NEWS & UPDATES
CP Society news from July – plus what’s coming up
31 Jul 2025
Who else is counting down to spring? The highs and lows of winter have certainly been making themselves known these last few weeks and I’m looking forward to the weather settling down and warming up.
There’s plenty going on for the team and I at the moment. Let me run through some of what’s been happening and what’s coming up to keep you up to date.
CP Tookit – Tongan and Samoan translations
Earlier this month we were very excited to launch the Tongan and Samoan translations of Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi: The Early Years Kete. It’s great to know that the toolkit will be of benefit to even more people.
I’d like to say a big thank you to the Sutherland Self Help Trust who funded the original development of the toolkit, and to Trillian Trust who funded the Tongan and Samoan translations. Their support has made this project possible.
Head over to the Cerebral Palsy Toolkit page on our website and scroll to the bottom where you’ll find the links to the English, Te Reo, Tongan and Samoan versions. www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/cerebral-palsy/the-early-years-0-5
Please help us share the toolkit far and wide! We want to see this fabulous resource getting into the hands of all the families, clinicians, and teachers that need it.
AGM – save the date
The Cerebral Palsy Society’s Annual General Meeting is being held at 2pm on October 19. Please make a note of the date – we’d love for you to join us.
Now’s the time to think about whether you, or someone you know, would like to stand for election to the Board. Nominations (and remits) will open late next month.
Keep an eye on your emails and our social media for all the information you need in the lead up to the AGM.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us on cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz or phone 0800 503 603.
Be Green & Be Seen 2025
World Cerebral Palsy Day is happening on October 6, and to celebrate we’re going to wear green. We’d love you to join us.
Be Green & Be Seen is an opportunity for you to help raise awareness about how common Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi is, and what it means to live with it.
You can get your child’s kindy or school involved, you can get your work place, friends and whānau involved. You could hold a green-themed dress up day, a morning tea, a bake sale or simply share your personal experiences of living life with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi on our social media pages.
We’re working behind the scenes to get everything ready for this year’s campaign so keep an eye on our social media, website and your inbox for information on how you can get involved.
Physical activity survey
Thank you to the members who responded to our expressions of interest survey about physical activity in last month’s newsletter. We had some great responses and we’ve been working through your comments. The information you provided will help inform the planning of our programmes and services to ensure they are fit for purpose.
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 two months.
getOutThere
Driving Miss Daisy Whanganui
getPhysical
TCA Fitness Club
Training with Tommy
Eastern Suburbs Association Football Club
Flow Academy
Kia Kaha Therapy
getThis&That
MoveMe Health Ltd
You can check out all the e-Card suppliers on the Supplier Directory page on our website – go to www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/supplier-directory
How to add a supplier to the e-card programme:
Ever wondered how to add a company or service provider to the Cerebral Palsy Society’s e-card programme?
We’ve written a step-by-step guide to help you. Feel free to share the link with companies and service providers that you think would be interested in becoming a supplier. www.tinyurl.com/b8j7s3j5
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.
All the coffee group information is here: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/member-services/events/coffee-groups
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 have supported us. Most recently:
– E L and J B Sanderson Cerebral Palsy Trust
You can check out all the Trusts and Foundations that support the Society here: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/our-supporters
What’s On
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective
Fabulous performers from Glass Ceiling Arts Collective’s South Auckland class are bringing Grease: Young@Part to the stage.
Performed by a cast aged from 7 to 21, the show is bursting with hits and is a celebration of the talent of youth with and without disabilities.
It’s at the Off Broadway Theatre, Papakura from August 1-3. Tickets: www.glassceilingartscollective.com/events/grease-in-south-auckland
Parafed Canterbury – Mini Fundamentals and Skills
Parafed Canterbury is hosting a free Mini Fundamentals and Skills sessions for 2 to 6-year-olds living with a physical or visual impairment.
They will take part in a variety of fundamental play and sport skills in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
August 4 and 11
11am-12pm
Recreation Centre, Kind Foundation Bishopdale, 13A Bishopdale Court, Christchurch
More information: www.parafedcanterbury.co.nz/fun
Neuroplasticity Movement Intensives for Kids
Learning Through Movement is holding intensives in Hamilton (August 6-8 and October 2-4) and Auckland (September 23-26).
To learn more about the intensives, pricing and to register phone 021 252 0412 or email rebekah@learningthroughmovement.co.nz
ATSNZ Disability Expo
If you live with a disability, you’re a caregiver, an allied health professional, or you’re interested in assistive technology, the ATSNZ Disability Expo is worth checking out.
The expo showcases products and services and is an opportunity to learn from industry experts, and experience hands-on demos.
– Auckland – August 6 and 7
– Christchurch – August 19 and 20
More information: www.atsnzexpo.nz
Special Rigs for Special Kids
Dunedin youngsters are invited to the annual Special Rigs for Special Kids event on Sunday, August 31.
It is “hosted by the local transport industry to provide children with special needs a chance to get close to the big rigs they see on the roads”.
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 on Wednesday September 3 from 9am to 2pm.
It’s a “one-stop shop for all things transition – from employment opportunities, university and training pathways to recreational activities, legal services, and so much more”.
More than 130 stallholders.
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
Equipment opportunity
PT Segway
More information: www.tinyurl.com/3vpakaxc
That’s all from me for this month. I look forward to bringing you more news about Be Green & Be Seen and the AGM in the next newsletter.
I hope August treats you and your whānau well. Please do reach out if we can support you in any way.
Ngā mihi,
Clare Williams
General Manager
