ups and downs of life – the stuff people don’t always talk about. Whether it’s about identity, relationships, mental health, or just everyday challenges, this is a space where you’ll be heard and understood. This group was designed by disabled men, for disabled men. Our next in-person meeting date is 16 June. We now also offer online sessions! To learn more, please contact Abdulla: abdulla@yesdisability.org.nz.

For more information about our programmes and upcoming events, check out our websites and social media. 

Web: ilead.org.nz Facebook: facebook.com/ileadconferencenz Instagram: instagram.com/i.leadnz/ Tiktok:: tiktok.com/@i.lead LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/i-lead-org