NEWS & UPDATES
December news and Christmas wishes from the CP Society
17 Dec 2025
Kia ora,
Hasn’t time just flown by? Here we are – sending you the final newsletter for 2025.
Much like many of you I’m sure, the team and I are looking forward to our summer break. We’ll be spending time with whānau and friends, relaxing and making time for those household projects that never budge off the to-do list.
We hope you and your whānau have had an awesome year. But for those of you who found 2025 didn’t go your way, we wish you comfort and peace at this time of year.
Christmas shutdown
This year the Cerebral Palsy Society will be closed from midday on Friday, December 19. Staff members will return to their desks at 9am on Monday, January 12.
During that time, our phones and email inboxes will not be monitored. We will respond to your queries once we are back at our desks.
If you want your e-card topped up for the holiday season:
– The last day for topping up e-cards before Christmas is 10am this Thursday, December 18.
– After that, top ups will be processed on Monday, January 12 when our staff are back at their desks.
You will receive notification that your funding is available via text or email once it has been processed.
If you have any questions, please contact us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is sorted for you before we close for the year.
If you, or the supplier you are using your card with, have any questions about using the card or problems redeeming funds while the Cerebral Palsy Society office is closed for the holidays, please call eCard Solutions on 0508 4ECARD (0508 432 273).
Welcome to the Executive Committee
The members of the Cerebral Palsy Society’s Executive Committee and I are delighted to welcome Mike Bishop to the Committee.
Mike joined the Committee earlier this month.
“I [live] with right hemiplegic cerebral palsy which affects the left side of my body. I played senior rugby for 4 years, Premier and representative cricket over 25 years and professional cricket in the UK for 4 years.
After working in senior finance roles both in New Zealand and overseas, I have been a sport Chief Executive for 32 years with key roles in both cricket and rugby and I now head Harbour Sport, the North Harbour Regional Sports Trust. I’m also a Board member (and former Chair) of Disability Sport Auckland, Laura Fergusson Trust, Paralympics NZ, The Auckland Disability Trust and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.
I bring my lived experience of disability and as a Chief Executive and Director / Trustee with over 32 years of experience to the CP Society. I have proven experience in Business Growth, Stakeholder Relationships, Change Management, and Financial Growth and Sustainability. I have also sat on and provided governance advice to numerous regional and national boards and trusts over many years.”
Welcome to the Committee, Mike. It’s great to have you on board.
Our year in review
Here’s a quick snapshot of what we got up to this year and how we supported our members.
We’re looking forward to doing it all again, and more, in 2026!
Taking care of our mental health at Christmas time
While many people are embracing the excitement of Christmas and the summer holidays, there are others who are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, loneliness, sadness and worry.
Here’s some advice from the Mental Health Foundation of NZ and Just a Thought:
Mental Health Foundation of NZ
The festive season can be joyful, but it can also be tough, especially for people facing grief, loneliness, social pressure, or financial strain. If this time feels hard, you’re not alone. Here are a few tips that may help:
– Do things that bring you comfort. Read a good book, go for a swim in the sea, or call a friend. Keep up the routines and activities that help you feel good.
– Prioritise the social events you know you’ll enjoy. Take time out to be alone and re-charge if you need to.
– Remember you don’t have to spend money on gifts – get creative and make gift vouchers for free activities you can do together.
– Remember loved ones who aren’t here to celebrate with you. You might like to start a tradition to honour them, like adding their photo to the Christmas tree.
– Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling and let go of any expectations that it must be a perfectly happy time.
For support and advice go to: www.mentalhealth.org.nz/looking-after-yourself-if-christmas-feels-hard
Just a Thought
Sometimes during the holiday season, we can feel the pressure to be merry, happy, and jolly. For a lot of us, though, this time of year can be challenging.
This is your reminder that you don’t have to force yourself to ‘simply have a wonderful Christmas-time’ if you aren’t feeling it.
Your traditions over the holidays don’t have to be ‘traditional,’ and it’s okay to take the time to recharge instead of rushing around to events and last-minute present shopping.
Look after yourself this December, reach out to friends and whānau if you need to, and if you’re after some extra support, check the link in the comments of this post for free tools, tips and resources that’ll help you get through.
Follow Just a Thought on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/justathoughtnz, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justathoughtnz/ or check out their free online therapy courses https://www.justathought.co.nz/
International Antarctic Centre visit and lunch
Last week, members of the Cerebral Palsy Society who live in Canterbury and require full-time care enjoyed a visit to the International Antarctic Centre. Members and their caregivers were taken on a guided tour before having lunch together.
The event was free for invited members and was fully funded by the generous support of the E L and J B Sanderson Cerebral Palsy Trust proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian.
We’re very grateful for the funding that makes opportunities like this happen for our members.
Our thanks must also go to Sanitarium who gifted vouchers to the Society which we used to buy Up & Go drinks for everyone who attended. Thanks Sanitarium for adding to our day.
Have your say – Total Mobility
The Government has announced changes to funding settings for the Total Mobility scheme.
It has also launched public consultation seeking feedback on proposals to strengthen the scheme.
Total Mobility currently subsidies 75% of taxi fares for disabled people and older people for which public transport is inaccessible. From July 1, 2026 this subsidy will reduce to 65%.
The Government is also investing $10 million to provide councils with immediate financial relief.
