As 2025 comes to a close, we’re shining the spotlight on Rebecca, Halberg’s Regional Advisor for Canterbury, as she reflects on a year filled with connection, growth and memorable moments across the region. Having recently celebrated one year in her role, Rebecca says the year has gone incredibly quickly and has been on she looks back on with pride.
One of the things Rebecca is most proud of is the strong relationships sha has built throughout Canterbury. From schools and sports organisations to whānau, taking the time to get to know people and work alongside them has been central to her mahi. These connections have helped deliver a wide range of events and programmes for young people with disabilities, while also growing awareness of the work Halberg does across the region.
If Rebecca had to describe her year in just three words, they would be busy, embrace and enjoyment. It’s been a year of juggling many moving parts. embracing challenges and opportunities to learn and lead, and creating fun, positive experiences – not only for herself, but for the young people and families she works with.
A standout highlight of 2025 was leading the annual Halberg Recreation Camp. After attending camp in 2024 during her second week at Halberg, Rebecca was excited to take on the planning and coordination role this year. Working closely with the team at the Kind Foundation, who took the time to understand both the participants and Halberg staff, she helped shape a camp experience that balanced activity with rest.
One special addition to the programme was a trip to Akaroa to visit Pohatu Penguins. Participants explored Pohatu/Flea Bay, saw nesting penguins, and met some of the farm animals – an experience that added to support participants to step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and grow in confidence. By the end of the week, every participant reflected that they had achieved the personal goals they set at the beginning of camp.
When asked what advice she would give to others thinking about attending, participants described the camp as fun, safe, and supportive space to step outside their comfort zones, whole being encouraged by a strong support crew throughout the week.
One moment that truly captured the spirit of inclusion and fun was kayaking at Tikao Bay. Some participants were confident straight away, while others needed a bit more time and support, but everyone made it out onto the water. With the sun shining and laughter echoing across the bay, it was a powerful reminder of what Halberg experiences are all about.
The camp also provided moments that reinforced why Rebecca loves this mahi so much. Despite medical stebacks for two participants during the week, their determination to return to camp and take part in every activity was inspiring. Creating a space where young people can be themselves and have positive, confidence-building experiences is something Rebecca values deeply. One participant summed it up perfectly, saying, “It was truly one of the best weeks of the entire year for me.” And with Coco’s endless compliments flowing throughout the week, everyone left camp feeling uplifted and appreciated.
Beyond camp, Rebecca reflects fondly on the many projects and partnerships she has been part of throughout 2025. One of her favourites was being involved in the Halberg Mile pilot programme, a nationwide fundraising initiative where schools and students ran, walked or rolled one mile (1.6km) to raise awareness anf funds for Halberg (look out for our launch of the Halberg Mile 2026 next year!). With a small number of schools involved in it’s first year, there was plenty of learning, but seeing the enthusiasm of students – many holding their events around International Day of Person’s with Disabilities on 3 December – made the prohect incredibly rewarding. Rebecca is excited to help grow the Halberg Mile further in 2026.
Across Canterbury, Rebecca acknowledges the many organisations doing great work to create inclusive opportunities for disabled tamariki and rangatahi. One organisation she has worked closely with and would like to give a special shout out to is Primary Sports Canterbury. Throughout 2025, they have created meaningful opportunities through Athletes with Disabilities categories in major events, the annual Boccia Championship and Have-a-Go Day, and by supporting Halberg with popular Top Team activities at the mid-year event.
Halberg also partners with Primary Sports Canterbury for the Whakanui Whaikaha – Disability Play Partnership sessions, held each term. These sessions bring together students in Years 1-8 with physical or intellectual impairments, alongside their friends, in a safe and welcoming environment to play and explore. Participation continues to grow, with more than 50 tamariki involved each term.
When reflecting on the year as a whole, Rebecca says it’s often the small moments that remind her most of the impact Halberg has – thank you messages from parents after events, or families sharing photos or stories of the positive changes they’ve seen in their children as a result of Activity Funds.
Looking ahead to 2026, Rebecca is excited to continue providing meaningful opportunties for whānau across Canterbury. One event she is particularly looking forward to is Halberg Games South, which will be held in Christchurch in October. Hosting the Games closer to home will allow more South Island families to experience the joy and connection of the Halberg Games.
As the year wraps up, Rebecca looks forward to slowing down and celebrating with family over the summer holidays. For her, recharging means spending time outside, enjoying good food, and making the most of time together. This year, she’s especially looking forward to biking the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail to celebrate her dads birthday – a fitting way to reflect, recharge, and celebrate a busy and fulfilling year.
