NEWS & UPDATES
June news and updates from the Cerebral Palsy Society
29 Jun 2026
Winter has arrived so now seems the perfect time to share our Keeping warm in winter article – www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/keeping-warm-in-winter. It includes some handy tips for people who live with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.
This edition of our monthly newsletter is full of updates about what’s happening here at the Society, the wider disability sector, how you can have your say and get involved, and information about events and activities that are coming up.
European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability
Earlier this month, Amy Hogan attended the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability’s 38th Annual Congress in Galway, Ireland.
Amy attended as Co-President of the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and other Childhood Onset Disabilities and represented the Society in her role as our Researcher and Member Support Advisor.
The conference attracted more than 1000 delegates from 64 countries.
We’d like to thank the Oceania Academy, and the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability, for funding Amy’s attendance at the conference.
getDriving comes to an end
After three years of supporting members to obtain their restricted driver licence, the Cerebral Palsy Society’s getDriving programme has come to an end.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the programme. It has been a privilege to support members on their driving journey and to see so many participants gain greater independence and confidence through driving.
A special thank you goes out to our generous funder. This programme would not have been possible without them, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.
Member recognition
Michael Turner – volunteer award
Congratulations to CP Society member Michael Turner who was recognised for his volunteer work at Burwood Hospital, Christchurch earlier this month.
Michael, one of our Coffee Group hosts, has been volunteering at the hospital for 20 years.
He helps in the mailroom, delivers mail around the hospital, collects pharmacist bags for refilling, and medical record bags.
Michael says he enjoys “giving back”.
“I have had lots of help from Burwood so me volunteering is my way of giving back and I enjoy it.”
Charlie – runner-up NZRDA Rider of the Year
Delightful news from Auckland Central RDA (ACRDA) about CP Society member Charlie:
“It is with tremendous joy and pride that ACRDA is thrilled to announce that at the recent NZRDA conference in Wellington, one of our exceptional Riders was honored as the runner-up for NZRDA Rider of the Year! [We] felt utterly delighted to accept this prestigious award on behalf of our rider Charlie.
“Charlie’s unwavering positivity, unrelenting determination, and consistently radiant attitude has been an inspiration to all. Auckland Central is beaming with pride at the remarkable progress Charlie has made in his physical, communication, and social endeavors, which have seamlessly translated into his personal and academic life.”
Young Charlie featured in the March edition of The Review magazine.
Greig Jackson – Life Member, Boccia New Zealand
A wonderful update from Boccia New Zealand about CP Society member Greig Jackson:
“Congratulations to Greig Jackson who was awarded Life Membership during the 2026 AGM.
“The Boccia New Zealand Life Membership Award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sport of boccia that has enhanced the sport at a local level, regionally, nationally and/or internationally.”
Greig’s successes and achievements are lengthy. Some of them include:
– 15+ National Championships gold medals across Individual and Pairs (BC3)
– 2 x Paralympic Games
– 3 x World Championships
– 2 x World Cups
Surveys
We’re aware that there have been a lot of surveys floating about lately – from the CP Society and other organisations.
However, we’ve come across some surveys that we particularly want to highlight to you. Please take a moment to see if any of these are relevant to you. It’s important that you have your say and share your experiences whenever you can.
Help improve key servie areas of DSS
Disability Support Services (DSS) wants your help to shape further improvements to disability support services.
They are seeking feedback from people who receive DSS funding, and people who support or advocate for those who do.
You can:
– Make a submission by email or post
– Complete the online survey – www.accessiblesurveys.com/v2/Pd0djzhHy5N9HF80bKUB/intro
– Register for an in-person workshop – www.surveymonkey.com/r/RegformDSS
– Mangere, South Auckland – Tuesday, 30 June – 10am – 12pm
– Ellerslie, Central Auckland – Wednesday, 1 July – 10am – 12pm
– Hamilton Central, Hamilton – Thursday, 2 July – 10am – 12pm
– Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North – Tuesday, 21 July – 10am – 12pm
– Wellington, Lower Hutt – Wednesday, 22 July – 10am – 12pm
– Christchurch, Christchurch City – Thursday, 30 July – 10am – 12pm
– Dunedin, Wednesday, 29 July – 10am – 12pm
The community consultation is open until Friday 31 July.
Shape the future of the NZ Relay Service
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) wants to ensure the NZ Relay Service continues to meet the needs of the Deaf and Deafblind, as well as people with hearing loss or speech impediments.
There are several ways to participate:
– Complete the survey – https://tinyurl.com/zj6vapc4
– Join a focus group
– Schedule an interview
– Make a submission
The consultation period closes July 20, 2026.
A cycling mission to fundraise for the Society
The Society is absolutely delighted to have the support of Feodor Tarrant-Hill.
The Wellington man lives with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi and has set himself a goal to cycle for about 300km over a 24-hour period on July 10 – 11.
He’ll be carrying out the challenge in his lounge, using Zwift (an online cycling and running programme).
Along the way, he is fundraising for the Cerebral Palsy Society.
