April news from the Cerebral Palsy Society – there’s lots happening!

Winter is approaching… I hope you’ve got your winter hacks for keeping warm ready to go.  
There has been a lot going on in the past month, we’ve got lots to update you on….so let’s get into it.  

Farewell to Renata and Kavita 

We have recently said farewell to two staff members – both heading off on exciting new opportunities! 

Member Support and Programme Coordinator Renata Kotua left the Society on March 28 after almost two years in the role. Previously, she was on the Society’s Board for 17 months. 
Renata had a huge impact on members – she was always on hand to offer support, information and advice. Her legacy will be the getDriving programme which she established in December 2022 and has led to some life-changing moments for our members. 
 
Kavita Topiwala, Accounts Administrator, left the Society on April 4, after 2.5 years with us. Kavita’s input into the running of the Society, from an accounts and admin perspective, has been incredibly valuable. She has been part of a small team that streamlined a number of our processes. 

Welcome to Theo 

This week we welcomed Theo van de Klundert to the team. Theo is filling Renata’s vacancy as Member Support and Programme Coordinator. We’re delighted to have Theo joining our team.  

“I have spent the last four years working in the public sector and not for profit settings in various operations and governance roles.  
“I joined the Cerebral Palsy Society in April 2024, and previously worked in the Ministry of Health’s Regulatory and Monitoring Directorate, supporting the committee structure that provides bioethical guidance to the Minister of Health.
“I am passionate about policy, advocacy and using my skills to contribute to the creation of more equitable futures of individuals with disabilities. I am completing a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Auckland.” 

Please join us in welcoming Theo to the Society and making him feel welcome.  

You can view all the staff bio’s here. 

 Board update 

 At the Cerebral Palsy Society’s April 17 Board meeting there were a few changes that we want to update you on: 

– Meg Smith (previously Vice President and Secretary) now holds the single role of Secretary
– Board member Emma Lovett has taken on the role of Vice President
– Merryn Straker has resigned as a board member
– Helena Chan has been co-opted on to the Board.   

You can read all about it here.  

Halberg Games

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Halberg Games in Auckland earlier this month. From athletes, to parents, to volunteers – we are sure you all had an amazing time. 

A few of the Cerebral Palsy Society staff attended the opening ceremony on the Friday and we just loved the atmosphere and sense of excitement and anticipation around the King’s College campus. 

CPS staff members Clare, Melanie, Amy and Sara met with a number of people, including Chief Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People Chief Executive Paula Tesoriero, and Halberg Foundation Chief Executive Tom Smith. 

Sara and Amy were there on the Saturday manning the CP Society stand and had a great time chatting to people, including CPS member Cooper. 

Survey appreciation 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our survey about Whaikaha’s funding changes. We had a massive response and really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. 

We have summarised the information you gave us, and were part of a delegation that met with then Disability Issues Minister Penny Simmonds last month. It was great to be able to pass on some of your feedback at that meeting. 
 
When it comes to funding decisions that impact our members, we’ll continue to advocate for you, and the wider CP community. We’ll be keeping you as up to date as possible and sharing more information when we have it. 
 
If you haven’t given your feedback yet, it’s not too late to add your voice here.  

Please support the CP Society 

The Cerebral Palsy Society needs you! Your support makes a world of difference to the lives of Kiwis living with Cerebral Palsy. 

You could: 
– Donate today 
– Start planning for Be Green & Be Seen in October  
– Take it to the next level and #beACTIVE any time! 
– Sign up for a marathon and fundraise for the Society by setting up your own fundraising page on Give a Little or our #beACTIVE page. 

There are plenty of ways you can support the CP Society – all the info you need is here. 
Get in touch with us if you want to talk further about the difference you can make! We’d love to hear from you!  
Phone 0800 503 603 or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz     

Join us at Coffee Group 

Have you been to one of our coffee groups yet?  

The refreshments at coffee group are on us!   
A companion, support worker and/or family member is welcome to accompany members to these groups. Up to $15 worth of refreshments per person is provided, compliments of the Cerebral Palsy Society.   

