NEWS & UPDATES
August news from the CP Society
29 Aug 2025
There is a lot going on at the moment, plenty to keep the team and I busy, and plenty for you to know about.
We’re currently preparing for our AGM and Be Green & Be Seen which are both held in October, your responses to our intensive therapy survey are rolling in, The Review magazine will be landing in inboxes and letter boxes next week, and we’re preparing our submission on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026 – 2030.
There’s information on all these things, and how you can get involved, below.
Thank you!
I want to kick this month’s newsletter off with a “thank you!”.
A group of staff from dpa Chartered Accountants in Taupō ran the Taupō Marathon earlier this month and raised funds for the Cerebral Palsy Society.
The Taxmanian Devils set themselves a target of $1000 but smashed it by raising $1582. The team even got into the spirit of Be Green & Be Seen by wearing green socks when they ran.
One of the dpa staff members is mum to a young girl with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi:
“We are so happy that we were able to exceed our fundraising goal – such an awesome outcome. As the mum of a brilliant little person with CP, we can’t thank you enough for what you do, and we were so proud to be running for such a great cause.”
We’re so grateful for support like this. It means a lot.
2025 Annual General Meeting
The Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand’s Annual General Meeting is coming up. Nominations for positions on the Board, and remits (a formal proposal that seeks to change a policy, constitution, or initiate action on a specific matter) must be received by 4pm on Friday, September 12.
Nomination and remit forms are available on the governance page of our website and must be emailed to me: clare@cpsociety.org.nz.
The AGM will be held on October 19 at 2pm via Zoom, and RSVPs close at 4pm on October 17. Please email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz to let us know whether or not you are attending.
Once RSVPs have closed, the link to the meeting will be emailed to those who wish to attend.
Intensive therapy survey
Have you taken our intensive therapy survey yet?
If you or your whānau have experience with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi, and have either…
– Done an intensive therapy programme
– Wanted to, but faced barriers like cost, travel, or access
…We’d love to hear from you.
There’s more information here: www.tinyurl.com/ynmn2sfk
Be Green & Be Seen 2025
We’re excited about the upcoming Be Green & Be Seen campaign. Timed to coincide with World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6, we’re calling on members, whānau and friends to help make sure people who live with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi are seen and heard throughout October.
We want Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi to be visible across Aotearoa New Zealand. We want to get people talking about how common Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi is and what it means to live with it – the good and the challenging.
Please have a think about how you will get involved in Be Green & Be Seen 2025, and head on over to our website to get all the information you need.
Check out the resources page – there’s a fact sheet, social media tiles, posters and certificates.
, whether it is raising awareness, or funds, it will be wonderful to have your support this October.
Let’s get people talking. Let’s make Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi visible.
Good in the Hood
Z Energy is once again running it’s awesome and very generous Good in the Hood campaign.
We’re very grateful to Z Kumeu for selecting the Cerebral Palsy Society as one of its four charities to support.
So anytime you’re in North-West Auckland between now and September 21, head into Z Kumeu at 134-152 Main Rd, State Highway 16, pump your gas, grab an orange token and use it to vote for the Cerebral Palsy Society.
You’ll be helping us get a share of Z’s wonderful generosity.
The Cerebral Palsy Podcast
Have you listened to The Cerebral Palsy Podcast yet?
The series is hosted by Cerebral Palsy Society member Kris Edwards, and produced by Nathan Hart, dad to a Society member. So far, 17 episodes have been released, and the great news is that there are plans for more.
You may remember that in April, The Cerebral Palsy Podcast was named a finalist in the NZ Radio & Podcast Awards for Best Independent Podcast.
The awards were held in June, and while The Cerebral Palsy Podcast was not named the winner, I’m extremely proud of the work of the entire team to create such a wonderful avenue for spreading the word about Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi. Congratulations to Kris Edwards, Nathan Hart, Braydon Priest and Melanie Louden.
If you haven’t listened yet – be sure to do so. There are some great conversations about the realities, and the highs and lows, of living life with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.
New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026 – 2030 refresh
The draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026 – 2030 is available for consultation until September 28.
“This strategy sets out the Government’s commitment to disabled people and their whānau. However, it is a strategy that everyone can contribute to. All New Zealanders have a role in making New Zealand accessible and equitable, including local government, businesses, iwi and hapū Māori and the community.”
In the news
Did you see these two CP Society members in the news this month?
Shenaragh Nemani is a Latin dancer who has charmed audiences around the world. Check out her awesome story from the team at Marae: www.tinyurl.com/4ju7wana
Koen McKenzie is the winner of the inaugural Live The Life You Love Award from Momenta Charitable Trust. Koen, a talented actor, is using the $10,000 grant to go to the New York School of Creative and Performing Arts (SOCAPA) in 2026 to attend a three-week intensive Teen Advanced Acting Program. www.tinyurl.com/yckbmzn2
Entertainment Membership for Father’s Day
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and if you are looking for a last-minute gift, why not buy him an Entertainment Membership? Whether dad’s a foodie, a movie buff, sporty or likes to shop or travel, there will be some awesome savings for him to take advantage of.
When you purchase an Entertainment Membership, you’ll be helping our fundraising efforts – 20% of your Membership comes to the Cerebral Palsy Society. What a great way to make Dad’s day and support the Cerebral Palsy Society!
