LINDA HANDS OVER THE REINS AFTER 17 YEARS

Linda te Kaat has been a key part of the NZDSA family, providing the administrative backbone for the organisation for 17 years. Last month she handed over the baton to spend more time with her family and especially her new grandson. In this farewell letter, Linda reflects on the journey she made with the NZDSA. On 7 February 2004 I started working as the National Administrator for the NZDSA and now 17 years later it is time to leave. It was a big decision to make but I have decided it is time to spend more time for me and my family and our gorgeous grandson William (Bill) who was born in June 2020. During my time I have attended youth camps, forums, workshops, a conference in Sydney, many committee meetings and been part of a hardworking team. I have also been extremely fortunate to attend the NZDSA Achievement Awards at Government House on many occasions and had the pleasure of meeting four of our Governor-Generals and on one occasion Prince Andrew when he was in New Zealand and joined our ceremony which was definitely a highlight for me. Not too long after starting in my position it became clear that the NZDSA was not in a good financial state and at the time closing our doors was on the cards. Zandra Vaccarino and I had to reduce paid hours, but still work long hours to try to get the organisation into a better position. With the help of a couple of wonderful supporters and a lot of funding applications we were able to get the organisation back to a healthier position and the NZDSA survived to be what it is today. I am immensely proud to be part of the team that over the last 16 years has raised over $3.7 million for the organisation in grants, donations and fundraising. This has all been used to produce the quarterly journal, new resources, staff to keep the organisation going, STRIVE, youth camps, operational expenses, a new website and database and everything that goes into making the organisation the success it is today. The last 17 years has been an amazing journey and I have met the most wonderful people along the way – many who will be lifelong friends. I thank Zandra, Jess, Coen and Daniel – it has been a pleasure working alongside you and the NZDSA is extremely fortunate to have such passionate people working for them to ensure better lives for people with Down syndrome and their families. I thank all the people that have served on the NZDSA committee – this is all voluntary and without them the organisation would not be able to run. I also want to take this time to thank my family for all your support – sometimes the crazy hours I have worked, supported me and kept the household functioning, while I travelled to meetings, forums, workshops etc and been there for the highs and lows. I also would like to thank the people that have sent me messages wishing me well for the future and for the beautiful flowers from a lovely parent (you know who you are). Thank you so much everyone for everything.

The NZDSA has recently welcomed three new part-timers to our team who now introduce themselves to our community.

Rose te Kaat

Kia Ora I am Rose te Kaat, the new part-time National Administrator and Finance Officer for the NZDSA. I will be taking over from Linda, so I have big shoes to fill. I am from Christchurch. After meeting my husband several years ago, I got introduced to my beautiful sister-in-law Kelsey. Since then I have been fortunate to be involved in several Down syndrome events including youth development camps, as a support buddy. Recently I have proudly become a Mum to our wee boy Bill (9 months old). My background is in healthcare and more recently health management. I am excited to be part of the NZDSA community and join the NZDSA team that have recently celebrated 40 years. I look forward to meeting new faces, to support and help make a difference within your community.

Jess Scarsbrook

I am Jess Scarsbrook, the new Social Media and Information Officer for the NZDSA. I have been involved with the Down syndrome community for almost my entire life, thanks to my younger sister Georgia who has Down syndrome. I have been working and volunteering in the disability space since I was a teenager. Previously, I worked as a youth worker, and I also ran a startup working with young people with intellectual disabilities. Last year, I graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Political Science and International Relations, and Māori and Indigenous Studies. I am excited to come on board with the NZDSA and work with an organisation whose values I share, and whose work I am incredibly passionate about

Grace Perry

I’m Grace although I have lived in Auckland for the past three years, I’m a Canterbury girl at heart. Outside of work I like to spend time with my husband and our dogs walking on our local beaches, gardening and working on my stained glass hobby/small business. Since I was four-years old I’ve been involved with a small community in Christchurch called Marralomeda, which has four houses and an activity centre and is home to nineteen people living with an learning disability. I loved spending time with the community and often stayed overnight with my grandma who was a support worker. This is where my involvement within the Down syndrome community all began. Growing up in this environment I saw and heard a lot out in the wider community where I was shocked and upset. From this grew this need and passion inside me to help educate people and promote awareness of Down syndrome in a positive way as well as advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. I can’t wait to get to know everyone a bit more – so feel free to reach out and say hi.