The Ministry of Transport, which administers the Total Mobility scheme, has opened consultation which closes on March 22, 2026.
You will find more information and a discussion document with a range of options on the Ministry’s website.
Have your say – Draft Carers’ Strategy Action Plan
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is seeking feedback on the draft Carers’ Strategy Action Plan which sets out government actions to support family, whānau, aiga or individual carers.
The MSD has developed the plan in partnership with the Carers Alliance and an Advisory Group of organisations representing the needs of carers.
The CP Society, part of the Carers Alliance, strongly encourages members, their carers and whanau to submit their feedback. Every submission will count towards actions to be included in the programme of work which will be developed for all government agencies involved.
There are several ways to submit your feedback – from sending a quick email to attending online or in person workshops, or answering a quick survey.
Feedback will help inform the final Action Plan. Consultation closes on March 12, 2026.
Summer and travel tips and tricks
Summer is here! With that in mind, here are some helpful summer tips, ideas and suggestions to help you get out there and make the most of it:
Living with CP articles:
– Coping in the Summer Heat – https://cerebralpalsy.org.nz/coping-in-the-summer-heat/
– Safety in the water – https://cerebralpalsy.org.nz/being-in-the-water/
Beach wheelchairs and beach mat access: Firstport – https://firstport.co.nz/get-support/wellbeing/tinana/get-active/visiting-accessible-beaches
Accessible playgrounds: https://accessibleplaygrounds.co.nz/
Travel:
– Flying with a wheelchair – Flight Centre – https://cerebralpalsy.org.nz/top-tips-for-flying-with-a-wheelchair/
– Making travel easier – Permobil – https://www.permobil.com/en-nz/travel-support
Coffee Group news
Thank you to everyone who attended coffee group this month to celebrate the festive season with us.
The final coffee group for 2025 is being held this Sunday in Whanganui.
The first coffee group of 2026 will be held in March – coffee groups will not be held in January or February.
Once again, I’d like to pass on my appreciation to the volunteers and staff who host a Coffee Group or two. We really appreciate your time and commitment to making these events happen.
The hosts are looking forward to seeing members at coffee group again in March 2026.
If you’d like more information about your local coffee group, please call us on 0800 503 603 or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz.
getMoving Christmas shutdown
Our getMoving programme is taking a break over Christmas.
Today (Wednesday, December 17) is last class for 2025. getMoving will be back in action from Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
getMoving is a free specialised and customised exercise class for CP Society members aged 6-21 who live in Auckland. It is run by Mike Hynard and the team at Functional Adaptive Movement™Ltd (FAM™) thanks to generous funding from Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa.
For more information about getMoving, contact Theo van de Klundert, one of our Member Support and Programme Coordinators. Phone 0800 503 603 or email theo@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:
– Trillian Trust
Research opportunities
There’s plenty of research going on for you to take part in.
– The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai’i is conducting The Impact of Aging with Cerebral Palsy Survey – open to adults with cerebral palsy who are 20-years of age older and/or their caregivers
– Assistive Technology Survey – Intopia invites you to take part in the Assistive Technology Survey 2025, a survey exploring how people across Australia and New Zealand use and experience assistive technology
– The University of Auckland – optimised ankle foot orthosis for adults and children with Cerebral Palsy
– The University of Plymouth in the UK – improving chest health in children with Cerebral Palsy
– The University of Melbourne – young adults aged 25-35 years old with Cerebral Palsy can take part in a study reflecting on their pain experiences during childhood
– Free gait training sessions – weekly sessions with Auckland University at Newmarket campus on their positive-pressure (“anti-gravity”) treadmill. (Closed from December 22 to January 2.)
You can read all about these projects on our Research Opportunities page.
What’s On
Waitangi Day at Manukau Live Steamers Club
Manukau Live Steamers is holding their annual free Waitangi Day, February 6, at the trains for families with special needs kids.
Free train rides 11am-3pm, free sausage sizzle 12pm-2pm, free fruit and water – BYO water bottles to refill. BYO blankets and chairs.
Club members will be there to assist with getting on and off the trains.
Centre Park, Robertson Rd, Mangere, Auckland.
For information call Lynne 021 959 106 or email ikon@xtra.co.nz
Auckland Arts Festival
Auckland Arts Festival has shared their Accessible Programme for the next Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival taking place from March 5-22, 2026.
Their Accessible Programme was co-designed with members of the Deaf and disabled communities from across Tāmaki Makaurau.
$20 accessible tickets and companions go free.
For more information: https://www.aaf.co.nz/accessibility
Halberg Games 2026
Grab your diary! The dates for the Halberg Games are locked in.
It’s all happening from Friday, April 10 – Sunday, April 12, 2026 at King’s College, Auckland.
If you’ve been before, you’ll know you’re in for another unforgettable weekend packed with sport, friendship, and celebration.
If you haven’t been before…..you don’t know what you’re missing.
The Halberg Games is open to athletes aged 8-21 with a physical disability or visual impairment.
Registration is open: www.halberg.co.nz/halberg-games/halberg-games
Well, that’s it from all of us at the Cerebral Palsy Society for 2025.
We wish you and your whānau a happy, safe and relaxing holiday season.
We look forward to seeing you, emailing with you and talking to you in 2026.
Ngā mihi,
Clare Williams
General Manager
