...and an exciting season ahead! The national executive board meeting wrapped up again this week for the month of March. We are gearing up for an exciting season—and at the heart of it is our much-anticipated 2025 National Conference. With a fantastic lineup of speakers, including newly confirmed and more pending confirmations, this year’s event promises to be an impactful one yet again. To increase accessibility, we’re offering several training for webinars and online forums. Registration is now open via our website, with 17 attendees already locked in. Conference gifts are also in the works—budgeted thoughtfully to ensure every participant feels appreciated. In the lead-up to the event, pre-conference webinars kick off in April. These will be streamed via Facebook Live and Zoom, offering valuable learning opportunities, especially for DRTs based outside Auckland. But this season isn’t just about the conference. We’re also focused on strengthening our Regional Support Groups (RSGs). These groups are essential in connecting practitioners, sharing knowledge, and ensuring every voice is heard. We’ve updated our RSG list and identified regions needing leadership. If you’re passionate about supporting your peers and growing professionally, now’s the perfect time to get involved. Together, let’s build a stronger, more connected DRT community. Whether you’re joining the conference, contributing to the newsletter, or stepping up in your region—we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING FOR MARCH

As a Diversional and Recreational Therapist, I advocate for holistic well-being—not just for the residents I support, but for myself too. And one of the ways I fill my own cup is through musicals. This week, I had the absolute privilege of watching SIX at The Civic, and what better way to celebrate International Women’s Day than with an all-female ensemble, an all-female band, and a story that transforms history into herstory? 🎭🎶 For 80 electrifying minutes, without a single break, the six wives of Henry VIII took the stage—not as victims of their infamous husband, but as queens reclaiming their narratives. Instead of dwelling on their hardships, they rewrote their stories with power, humour, and sisterhood. They chose collaboration over competition, reminding us that we are stronger together. Their voices rose in unison: 💜 “We’re one of a kind, no category. Too many years, lost in history. We’re free to take our crowning glory. For five more minutes...we’re SIX.”  💜 For those keen to watch, SIX The Musical is still showing at The Civic—if musicals fill your cup, I highly recommend it! 🎭✨ https://www.aucklandlive.co.nz/show/aklfest25-six-the-musical That moment resonated deeply, making me reflect on the powerful women in my own life—my mentors, colleagues, friends, and especially the incredible women I work with. Women who have faced countless challenges, yet continue to show up, inspire, and uplift others with beauty, strength and grace. A special shout-out to the women of NZSDRT—the DRThs who bring joy, meaning, and connection to those in our care every single day. Your passion transforms lives. Your creativity sparks moments of happiness. Your work matters. You matter a lot!💙 To my amazing wife, who lovingly stayed home with the kiddos so I could continue to do what I love...Musicals and crowds aren’t her thing, but her support—just like this time—is her legacy of strength and love. And to my incredible mom, who joined me—the woman who ignited my love for Broadway and showed me the magic of storytelling through music. Because of her, musicals are not just a passion, but a part of who I am. Today, I celebrate all the women who shape us, strengthen us, and stand beside us. You are the real queens—not just for today, but every day. Happy International Women’s Day! 👑✨ Aroha from - the only male NZSDRT Inc executive board member (so far) xoxo

