NEWS & UPDATES
February news from the Cerebral Palsy Society
27 Feb 2025
Kia ora Melanie,
What an awesome month it has been. There’s been so much going on for the Society, for our members and supporters, and in the disability sector.
If you’re among our members who attend our Albany, Masterton or Addington coffee groups, please be sure to check out the relevant section in this newsletter – we have important updates for you!
Disability Support Services’ community consultation
We’d love you to get involved in Disability Support Services’ community consultation process.
It is vital that as many people as possible have their say.
The consultation runs until March 24, 2025 and is looking at assessment tools and processes, and funding options.
It is focused on the disabled people, and their whānau, who receive essential disability support after an assessment from:
– a Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC) organisation, or
– an Enabling Good Lives (EGL) site.
For all the information, go to: www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/consultation
Mike Hynard wins Halberg legacy award
Congratulations to Mike Hynard – the CEO and founder of Functional Adaptive Movement™ Ltd (FAM™).
Photo: Alan Lee / Photosport
At the 62nd ISPS Handa Halberg Awards held on February 18, Mike was named the winner of the inaugural Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award.
Mike is well known by many in the disability community for his approach to adaptive exercise and runs the CP Society’s getMoving programme in Auckland.
You can read Mike’s story here: www.tinyurl.com/3x9kw7cp
Connor completes Round the Bays Wellington
We’re so proud of CP Society member Connor Adamson. Earlier this month he ticked off his goal to complete Round the Bays Wellington 2025.
He walked the 8.4km event in just under 3 hours.
You can read Connor’s story here: www.tinyurl.com/mr2z82zv
* The Auckland and Christchurch Round the Bays events are coming up next month. If you or someone you know are taking part, be sure to set up a fundraising page and ask your whānau and friends to support you. You’ll be able to give back to the Society as part of your Round the Bays experience.
If you’ve got any questions, please email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz or phone 0800 503 603.
We’d love to hear from you.
The Cerebral Palsy Podcast – Season 2
The Cerebral Palsy Podcast is back and season 2 is live!
Kris and Nathan have returned with another series of conversations about living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.
Kris kicks things off with a series opener remembering two victims from the deadly Los Angeles fires who lived with CP.
Episode 2 is a chat with CP Society member Rorie Poff, 18. He talks to Kris about high school, representing NZ as a shot putter and being on the Halberg Youth Council.
Check out the latest episodes, and the previous ones here: www.omny.fm/shows/chat-cp/playlists/podcast
Coffee group – updates for Albany, Masterton and Addington
At coffee group, the refreshments 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. Please note, members are welcome to attend more than one coffee group, but the CP Society will only fund one per month.
All the coffee group information is here: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/member-services/events/coffee-groups
Albany update:
Our new Albany coffee group has proven so popular that we have set up two start times. This will help with ordering food and drinks. Please place your order promptly when you arrive.
The start times are 9.30am (the quieter time) and 10.30am (busier time).
We’re also asking all members to please RSVP to cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz with the first and last name of the CP Society member attending, the number of people joining them and which time slot you’ll be at. RSVPs are due by the last Friday of the month so cafe staff can be advised.
Your host is Em, and she looks forward to seeing you at coffee group.
Masterton update:
A reminder that your coffee group has had a change of time. The start time is now 10.30am. Be sure to head along and join your host Matt.
Addington update:
The March coffee group will run as normal.
But as of April the Addington coffee group will move to the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10.30am. The venue stays the same.
There are no changes to the Parklands coffee group.
Members are very welcome to attend both Christchurch coffee groups but the CP Society will only fund one per month.
Coffee groups are currently held in Auckland, Whanganui, Masterton, Wellington and Christchurch.
If you’d like to see a coffee group in your area, please get in touch with us to see what’s involved in being a host. Many of our coffee groups rely on volunteers and wouldn’t happen without them.
Call us on 0800 503 603 or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz.
Disability Strategy Working Groups
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is calling for expressions of interest to join Working Groups they are setting up to help with the refresh of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
They are seeking interest from disabled people, Deaf, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau hauā, Turi Māori, Pacific people and families to be selected to be on five Working Groups to help develop the outcome areas and actions for the new strategy.
There will be five Working Groups focusing on health, education, employment, housing, and justice.
For more information and how to apply (including in alternate formats) go to www.tinyurl.com/ycyd4648.
These are paid positions. Expressions of Interest are due by March 6, 2025.
If you have any questions, email disabilitystrategy@whaikaha.govt.nz
Leave a gift in your will
Like us, we know you’ll want to ensure a future where people with Cerebral Palsy can enjoy their lives to the full – with endless opportunities, and the support in place so they can say YES to everything that makes them thrive and brings them happiness.
An easy and powerful way to ensure this future for our mokopuna is to leave a gift in your will. This kind of donation means you don’t have to find cash now or take part in a fundraising event. Of course, your own whānau will take priority, but once you’re satisfied that their needs will be met, it’s simple to include a gift of any size in your will to the Cerebral Palsy Society.
