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What's Outside the Box?

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What's Outside the Box?

"What’s Outside the Box?" expo is about exploring the possibilities of what comes next in the journey after secondary school.

Run annually for the Wellington region - stayed tuned for the next event!

12/08/2026

🎒 Final Preparations!

We’re getting everything ready to welcome you to the What’s Outside the Box? Transition Expo tomorrow! 🎉

Cubro very kindly donated bags and lollies for the expo, and the team have been busy putting them together this morning. 🍬

There will be a limited number available on a first come, first served basis, so make sure you get in early! The bags will be handy for gathering all the fantastic information and resources you’ll find around the expo.

A huge thank you to Cubro for your continued support! 💙

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

📅 Thursday 13 August
🕙 10am–2pm
📍 Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, Kilbirnie

11/08/2026

🎉 Tomorrow's the big day!

We're so excited to welcome everyone to What's Outside the Box? 2026 tomorrow!

There's so much happening throughout the day, with a wide range of exhibitors, informative presentations, interactive workshops and live performances. Whether you're interested in learning about tax, Individualised Funding, Support Funds, or joining in the interactive dance workshop, there's something for everyone.

Take a look at the programme below and start planning your day.

We can't wait to see you tomorrow! 💚

🕙 Doors open at 10.00am

Alt text:

Graphic promoting the What's Outside the Box? 2026 event programme. The image features the event logo at the top, with photos of previous expo attendees and performers. The programme lists the day's activities:

10.30am – Intro to Tax (Inland Revenue), Mātairangi Meeting Room, Level 1
11.05am – Individualised Funding Post School (Flying Kites), Mātairangi Meeting Room, Level 1
11.40am – Interactive Dance Workshop (WIDance), Court 10, Ground Floor
12.15pm – Support Funds (Ministry of Social Development), Mātairangi Meeting Room, Level 1
12.50pm – Performance by The Shed Monkeys, Court 10, Ground Floor
2.00pm – Expo Finished

The programme is displayed on a light background with green, blue and black text in the event's branding colours.

10/08/2026

2 Days To Go – Accessibility at What's Outside the Box!

We know that planning ahead can make attending an event much less stressful, so here are a few accessibility features available at the venue.

The Ākau Tangi Sports Centre includes:

♿ Two wheelchair ramps
🛗 Two lifts
🚻 15 accessible showers and toilets
🅿️ 12 accessible parking spaces

💙 Need a break during the day?

Our Quiet Room will be available throughout the Expo for anyone who needs some time away from the crowds or noise. You're welcome to use it whenever you need.

We know accessibility looks different for everyone. If you have any questions before the Expo or want to check whether the venue will meet your needs, please get in touch. We're happy to help, and no question is too big or too small.

📩 Send us a Facebook message
📧 Email us at [email protected]
📞 Call WellAble on 04 298 2914 (Monday–Friday, 9.00am–3.00pm)

What helps you feel comfortable and confident when attending an event? We'd love to hear your tips in the comments.

09/08/2026

3 Days To Go – Getting to the Expo! 🎉

The countdown is on! In just 3 days, we'll be welcoming everyone to the 2026 What's Outside the Box? Transition Expo.

If you're planning your trip, here's some helpful information about getting to the venue.

📍 Venue
Ākau Tangi Sports Centre
72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie

🚗 Parking
Free parking is available at the venue, including 12 accessible car parks.

🚌 By bus
The following bus routes stop on Rongotai Road at Troy Street or Salek Street, just a 5-minute walk from the sports centre:

• 12 – Strathmore Park ↔ Kilbirnie
• 2 – Karori ↔ Wellington ↔ Hataitai ↔ Seatoun
• 24 – Johnsonville ↔ Broadmeadows ↔ Wellington ↔ Miramar Heights
• 18e – Miramar ↔ Newtown ↔ Kelburn ↔ Karori

💡 An electronic screen in reception displays real-time bus arrival information.

If you have any questions before the Expo, we'd love to hear from you!

💬 Comment on this post
📩 Send us a message
📧 Email us at [email protected]
📞 Call WellAble on 04 298 2914 (Monday–Friday, 9.00am–3.00pm)

How are you planning to get to the Expo? 🚗🚌

06/08/2026

🔊 Planning your visit to the What's Outside the Box? Transition Expo?

The Expo can be a busy and exciting environment, with lots of people, conversations and activities happening throughout the day.

To help make your visit as comfortable as possible, you may like to bring:

🎧 Ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones
🧸 Fidget tools or comfort items
💧 A drink bottle
☀️ Anything else that helps you feel regulated and comfortable

We will also have a Quiet Room available throughout the day for anyone who needs a break from the activity and noise.

Everyone experiences events differently, and we encourage you to come prepared in whatever way works best for you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Alt text:
Graphic for the "What's Outside the Box?" Transition Expo titled "Sensory Tips for Your Visit." The graphic encourages attendees to bring ear defenders, fidget tools, and anything that helps them feel at ease. It also advises that a Quiet Room will be available all day and states, "Everyone is welcome to use the supports and strategies that work best for them." Images of ear defenders and a fidget spinner are shown. Event details at the bottom read: 10.00am–2.00pm, Thursday 13 August, Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, Kilbirnie, Wellington. The WellAble logo and logos for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social Development appear along the bottom.