By: Epiphany Jackson, 2024 Judy Cooper National Excelence Awardee Kia ora and Kumusta everyone! If you know me, you know I can’t switch off my DRTh brain — not even on holiday! ✈️ So, during my recent trip to the Philippines, I packed my bags (and my trusty Cardio Drumming kit!) for a little side mission: spreading the DRT magic to the other side of the world. Where did I end up? At Isabela State University - Ilagan Campus, Philippines!!! I got to hang out with 50 energetic students who were ready to discover the fun (and benefits!) of therapeutic recreation. 💃🥁 We drummed, we laughed, and we got moving — all while talking about how this type of holistic activity benefits people socially, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It was amazing to see the aha! moments when the students realized how something so fun could also make such a difference. But the best part? These students aren’t stopping there! As part of their preliminary exams, they’ll be creating and presenting their own cardio drumming routines. On top of that, they’ll be running sessions for children and older adults in their own communities — talk about spreading the DRT love! ❤️ Special thanks to my mum who help me make this happen and who is my inspiration for what I do... In the Philippines, aged care is still a bit of a taboo topic, so being able to share what we do as DRThs, and showing that aging well the NZ way can include fun, creativity, and connection, felt really special. Of course, this trip wasn’t all work! It was also a chance to reconnect with my roots, spend precious time with my family, and continue to introduce my husband Brent, who’s a Kiwi, to the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of the Philippines. From exploring beautiful landscapes to enjoying delicious food and immersing ourselves in local traditions, every moment was a reminder of how important it is to step away from work occasionally and reconnect with where you come from. Taking time to rest, reflect, and celebrate your culture isn’t just good for the soul — it also fuels your passion for the work you do. Sharing my culture with Brent and seeing him embrace it with such curiosity and respect made the experience even more meaningful as I myself continue to embrace the kiwi way. This trip was the perfect blend of family, culture, and passion for DRT, proving once again that what we do has a place everywhere — across generations, across cultures, and even across oceans. 🌏❤️ Who knew my holiday would turn into such an adventure? But hey — when you love what you do, you bring it everywhere! 🌏✨

It’s 1st March, and that means we are officially open for registration for the NZSDRT Inc. 29th National Virtual Conference 2025! This year’s theme, Whakawhānui i ngā Here – Expanding Boundaries | He Anamata Kore Here – A Future Without Limits, celebrates how Diversional and Recreational Therapy in Aotearoa is breaking free from traditional roles and expanding into new sectors, including mental health, disabilities, corrections, and brain injury rehabilitation among others. We are excited to confirm several international speakers and leading national presenters, with sessions exploring: AI in Therapeutic Recreation Dark Leisure and its impact The evolving role of DRT in corrections and disability sectors Innovative approaches to supporting brain injury recovery These are just a glimpse of what’s to come — full programme details will be released soon. Get ahead of the queue and secure your spot with Early Bird rates (Ends 1 May 2025): 🔹 NZSDRT National Registered Members – $200 🔹 NZSDRT Financial Members – $250 🔹 Non-members – $350 Email treasurer@diversionaltherapy.net.nz  if you have any questions or need support with registration. Attending professional conferences like this is more than just learning — it’s about ensuring we uphold best practice, stay current with global trends, and commit to continuous improvement in the way we support the people we work with every day. We look forward to learning, connecting and growing with you this August!

During the August 2024 AGM , NZSDRT Inc. members fully approved and ratified the remit of membership fee adjustment, ensuring that our society continues to thrive and provide high-quality support, advocacy, and resources for all members. 2024 NZSDRT Inc AGM What This Means for Members Starting January 2025 , all membership invoices will reflect the new adjusted fees, aligning with the updated rates approved during the AGM. This adjustment is designed to support the growth and sustainability of our profession, ensuring that NZSDRT Inc. remains a strong and influential voice for Diversional and Recreational Therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand. NEW MEMBERSHIP AND NATIONAL REGISTRATION RATES - 2025 Why the Fee Adjustment is Important For the past 10 years, NZSDRT Inc. has kept membership fees unchanged despite increasing costs and economic shifts. This modest adjustment ensures that we can continue to provide: ✔️ Enhanced professional development opportunities ✔️ Stronger advocacy for our members and profession ✔️ Improved resources and industry insights ✔️ A sustainable and well-supported professional network Keeping Fees Relevant Amidst Inflation The increase remains minimal compared to national inflation rates, reflecting our commitment to keeping fees affordable and accessible while ensuring that our society remains financially stable and future-focused. What’s Next? Invoices with the updated rates will be issued from January 2025 onwards. Members are encouraged to review the new fee structure and ensure timely renewal of their membership. We welcome any feedback or questions from our members to ensure a smooth transition. We appreciate the ongoing support of our members and look forward to continuing to strengthen our profession together. Thank you for being part of the NZSDRT Inc. community! Got some questions? Message treasurer@diversionaltherapy.net.nz

