Horowhenua StarMore than 120 people gathered in Levin last week for a lively and inclusive celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD).
Now in its fourth year, the United Nations-recognised day promotes the rights, dignity and wellbeing of people with disabilities.
Volunteer Viv Bold and Luella Webber share a dance in the karaoke room. Photo Paul Williams
Celebrations locally have grown into a major community fixture, highlighting the voices, talents and lived experiences of disabled residents and their support networks. The three-hour event is held at the Levin Uniting Church and Community Centre, and features activities that include arts and crafts, adaptive recreation, karaoke, dance, a sensory room, hauora stalls and plenty of food.
A standout moment came from Manawa Koa Kapa Haka, who stepped in at short notice after their original engagement was cancelled. Travelling from Palmerston North, the group delivered a powerful performance that brought the audience to its feet and infused the event with energy and pride.
Key to shaping this year’s gathering was the involvement of Lael Marshall and the Limitless crew, a group that emerged from earlier IDPwD events and now contributes lived-experience leadership to the organising team.
Lael, who is neurodiverse and lives with invisible disabilities including autism, ADHD and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, says the day offers a chance to celebrate identity and capability.
“Disability Day is about celebrating our disabilities and the strength, pride and community that comes with them . . . Let’s celebrate who we are and everything we can do,” she says.
The event was delivered through a partnership between Levin Uniting, CCS Disability Action, Mash Trust, and Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, with support from Sport Manawatū, Parafed, Levin Basketball Association, Ucol, Rapid Relief Team and Manawa Koa.
Schools throughout the district also contributed by hosting Purple Dress days to raise awareness and funds for future IDPwD celebrations. Horowhenua District Council, Foxton New World and Gilmours Palmerston North helped with sponsorship, ensuring the event remained free and accessible.
Levin Uniting community development manager Michelle Rogerson says the day reflects a deeper purpose: “Events like this change the way communities see disability . . . you’re building a future where everyone belongs.”
Organisers say planning for the 2026 celebration is already under way, driven by a shared commitment to building a more inclusive Horowhenua.
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