About The Buzz
The Buzz is a work skills programmme established in 2021 by a group of local parents. The families recognized that their young people with learning differences, faced many barriers when making the transition from school into the community.
Our Vision
All young people have opportunities to develop work skills and be ‘work ready’, to achieve their goal of purposeful work/employment that matches their unique abilities, and enables a sense of belonging and contribution to their local community.
Our Mission
The Buzz supports young people with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aged 16 – 30 years, prepare for work by providing skills based programmes and community networking opportunities.
Recent newspaper articles:
Watch the short video made by the Rātā Foundation to learn more:
Andrea Lee: Chairperson
Kia ora, working to create opportunities for young people with neurodiversity and learning disability is close to my heart. Opportunity creates ability, and we know most disabled young people are not offered the same opportunities as their peers. The Buzz address this imbalance and it’s my pleasure to volunteer as part of the committee. My experience spans over 30 years in paid, volunteer, and governance roles in the not for profit sector including both the education and disability sector. A sociology degree in social policy informs my work and approach to community development and social change. My current roles include Executive Director for Fragile X New Zealand, a board member for Parent to Parent NZ, and member of the Live Life Disability Service Advisory Partnership Group.
Jane Linn: Committee member
Helen McDonnell: Secretary
Sarah Whittle: Operations Administrator