By: AJ Aledron & Kristine Joy Estillore A Revamped Experience for Our Members! This holiday season, we’re thrilled to present an early Christmas gift to all our members—a brand-new look for the NZSDRT Inc website! Redesigned with the future in mind, this revamp marks a significant step forward in how we champion our practice and connect as a professional community. Why This Matters In a world that’s increasingly driven by technology, it’s essential for us as Diversional and Recreational Therapists to stay ahead. A dynamic and accessible online presence not only reflects the importance of our profession but also enhances the way we share knowledge, resources, and best practices. By embracing these tools, we can collectively raise awareness and continue to lead meaningful change in the lives of those we care for. New Features to Explore We’ve revamped our website with one goal: to make it as useful, friendly, and engaging as possible for our members. Some highlights include: More Accessible Navigation: Enjoy an easier-to-navigate experience with simplified links for new memberships, renewals, payments, and requirements. Revamped Gallery: Celebrate our milestones and share memories through a vibrant gallery. Updated Events Calendar: Stay informed about upcoming workshops, professional development opportunities, and key society events. Exclusive Members-Only Page: - Resource Bank: Access valuable resources to support your practice. - Newsletter Section: Stay updated with the latest society news. - Training Materials: Explore exclusive learning content curated just for you. How can you contribute? This platform is for you, and we want to ensure it meets your needs. We encourage all members to contribute ideas and share best practices by reaching out to the board. Let us know what resources or features would make the site even more helpful for you. Your input is invaluable! What's next? To access the new members-only features, all members will need to sign up for the new site. Keep an eye on your inbox this weekend—you’ll receive an email with detailed instructions on how to set up your account. For any questions, suggestions, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact us at socialmedia@diversionaltherapy.net.nz . Let’s make this website a powerful tool for everyone in our community! Together, let’s embrace innovation and make the most of this exciting new chapter for our community! He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.

I traded my nurse’s scrubs for a role where fun, play, and genuine connection are at the forefront of each day. This is a story of my journey from the bustling hospitals of the Philippines to the holistic settings of New Zealand’s health care industry. When I moved to New Zealand, I carried my nursing degree and years of experience from the Philippines. But here, I discovered a sector that was unfamiliar back home – aged care. In the Philippines, caring for our elders is a family responsibility, woven into the fabric of our culture. So, the concept of aged care facilities was completely new to me. As I navigated through the nuances of aged care in New Zealand, I stumbled upon a fascinating field that immediately captured my heart: Diversional and Recreational Therapy (DRT). It wasn’t just about caring; it was about enriching lives through activities that residents love, making their days brighter and more meaningful. The more I learned about DRT, the deeper I fell in love with its principles and impact. This newfound passion led me to a significant crossroads in my career. After much reflection, I decided to step away from my nursing registration to pursue becoming a National Registered Diversional and Recreational Therapist. Some might see this as a step back, but for me, it was a leap towards fulfilling a deeper calling. I realized that I didn’t just want to help keep people alive; I wanted to help them live with joy, purpose, and connection. Now, my days are filled with the laughter and smiles of those I help through DRT. But the joy doesn’t end there. My personal life is also brimming with love and laughter, thanks to my two sons, Arrow and Axe, and the rock of our family, my ex-girlfriend – Sheik (because she is my wife now). Together, we explore the power of play and recreation, not just in our professional lives but as a family ethos. We’ve all embraced the profound lessons that DRT teaches us: the significance of connection, the richness of each moment, and the true meaning of a life well-lived. My journey from a registered nurse in the Philippines to a devoted DRT in New Zealand has been nothing short of transformative. It’s a testament to the power of following your heart and embracing the unknown. For anyone standing at the crossroads of a career decision, remember that sometimes, the paths less trodden lead to the most scenic routes in life. Thanks for reading about my adventure in the world of Diversional and Recreational Therapy. I hope it inspires you as much as living it inspires me every day. Remember, it’s not just about living long—it’s about living well Keep finding joy in the journey!