05/08/2026

🎉 One Week To Go! 🎉

There's only one week until the 2026 What's Outside the Box? Transition Expo, and we can't wait to welcome you!

With our largest number of stallholders ever, there'll be plenty of opportunities to explore what's available after secondary school, ask questions, and connect with organisations from across the Wellington region.

Over the next week we'll be sharing helpful information about the Expo, including what to expect on the day and tips to help you make the most of your visit. Our goal is to help everyone feel prepared and have a positive experience.

If you have any questions before the Expo, we'd love to hear from you. You can:
💬 Comment on this post
📩 Send us a message
📧 Email us at [email protected]
📞 Call WellAble on 04 298 2914 (Monday–Friday, 9.00am–3.00pm)

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 13 August at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre!

04/08/2026

🌟 Stallholder Spotlight 🌟

It's time for our final Stallholder Spotlight! It's been wonderful to hear from so many organisations and we hope it's given you a good idea of what to expect. From tomorrow we will be sharing some practical tips and information for the big day, but before we get into that let's hear from Drake Medox NZ

Leaving school is a big transition, for your child, and for you as a parent. Drake Medox is a home and community support provider that helps young people with disabilities, including acquired brain injuries, build independence at their own pace, whether that's developing everyday living skills, getting out into the community, or working towards study, work, or personal goals.
What makes us different is the team we build around your child. You'll have a dedicated consultant as your consistent point of contact, a dedicated nurse overseeing clinical needs, and carefully matched support workers chosen to suit your child's individual needs, personality, and goals. We know consistency matters, so we focus on getting the right people in place and keeping them there, so your child can build trusted relationships and real confidence.

Come and see us at the Expo, we'd love to meet you, hear about your child, and answer any questions.
www.drakemedox.co.nz

We look forward to seeing Drake Medox NZ at What's Outside the Box! Come and say hello at the expo.

03/08/2026

🌟 Stallholder Spotlight 🌟

Let's meet another of our amazing stallholders! Next up we have Freedom Companion Driving Mana-Porirua

When you need caring and reliable Companion Driving Services, we’re there for you.

Our mission is to empower you to live a fuller, more independent life. We believe transport should never be a barrier to your well-being, social life, everyday needs or essential appointments.

Our local companion drivers provide more than just a ride – they offer dedicated, door-to-door support to ensure you arrive safely, on time, and without stress.

Whether it’s getting to work, study, appointments, community activities, or catching up with friends, we’re here to help you stay connected, achieve your goals, and enjoy the freedom to live life your way.

Your journey. Our support. Your freedom.

Freedom Companion Driving would love to know, Where would you like to go?

We look forward to seeing Freedom Companion Driving Mana-Porirua at What's Outside the Box! Come and say hello at the expo.

02/08/2026

🌟 Stallholder Spotlight 🌟

Our Stallholder Spotlight series is a great way to discover the organisations you'll meet at What's Outside the Box. Today's featured stallholder is My Life My Voice.

🌟 My Life My Voice where Disabled People Connect and Grow! 🌟

Investing in your future

We offer a free Nation Wide Peer Support Programme, A Connector Service in Midcentral and we focus on breaking down barriers for Disabled People to have a good life.

Making Life easier

✨ Your Voice Matters
✨ Your lived experience is important
✨ Finding people who have similar experiences and knowledge
✨ Meeting others
✨ Connect with others
✨ Enjoy

Long lasting skills from our Peer Support Training

💙 Exploring Peer Support with others
💙 Volunteer as a Peer Supporter
💙 Opportunities to continue learning
💙 Involvement when you can

We look forward to seeing My Life My Voice at What's Outside the Box! Come and say hello at the expo.

30/07/2026

🌟 Stallholder Spotlight 🌟

Let's meet another of our amazing stallholders! Metlink have shared a little about who they are, what they do, and what you can expect when you visit their stand.

Metlink is here to help you travel with confidence.

Visit our stand to learn about accessible public transport across the Wellington region, get help planning journeys, understand which services best suit your needs, and ask questions about travelling by bus, train or ferry.

We can also provide information about available transport concessions and support services, including the Accessible concession and Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility, and help eligible customers connect with the assistance available to them.

Our friendly engagement team might even have some sweet treats and Metlink goodies for those who come say hi.

We look forward to seeing Metlink at What's Outside the Box! Come and say hello at the expo.

Address

112 Rimu Road
Paraparaumu
5032

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 3pm
Tuesday	9am - 3pm
Wednesday	9am - 3pm
Thursday	9am - 3pm
Friday	9am - 3pm

Telephone

+6442982914

Website

https://www.well-able.org.nz/page/whats-outside-the-box-transition-expo

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