NEWS & UPDATES
Coffee group has it all – socialising, support and laughter
08 Sep 2025
We think our coffee group hosts are the best – and we’d love for you to meet them!
Attending a Cerebral Palsy Society coffee groups is all about sharing experiences, creating friendships and getting out and about in the community.
The Society runs eight coffee groups around the country – three in Auckland, one each in Whanganui, Masterton and Wellington, and two in Christchurch.
Volunteers host the groups, and we wanted to introduce them to you.
We introduced some of them in the March 2025 edition of The Review, and the rest of them in the September 2025 edition.
Here they all are:
North Shore, Auckland host
EM DUNGAO
What is your connection to the Cerebral Palsy Society?
I work for Creative Abilities, a company that supports individuals with diverse needs, including many who are members of the CP community.
You are our newest host, what are you looking forward to about hosting coffee group?
I’m excited to help establish connections and friendships outside of Creative Abilities. It’s a great opportunity for CP Society members to come together and stay connected.
Why should members come to coffee group?
It’s important to have community connections and live a fulfilling life. Attending coffee group can help people go out, feel supported, and improve their well-being.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
Every year, my friends and I go on a week-long camping trip, friends that have become a second family for me here in NZ.
St Luke’s and Manukau, Auckland host
PETER RAWLINGS
How long have you been hosting coffee group?
I joined the Cerebral Palsy Society in April 2025. I took over Sara Sheehan’s role as host of the Manukau and St Luke’s groups and coordinator for our nationwide coffee groups. I also attend the Glenfield coffee group hosted by Em Dungao.
What do you like about hosting coffee group?
I enjoy meeting our members and their support workers in a relaxed atmosphere where we can chat together over a drink and good food. It’s about getting to know people and seeing others enjoying the social connection within the group.
Has there been a highlight/special moment from coffee group?
It has been great hearing how members look forward to coming to coffee group each month.
Why should people come to coffee group?
Coffee groups are a great opportunity for people to meet up with others who have CP, to build friendships and to share and learn from each other’s experiences. Getting out and being part of a social community in society is something we all need.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
My early life and work was spent in the agricultural sector. It’s interesting how the direction of your life can change over time. The more rural environment of my earlier years may be one reason why I love to get out of the city into nature.
Whanganui host
GEORGE HEWITT
How long have you been hosting coffee group?
I started the first coffee group in Whanganui in October 2024.
What do you like about hosting coffee group?
The chance to connect with others with CP is so valuable. When I moved to Auckland, I met a bunch of young people living with CP. Picking up different tips and tricks or passing on my own knowledge of what it is like growing up as a young dude with CP is valuable and fulfilling and the reason why I started this group.
Why should members come to coffee group?
It’s a great opportunity to connect with others that live with CP for a yarn over kai and/or coffee. If you’re a member reading this and live in the Manawatu/Whanganui region and are a bit hesitant, just get in touch. I’d love to connect and see how we can make it work for you.
Outside of coffee group, what are your interests?
I’m about 8 gigs into a budding stand-up comedy career so if you know anyone that has a mic to warm, let me know. I also play a bit of golf, run, go to the gym, I love listening to a bit of vinyl and I sit on the board of our Society. I like to keep busy.
Masterton host
MATT WILLS
How long have you been hosting the Masterton coffee group?
Since early 2023. I took over from our previous host, Vanessa Connell who did an amazing job establishing the group in Wairarapa.
What do you like about hosting coffee group?
I believe the strength of these groups is the social interaction but also being able to discuss whether group members need additional support or advocacy around issues
related to living with Cerebral Palsy.
Why should members come to coffee group?
For me there are a number of benefits of coming to the group – social interaction, advocacy, fun and lots of laughs, with some serious stuff thrown in.
Outside of coffee group, what are your interests?
I have a passion for sport particularly rugby and cricket. I won’t share which Super Rugby team I support as our coffee group members will give me too much grief!
What’s an interesting fact about you?
My proudest achievement is completing a National Certificate in Radio at the NZ Radio Training School and hosting my own disability issues radio show, Wheels on Fire, on Arrow FM, Access Radio Wairarapa, over a 20-year timeframe.
Wellington host
CONNOR ADAMSON
How long have you been hosting coffee group?
Around a year and a half.
What do you like about hosting coffee group?
I enjoy meeting new people. I have met people from all walks of life while hosting the coffee group. We all come from different backgrounds, have different careers and aspirations, and I really enjoy hearing about what everybody else is up to. Even if someone has only attended once, I still remember them.
Has there been a highlight/special moment from coffee group?
The coffee groups that really stick out to me are when someone new shows up for the first time or someone you haven’t seen for a few months turns up. I definitely look forward to catching up with everybody.
Why should people come to coffee group?
It’s a great way to network and exchange knowledge. No two cases of Cerebral Palsy are the same but there are common obstacles – someone might have a way of doing something that you never considered.
Parklands, Christchurch host
MICHAEL TURNER
How long have you been hosting coffee group?
I started the first Canterbury CP coffee group in 2003 or 2004 in the Botanical Gardens. Then the earthquakes wrecked that cafe and we were on the move. A few cafes later and we are still going strong.
What do you like about hosting coffee group?
We have the greatest carers in NZ and the carers at our groups are the best, not to mention the great members who come to the groups. That’s why I enjoy arranging mine, it’s a very enjoyable social event.
Has there been a highlight/special moment from coffee group?
Thinking back to my first CP coffee group, me and my support had five people attend which is a big difference to now 32.
Why should people come to coffee group?
Coffee groups are an important catchup for the carers and members.
Addington, Christchurch host
TIRESA SIO
How long have you been hosting coffee group?
Since August 2024.
What do you like about hosting coffee group?
Being able to meet other members to hear their stories.
Has there been a highlight/ special moment from coffee group?
The Be Green & Be Seen month in October where members turn up dressed in green.
Why should people come to coffee group?
It’s a great way to meet others with lived experiences to share stories, achievements and meet new people.
Outside of coffee group, what are your interests?
Community work, digital graphics and family time.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
My proudest moment was founding Pasifika Mātua Olympics in Christchurch for our Māori/ Pasifika seniors in 2023.
Let’s connect over coffee!
When members attend coffee group, up to $15 worth of refreshments is provided compliments of the Cerebral Palsy Society.
For all the coffee group details go to: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/member-services/events/coffee-groups
For more info, please email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz or phone 0800 503 603.
For more information:
Melanie Louden
Communications Manager
melanie@cpsociety.org.nz
Mobile: 022 087 819
