Shining a Light on the Power of Therapeutic Recreation: The Selwyn Village DRT Expo 2026

Sometimes the best way to understand Therapeutic Recreation is to experience it.

During DRT Week 2026, The Selwyn Foundation created exactly that opportunity, bringing residents, whānau, practitioners, students, educators and leaders together for its first DRT Week Expo.

This was Selwyn’s second year celebrating DRT Week through an expo, but this year the team took their celebration further. Across a range of interactive stations, visitors could see, hear and experience different approaches to wellbeing through recreation - including music therapy, laughter yoga, Tai Chi, arts and crafts, pet therapy and more.

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And what better way to ignite the Expo than with a room full of rhythm?

NZSDRT was delighted to bring cardio drumming to open the celebration. The energy was infectious as the cardio drumming team demonstrated an initiative that combines movement, rhythm, coordination, music, social connection and, importantly, fun. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the team who came along and represented the Society and helped bring this experience to life.

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NZSDRT President AJ Aledron was also privileged to attend and share more about the Society and the continued development of Diversional and Recreational Therapy across Aotearoa. Ellen, our Regional Support Group Liaison, was there representing the Society alongside Roxanne, Selwyn’s DRT Lead, and the wonderful registered DRTs whose everyday mahi sits at the heart of this celebration.

Perhaps one of the strongest messages from the day, however, came simply from who showed up. Selwyn’s CEO and Clinical Director joined the celebration, alongside Donna Naidu, Resident Hospitality Manager, and a national registered DRT herself. Demonstrating visible organisational support for the profession and the team delivering this mahi.

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When leaders stand alongside practitioners, when whānau are invited to understand the why behind the programmes, and when residents themselves are part of the experience, Therapeutic Recreation becomes visible in a completely different way. This is something worth celebrating and perhaps something other organisations can take inspiration from.

To Roxanne, Donna, the Selwyn leadership team, the registered DRTs, exhibitors, volunteers and everyone who contributed: thank you for creating a space where our profession could shine.

Ki te whakapiki I tekounga oranga o ngā tāngata kei a mātou e Manaaki ana mā te haumanu kanorau

To improve the quality of life of the people we care and support, through Diversional and Recreational Therapy.