Coffee groups are currently held in Auckland, Masterton, Wellington and Christchurch. 

We love welcoming new people to the groups, so please get in touch if you’re interested in attending.   

For all the coffee group venues, dates and times check out our website.   

If you want to attend a coffee group but the day/time/venue of an existing group doesn’t work for you, please contact the Society to discuss your needs. Phone 0800 503 603 or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz.

Coffee Group feedback 

Thanks so much to Michelle for sending this feedback through about the coffee group she attends:  

“The monthly coffee mornings I absolutely love! It gives me a chance to get out of the house and enjoy a little bit of other people’s company for a while.  
“I love going out and socialising and through the coffee mornings I have met some lovely people, some of them are members and some are care givers and a few are parents.
“I look forward to the monthly coffee mornings. So long may they continue!!” 

We love receiving feedback like this and knowing that Coffee Groups are so valuable to our members.  

Thank you to our supporters 

The Cerebral Palsy Society is a charity, and as such we rely on donations and grants to help us do the work we do for Kiwis living with Cerebral Palsy.  

With that in mind, we wanted to say a massive thank you to the Trusts and Foundations that support us, most recently:   

– The L W Nelson Charitable Trust, administered by Public Trust, for providing $5000 to support our Northland-based members. 
– The Stewart Family Trust, administered by Perpetual Guardian, for supporting the Society by granting $2580 towards the getProgramme in Southland. 

Thank you for making a difference! We’re very grateful to all the Trusts and Foundations that support the Society.  

Arc NZ Baby – special offer! 

The team at ARC NZ BABY has an awesome offer for CP Society members!  

Imagine including your toddler at the bench in the kitchen, in a safe manner that helps grow their confidence and boost their development!  

Go to www.arcnzbaby.com and use the code CP_SOCIETY at checkout to receive $100 off the Arc Assistant 3 In 1 Learning Tower. 

The offer expires on 31.12.2024 and is not valid with any other offer. 

There’s more info here. 

Research opportunities 

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in Cerebral Palsy and disability-related research. Head to our Research Opportunities page for more information.  

– Navigating the SDR journey
– Abortion is a Human Right and Health Issue: Disabled People’s Experiences of Abortion Services in Aotearoa New Zealand
– Scientists seek children with Cerebral Palsy for space-like anti-gravity walk
– Flourishing Together – Including Tāngata Whaikaha Māori and Disabled People in Policy Development

What’s On 

Christchurch – The Glass Ceiling Arts Collective invites young people to be part of their inclusive youth musical production, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Junior.  
Two low key audition workshops are being held on Tuesday April 30, 4.30–6pm and Sunday May 5, 3–4.30pm. 
Rehearsals take place at Showbiz Christchurch on Tuesdays 4.30–6pm and Saturdays 3-4.30pm. 
Alice in Wonderland Junior plays July 13 and 14 at Papa Hou Theatre. 
For more information email christchurch@glassceilingartscollective.com or register here. 

Hamilton – The Limelight Dance Academy in Rototuna, Hamilton, is expanding their inclusive classes that run on Saturday afternoons.   
LDA for All classes are for children with disabilities, differ-abilities, or additional needs for ages 6-12 approximately. 
Check out all the info here. 

 Auckland – Dance & Art Therapy New Zealand has a small number of places available in their STARS dance movement therapy groups.  
STARS is available in Auckland at Mt Albert, Pakuranga, Onehunga and North Shore for children and teens living with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. 
Learn more at dancetherapy.co.nz or email info@dancetherapy.co.nz  
* Dance & Art Therapy NZ also offers programmes for adults throughout the country with information available on their website. 

 Check out our Kids’ Corner page for more information and activites.

Well, that’s a wrap on a very busy April. I look forward to bringing you more news next month.  

In the meantime, please do get in touch if we can help in any way. Our Member Support team is happy to help however they can. 
Phone 0800 503 603 or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz 

Ngā mihi, 
Clare and the CP Society team  

Clare Williams
General Manager