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A free expo sharing information on services and support available to the Bay of Plenty disability community encourages whānau, educators and sector workers to get along.
Tauranga Special School will host the 2026 Hei Awhi Disability Expo on September 4 at Tauranga Racecourse’s Sir Tristram Lounge from 10am-4pm. Entry is free.
Tauranga Special School executive assistant Naomi McDonald, who organises the two-yearly expo, said it began in 2017 and brings together local service providers, educators, health professionals and advocacy groups under one roof to answer questions and offer guidance.
“Our original inspiration for the expo was providing the whānau of our school a first step of knowing where to go, and what’s actually out there.”
Tauranga Special School assistant principal Alice Webb said there was definitely a gap in bringing all disability providers together in one space before the expo.
“The expo has streamlined bringing services together for one day in one room to make them accessible to families.
“The event is community-focused and designed to provide support, resources and connections for individuals living with disabilities, health conditions, or specialised learning needs, as well as their whānau and carers.”
Tauranga Special School executive assistant Naomi McDonald and assistant principal Alice Webb invite everyone to the 2026 Hei Awhi Disability Expo on September 4. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Webb said the event had grown and now attracted about 300 people.
This year, close to 40 disability sector providers and professionals would have stalls, she said. This would include support groups, transition services, therapists, respite care, advocacy organisations, charities, education providers, government agencies, enrichment services, funding providers, and new equipment and technology offering daily living solutions.
People would be able to access practical advice on funding, legal rights, transition planning for young adults and holistic wellbeing approaches.
Interactive stalls would welcome visitors to test products, engage in activities and connect with others in the community.
Webb said she’d found the expo provided multiple benefits to all involved.
For families new to the disability world, the expo offered a place to discover a wide range of disability services and support available.
Those further in their disability journey could access updated information on topics such as government services and funding, and new services.
“The disability sector is very much an ever-changing landscape,” McDonald said.
“We have many organisations with stalls this year that weren’t around two years ago. So, there’s new agencies and new connections to make.”
The expo would showcase recreational activities suitable for those with disabilities.
“A roller-skating lady who runs accessible classes will be present, Sailability will be there, Movement 44, which offers an accessible dance classes, will be there.
“It’s showing what support is out there to live a good life,” Webb said.
“Adn it’s giving people the opportunity to make connections because knowledge is power. You don’t know what you don’t know.”
Webb said the expo gave disability providers a chance to network and share information with their wider communities.
“They find that they can refer clients to another provider they’ve met [at the expo] if they can’t meet their needs. This benefits everyone too.”
Educators from around the region – including primary and secondary schools, special educational needs coordinators, learning support staff – were invited too.
“This is so they, in turn, have the knowledge to share with their networks and whānau.”
Webb encouraged anyone interested to get along to the Hei Awhi Disability Expo on September 4 at Tauranga Racecourse’s Sir Tristram Lounge from 10am-4pm.
“It’s going to be a one-stop-shop of information in a free, casual setting.”
She said this year’s location also offered accessible parking and building access, plus food and beverages for sale on-site.