Michael and Peter on a cruise

Peter and Michael had a wonderful Easter this year, on a cruise in the Bay of Islands with Levanne and Jackie as their support crew. When Peter and Michael set themselves the goal of undertaking a cruise, Jackie and Levanne, experienced ConneXu Community Facilitators, readily agreed to accompany them.

But before they were even on board, they had a tricky obstacle to navigate. As Peter had no passport, birth certificate or formal ID, simply getting aboard proved to be the major problem that nearly quashed their holiday before it began, even despite the cruise being in the Bay of Islands. However, after some anxious moments, permission was granted, and the group was soon up the gangway and being shown to their cabins. Read More

The upstairs reception area at ConneXu buzzes with activity and conversation, and as always, there’s a warm, friendly welcome as staff and visitors arrive. Greeting you are members of our happy and extremely supportive Business Support team, led by Janette Schrader.

The team members (Kavita Mani, Helen Irwin and Janette) feel very comfortable with each other, and are also close friends outside work. Occasionally starting the day with breakfast together gives them
the chance to develop a good understanding of their teammates, and to talk over the work they have in hand. Read More

Kickboxing is very popular with those people from ConneXu who attend classes led by Joanne Gibson, a black belt practitioner. Six months ago, Jo found there were people wanting to learn kickboxing, so she set up a class in Te Awamutu teaching basic skills of kickboxing within a more flexible class style.

The kickboxing class has been a tremendous success, and already Jo is looking for volunteers to help her run more classes. Jo says there have been multiple benefits for the students.

Confidence has bloomed as the students master techniques step by step, working towards the goal of performing a new move. One young man who had previously been very reserved, even in his own flat, has gained immensely more confidence in every aspect of his life after a month of kickboxing classes. Read More

Wendy Payton is on a journey of growth and self-discovery, which all started when she recently undertook a FUNOGOFI (see picture). Despite the strange sounding name, the benefits of this process to the person who undertakes it are awe-inspiring. A bit like a lifeplan, a FUNOGOFI is a type of PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) facilitated by Interactionz for the individuals ConneXu work with. Supported by Kim Farrow her ConneXu Community Facilitator, Wendy is already well on the way to achieving some of the goals illustrated in her FUNOGOFI chart. In bright colours, each goal is linked by colour to the steps she is taking to achieve her next goal. Read More