There are three types of gift you might choose to give:
– A specific sum or percentage of your estate
– The residue of your estate (once other gifts and costs have been deducted)
– A specific gift – for example, shares, bonds, or property.
Whether you’ve already made a will and would like to make an addition, or you’re ready to write your first one and include support for the Cerebral Palsy Society, we recommend you work with a legal advisor to make sure this important document is written exactly as you wish.
Head to our website to find out more: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/support-us/bequests-2/
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:
– The L W Nelson Trust (managed by Public Trust)
You can check out all the Trusts and Foundations that support the Society here: www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/our-supporters
CP Society e-Card
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.
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
Research opportunities
Have you thought about getting involved in some of the research opportunities out there?
When you take part in research, you’re helping create a more informed and clearer picture for people living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi across Aoteaora New Zealand, guiding advocacy and efforts towards change.
Current opportunities on our website:
– KiwiASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire)
Researchers from Starship Child Health are looking for children and their whānau, living in Auckland, to test the KiwiASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire).
The questionnaire is completed online and participants will spend a morning at a university or community clinic, watching their child play games-based assessments and giving feedback.
Participants will get a summary of their child’s speech, development, hearing and behaviour, a koha, and a book for their child.
– Transition to Adulthood
This study from the University of Toronto is looking at improving the transition to adulthood for youth diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi. Researchers are looking to get the perspective of youth aged between 12-17, and their parents, on their experiences and expectations during this transition process.
– Exploring Parental Perspectives: CMV Screening and Diagnosis in New Zealand through the Lens of Families
The University of Auckland is recruiting families of children affected by Cytomegalovirus (CMV). This work will provide information about what families want and need to know at the time of their child’s diagnosis, and later as they continue their journey with CMV. Researchers are looking for participants aged approximately 18 years old.
Head to our Research Opportunities page for more information: www.tinyurl.com/2va843ke
What’s on
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective
The team at the Glass Ceiling Arts Collective has got awesome activities happening across the country.
Their inclusive performing arts classes are a safe space for both disabled and non-disabled people to express themselves through the performing arts.
Participants may get to make a short film or perform on stage!
Among the fabulous options on offer are “Everybody Dance” classes in West Auckland and Inclusive Youth Performing Arts Classes held in Christchurch.
Tauranga performers are working towards their next show Rock of Ages: Youth Edition, participants in Rodney are in full swing rehearsing for Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr and the North Shore crew are going to be starting rehearsals shortly for Finding Nemo Jr.
There’s so much happening. Check it all out here: www.glassceilingartscollective.com
Pop along to your first class to see if you like it – no charge.
MightyKids Rehab
Mighty Kids Rehab has events coming up in Auckland and you’re invited.
- Symposium on whole body vibration therapy – 9am-3pm, March 28, Parnell Community Centre. Limited spaces.
- Meet the MightyKids Rehab team – 10am-12pm, March 29, Meadowbank Community Centre.
- Specialised Therapy Enriched Play Sessions (STEPS) – integrated education and physio and speech therapy for children with physical disabilities aged under 5 – 10am-12pm, weekly on a Thursday at Spectroom PLAY ZONE.
- 1:1 Hydrotherapy sessions – for children and young people aged up to 25, with physical disability. 8 week programme at Wilson Centre.
For more information go to: www.mightykidsrehab.co.nz/events
Wheelchair rugby
Have you considered playing wheelchair rugby?
It’s played in mixed teams and combines sports including basketball, rugby and ice hockey.
Teams of four carry a ball, similar to a volleyball, across the opposing team’s goal line. Full contact between purpose-built wheelchairs is an integral part of the sport as players use their chairs to block and hold opponents.
Athletes must have a disability that affects at least 3 of their 4 limbs and must meet minimum disability criteria and be classifiable under the sport classification rules.
Typically, players have spinal cord injuries, Cerebral Palsy, muscular dystrophy, amputations, polio, and other neurological conditions.
There are clubs in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago. You’ll find their contact details here: www.tinyurl.com/245f6x3d.
CP Society Board member George Hewitt used to play wheelchair rugby and highly recommends it to anyone seeking a team sport.
“It’s great for building comradery, high levels of skill, discipline and is played with a lot of passion!”
For more information go to www.wheelblacks.com.
Halberg Games
Registrations for the Halberg Games close March 21.
It’s for 8-21 year olds, with a physical or visual impairment and is happening from April 24 to 26 at King’s College in Auckland.
There will be more than 20 sports, an opening ceremony and family festival activities.
It’s sure to be a wonderful three days of fun, challenges, team spirit, effort and celebration.
Get all the information and register today: www.halberg.co.nz/halberg-games/halberg-games
That’s all from the team and I for this month. We hope you’re enjoying the warm, settled weather.
All the best, ngā mihi,
Clare Williams
General Manager
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Postal address: |
Phone: 0800 503 603 |
