Manawanui

03/06/2026

✈️ A great example of accessibility in action.

Emirates has expanded a programme that allows autistic travellers and their whānau to experience the airport journey before they fly, helping to reduce anxiety and build confidence through familiarity and preparation.

It's a reminder that accessibility isn't always about big changes. Sometimes it's about creating opportunities for people to feel prepared, supported and confident to take part in everyday experiences.

Emirates has launched over 40 global travel rehearsals to help children with autism prepare for flying, easing anxiety for more than 250 families.

02/06/2026

No livestream today. Simon mentioned last week that we are moving to a fortnightly schedule for our livestreams and email newsletters. This week is newsletter week, so you'll see Simon on the livestream next week Tuesday!

Got a question for Simon to answer during next week's livestream? Drop it in the comments below (or send us a private message) 👇

28/05/2026

Manawanui wishes you a wonderful King's Birthday long weekend! We hope you enjoy time with friends and family.​

A huge thank you to the staff members who have volunteered to work this public holiday. ​

This means:​
👉 NO change to the submission deadline of Monday evening​
👉 Customer emails will be answered​
👉Please note, our phones will be off​

Enjoy the long weekend, stay safe and warm out there!

27/05/2026

At Manawanui, people are at the heart of everything we do. 💛

We know managing funding and support can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why our team works hard to make things easier with patience, understanding, and practical support.

Thank you, Annelise, for your kind words and for sharing your experience with us.

27/05/2026

Introducing Manawanui Coach Drop-In Sessions!

We’re excited to launch a new way for customers, whānau and support people to connect with the Manawanui team - in person, in your community.

Our new Coach Drop-In Sessions are designed to make it easier to get support, ask questions, and learn more about managing your funding and supports.

💬 How it works:
Simply come along to a session near you and meet with a Manawanui coach. Some coaches have one on one slots you need to register for and others no appointment or booking is needed - you can drop in anytime between the advertised start and finish times. If there's a drop-in day near you, you will get an invite via email with all the details.

Whether you need help with:
✔️ Understanding your funding
✔️ Using the portal
✔️ Employing support workers
✔️ Managing your supports
✔️ General guidance and questions
Our coaches are here to help.

📍 Upcoming locations include:
Wellsford, Māngere, Te Awamutu, Rototuna, Devonport, Taupō, Papakura, Franklin and Greerton.

Sessions begin this May and continue through to August. More sessions will be announced as they are booked too!

26/05/2026

Today we have Tony from Allies Aotearoa on to talk about the importance of planning, recruitment and working with your NASC at assessment time.

19/05/2026

Today we have Ainsley the founder of Flying Kites. We'll be talking about the important of planning, recruitment support and a few exiting projects they're working on for the disability community.

19/05/2026

🗣 Talking Tuesday
Today we have Ainsley the founder of Flying Kites. We'll be talking about the important of planning, recruitment support and a few exiting projects they're working on for the disability community.

We know not everyone can tune in live each week, so here’s your chance to ask ahead of time.

Got a question for Simon to answer during this week’s 4:30pm livestream? Drop it in the comments below (or send us a private message) 👇

15/05/2026

💗 Today our team dressed in pink and came together for a pink-themed morning tea in support of Pink Shirt Day and the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

Pink Shirt Day is all about celebrating diversity, promoting kindness, and standing together against bullying.

A big shout out to everyone who got behind these important kaupapa. Funds raised from today will be shared between Pink Shirt Day Aotearoa and the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

14/05/2026

One year back in the office!
After the wild weather Cyclone Tam brought over Easter 2025, the team shifted to working from home for a while while repairs were carried out.

Hard to believe it’s been a year already!

Swipe to see what things looked like back then.