The current offer of a bonus $30 Woolworths gift card expires on August 31, so get in quick!
Marathon events for the CP Society
Are you, or someone you know, thinking about taking part in a marathon or fun run event? Why not use it as a fundraiser for the Cerebral Palsy Society at the same time? It’ll give you extra cause for motivation.
The Auckland Marathon is on November 2, and participants can take part in one of five events. You can register for the Auckland Marathon and pay your registration fee here and sign up to support the Cerebral Palsy Society while you’re there.
Or if there is an event coming up in your part of Aotearoa that you’re going to take part in, why not select the Cerebral Palsy Society as the charity you will support?
Regardless of the event you participate in, you can:
- Use their fundraising platform
- Get involved with our Be Green & Be Seen #beACTIVE initiative and set up your own fundraising page begreenandbeseen.org.nz
- Set up a Givealittle page.
If you need a hand, give us a call on 0800 503 603 or send us an email – cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz
getMoving – spaces available
If you or your child is aged 6 to 21, and you live in Auckland, you should check out getMoving. Spaces are available on this awesome free programme. Weekly classes, run by Functional Adaptive Movement™Ltd (FAM™) offer adapted exercise and equipment play tailored specifically to the needs of those participating. getMoving is held every Wednesday from 3.30pm – 4.30pm at The Y Auckland, 149 Greys Ave, Auckland City.
To see what participants are saying about getMoving, watch here:
Email our Member Support and Programmes Coordinator Theo for more information theo@cpsociety.org.nz
New e-Card suppliers
We’re delighted to welcome the companies and service providers that have come on board as e-Card suppliers in the last month.
getPhysical
– Hilton Brown Swimming Newmarket, Auckland
– Active Plus Palmerston North
– Centre of Movement, Rotorua
– PHAB Association, Auckland
How to check your e-card balance
It’s easy to check the balance on your e-card. Simply:
– Go to https://ecardsolutions.nz/portal/cps/
– Check your last receipt
– Or go to www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz, click the Dashboard button, sign in and click the “Check Your E-Card Balance” button.
Coffee group
Have you come along to one of our coffee groups yet? If there is one in your area, we’d love to see you there.
Coffee groups are currently held in Auckland, Whanganui, Masterton, Wellington and Christchurch. Up to $15 worth of refreshments per person is provided for a member and their companion, support worker and/or family member.
If you’d like more information about coffee group, please call us on 0800 503 603 or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz.
Thank you for the support
The Cerebral Palsy Society relies on donations and grants to help us do the mahi we do for Kiwis living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.
With that in mind, we want to say a massive thank you to the Trusts, Foundations and friends that support us. Most recently:
– Trust Waikato
– Maurice Paykel Charitable Trust
What’s happening
Finding Nemo Jr
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective’s North Shore youth classes are proud to present Finding Nemo Jr. Five of the cast live with Cerebral Palsy. The show is on at the moment and there are three performances still to come tonight and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday).
Info: www.glassceilingartscollective.com/events/finding-nemo-jr-on-the-north-shore
Special Rigs for Special Kids
Dunedin youngsters are invited to the annual Special Rigs for Special Kids event on Sunday, August 31. The invitation is for a child and a supporting adult to have a ride in a truck from Edgar Centre around Dunedin and the Taieri before returning to the Edgar Centre for a barbecue and entertainment.
There’s more information here: https://www.specialrigs.org.nz/index.html and in this letter: www.tinyurl.com/bdhafvwb
Transition Expo
Disability Connect is holding its annual Transition Expo in Auckland on Wednesday September 3 from 9am to 2pm. It’s an opportunity to explore what’s available for school leavers.
Auckland Netball Centre, 7 Allison Ferguson Drive, St Johns.
Free entry.
Information: www.disabilityconnect.org.nz/annual-transition-expo
Video: www.facebook.com/share/v/1CFrUnGzk4
Halberg Foundation – Dunedin Whānau Day
An action-packed afternoon of football, cricket and hungerball is coming up. All abilities are welcome. Bring a water bottle, some friends, your whānau, and (if you can) a plate to share for afternoon tea.
Sunday 7 September 2025
2pm – 4:15pm
Elmgrove School
Go to https://halberg.tfaforms.net/5159552 to register.
Halberg Outdoor Recreation Camp
The annual Halberg Outdoor Recreation Camp is happening in December at Wainui Park, Banks Peninsula. Over five days (four nights), participants aged 17-21 will take part in exciting activities designed to help them grow, connect, and achieve goals they never thought possible! Space is limited.
Register your interest – email Rebecca at rebecca@halberg.co.nz
FAM™JAM
The team at FAM™ is running FAM™JAM – dance classes that focus on strengthening physical abilities, building emotional resilience, and fostering social connections through the rhythm of dance.
A great way for those aged 8+ to boost balance, flexibility, motor skills and focus.
– Kerikeri, every Wednesday at 6.30pm
– Auckland City at the YMCA, every Wednesday at 5.30pm
More information: www.tinyurl.com/z4k8kk2c
Please get in touch with our Member Support team if we can be of any help. Matthew, Peter and Theo are always happy to hear from members. Email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz or phone 0800 503 603.
I look forward to updating you more next month.
