The I.Lead conference is a platform for disabled youth (18 – 30 years old) from across New Zealand. The aim is to come together to find solutions to prevalent issues and barriers they face as disabled youth living in New Zealand. It is also a space of collaboration and innovation, being a platform from which we can identify solutions to these issues, as well as giving the opportunity to have them presented to high-level policy and decision-makers.

To maintain the momentum following our 2025 conference and our I.Lead Showcase days, our I.Lead members from across the motu will gather in Wellington in September for our 2026 I.Lead conference. This conference will be an opportunity for these rangatahi whaikaha to explore disability policy. The venues and dates have been confirmed and the conference will run over two days, Wednesday 2–Thursday 3 September. We invite all disabled youth aged 18-30 to register! Limited sponsorships are available for flights and accommodation. Participants can register via yesdisability.org.nz/i-lead.../registration-form/

I.Lead's 2026 Showcase days are on a roll! So far we have hosted showcases in Auckland, Christchurch, Blenheim, Whangārei, Dunedin, and Tauranga. Ngā mihi to everyone who came along to learn more about our mahi and how to get involved. We have further upcoming Showcase days in Invercargill, Waikato, Manawatū, and Wellington. I.Lead’s Showcase days are an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and grow our disabled youth-led movement across Aotearoa. This roadshow of events is designed to introduce new members, partners, and supporters to I.Lead, while highlighting the impact, leadership, and advocacy driven by disabled young people in our communities. Want to know more about our Showcase days? You can learn more on the I.Lead website. 

A few weeks ago, Yes Disability Centre took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge to help raise funds and awareness to support the vital work of Motor Neurone Disease NZ. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported our efforts so far! We're aiming to raise over $1000 for MND NZ, and we're sooooo close! Want to donate to support the cause? You can do so here: mndactionmonth.org.nz/yes-disability-resource-centre-team.

I.Lead will host a table at Power in the Park 2026. Come and meet the I.Lead team at Eden Park on Thursday 22 October for a day of connection, innovation, and inspiration. Attendees can engage with various aspects of mobility and disabilities to increase their knowledge and confidence in products and services that are available to users, families and community members. To find out more or register, visit hub.permobil.co.nz/power-in-the-park.

For more information about our programmes and upcoming events, check out our websites and social media. 
Website: ilead.org.nz/ 
Facebook - facebook.com/ileadconferencenz 
Instagram - instagram.com/i.leadnz/
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@i.lead
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/i-lead-org