ATTITUDE AND TALENT SHINE FOR POPPY STAR LIBBY HUNSDALE

Libby Hunsdale, who plays the leading role in feature film Poppy, has been recognised as a finalist in the Attitude Awards. Libby is one of three Attitude Youth Courage Award finalists. This section of the annual awards celebrating the achievements of the disability community is for a young person with a disability whose courage and determination will remind Kiwis of the power of the human spirit, and the quest of young people with disabilities to lead full lives. “We know Libby embodies the spirit of this award. Her courage has been shown in her overcoming personal loss and throwing herself into auditioning for, and successfully gaining, the role of Poppy,” says producer Robin Laing. “She not only brought her talent and courage to the set every day, she came back from the lockdown hiatus to the final week of the shoot more prepared and confident than ever.” Poppy is the story of a young woman with Down syndrome who refuses to be defined by her disability and decides to take control of her own life. Written and directed by Linda Niccol, Poppy is produced by Robin Laing and Alex Cole-Baker. It is funded by the New Zealand Film Commission’s 125 Fund set up in 2018 to celebrate 125 years of Women’s Suffrage, and supported by TVNZ, NZ On Air, IHC Foundation and generous philanthropists. Australian-based New Zealander Ari Boyland and newcomer Sebastian Hunter feature alongside Libby in this warm and brave-hearted drama filmed in Kāpiti this year. The producers plan for Poppy to hit New Zealand screens before the end of the year.

The Attitude Awards winners will be announced at a televised ceremony on 2 December 2020. https://www.attitudeawards.org/2020-finalists

Attitude Youth Courage Award Geena Hill Libby Hunsdale Caleb Wright

Attitude Employee and Entrepreneur Award Curtis Smith Grace Stratton Independence Collective

Attitude Impact Award Jennifer Del Bel Sheridan Jackson Jonathan Mosen

Attitude ACC Employer Award Stopping Violence Dunedin (Cinnamon Boreham) GPSOS Ricoh New Zealand (Vicky O'Neill)

Spirit of Attitude Award Lusi Faiva Katrina Matich David Winterburn

Attitude Community Champion Award Jenny Hogg Thomas Tuki Timothy Young

Attitude Sporting Endeavour Award Cody Everson Anna Taylor Eamon Wood

Attitude Support Superstar Award To recognise support workers, carers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses and family members who provide critical support to a person / persons with disability. The person may also have gone above and beyond when performing their role as an essential worker during the restrictions and challengers of COVID-19. This person will have an X-factor.

Shelley Clark As People and Capability CoOrdinator at SdE, Shelley is usually the nominator not the nominee. She goes above and beyond for all of her staff and is the glue that held the team together during the confusing COVID-19 induced lockdown. Elizabeth Goodwin Elizabeth is passionate about developing innovative ways to support whānau with disabled children, and working for the inclusion of disabled children at school and helping parents to codesign solutions to their challenges.

Jenny Hogg Jenny makes the world a better place for all those who meet her. She’s not interested in what people can’t do, only what they’re great at and constantly uses her skills and connections in the community to help people find their dream. Whether it’s employment, choice, or finding a purpose, Jenny lives and breathes Disability.

Downlights Breaks All Barriers

Jennifer Del Bel and the Downlights company has also been among the awards recently.

Downlights is extremely proud to win the Breaking Barriers award at the annual NZ Diversity Awards. Jennifer and Downlights have been a wonderful supporter of the NZDSA, and have also been named as a finalist in the Attitude Awards in the Impact Award category. Jennifer is the Founder and Managing Director of Downlights, a New Zealand social enterprise that employs young Kiwis with disabilities. Jennifer was running a successful artisan candle company (Illumina), but has pivoted the company and now employs seven school leavers with Down syndrome, and other learning or intellectual disabilities. Even though Jennifer does not have a disability herself, nor within her immediate family, she is considered by many as a strong ally of the disability community. This is demonstrated by the relationships she has with her employees, their families, and also the wider disability sector, including the NZDSA.