Click below if you’d like to show your support for Feodor by donating to his fundraising page.
Peke Waihanga – search for parent volunteers
Peke Waihanga is expanding its successful Peer Support Service to include families accessing orthotic care.
Parents of children with Cerebral Palsy or Scoliosis are the first to benefit.
The orthotic Peer Support Service is in its early stages, and volunteers are now being recruited.
Parents of children with lived experience of Scoliosis or Cerebral Palsy who are interested in becoming Peer Support volunteers are encouraged to get in touch.
For more information, and to register, go to: www.tinyurl.com/yp57229p
Pictured: Peke Waihanga Peer Support and Events Coordinator Matthew Bryson, left, and Peer Support Coordinator George Hewitt (former Cerebral Palsy Society Board Member).
Crip café podcast
Have you checked out Crip Café yet?
Crip Café is The D List’s fortnightly podcast.
“It’s a space for our community to chat, scheme, and share access hacks. Somewhere to get together and giggle over non-disabled people’s nonsense. A reprieve from the ableist world.
“Every fortnight we’ll be exploring a new disability dilemma that we can debate, laugh about, and maybe even solve, together.”
Head over to their YouTube channel to check it out.
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
– Central Care Physiotherapy Ltd – Lower Hutt
– Kapiti Learn to Swim – Paraparaumu
– Kids on the Move – Hamilton
– Alevtina Massage Therapy – Ruapehu
– Fidgetie Fingers – Christchurch
getOutThere
– Driving Miss Daisy Kerikeri – Northland
– Driving Miss Daisy Cashmere – Christchurch
getThis&That
– Stridemend footwear – Nationwide (Dunedin-based)
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:
- Four Winds Foundation
- Aotearoa Gaming Trust
- Stewart Family Trust
- Whaikaha Community Capability Development Grant.
Coffee group
Our coffee groups are held in Auckland (Glenfield, St Lukes and Manukau), Whanganui, Masterton, Wellington and Christchurch (Shirley and Addington).
Each Cerebral Palsy Society member is welcome to bring a companion, support worker, family or whānau member with them. The Cerebral Palsy Society will provide up to $15 worth of refreshments for each member and for one of their guests.
There are a few Ts & Cs members need to be aware of when attending coffee group, so please check the info on our website:
Vibration Plates
CP Society member Karen O’Leary is helping children at Rosehill School, Papakura, Auckland by searching for vibration plates.
The school has been using vibration plates daily for almost 10 years, and their machines are wearing out.
“Some years ago, the Cerebral Palsy Society, in conjunction with Vibra-Train/Lloyd Shaw, offered pivotal vibration plates to members.
“Would there be anyone in the CP community who has a vibration plate they received through the programme that they may not be using?
“We would like to continue to support Rosehill School. It would really be appreciated if we could find any machines in storage, and it will help these children who use VT as daily physio to continue to do so.
“Please email Lloyd at lloydshaw.vt@gmail.com. Thank you.”
Disability Connect Enabling Good Lives Awards
Nominations for the inaugural Disability Connect Enabling Good Lives Awards 2026 are open.
The awards celebrate people, organisations, and community groups who are making a real difference for disabled people and their whānau across Auckland. If you know someone who has shown commitment, innovation, or genuine care in supporting disabled people over the past year, you are encouraged to put their name forward.
Nominations can be submitted as a short video or a written statement.
All nominations go into a draw to win one of three $50 Prezzy Cards.
Nominations close 31 July 2026.
e-Card tips
We’ve got some useful tips to help you make the most of your e-card.
If you’ve got any questions about using your e-card phone 0800 503 603 between 9am and 3pm, or send an email to cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz
Genetics webinar
Were you able to join us in May for the genetics webinar hosted by the CP Society, the Liggins Institute, The NZ CP Register and the Neurological Foundation?
If you weren’t able to make it, you can still watch the webinar and view the slides.
Research opportunities
There’s plenty of research going on for you to take part in.
– Help shape research about literacy and AAC. A Massey University researcher is investigating how to better support literacy learning for children who cannot rely on spoken speech alone to communicate in mainstream primary schools.
The group is open to:
– Adults who use AAC and attended a mainstream school, or
– Parents of a child who cannot rely on spoken speech alone to communicate and have attended a mainstream school.
– Your experience and perceptions of the accessibility of national parks in Aotearoa New Zealand is the focus of a Massey University research project. You can help by sharing your thoughts in their 10-15 minute survey.
Equipment opportunity
All terrain power assist wheelchair for sale:
What’s On
Have a go – wheelchair rugby league for all abilities!
A fun, inclusive Have A Go Wheelchair Rugby League session open to people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, get active, meet people, or learn more about adaptive sport, everyone is welcome to come along and give it a go.
No experience necessary, sports wheelchairs will be provided.
Free
Monday 6 July
10am to 2pm
Rotorua Sportsdrome (behind the Rotorua Museum)
Register here: www.tinyurl.com/yt8djmb6
Email for more info: katelin.Scott@wcf.kiwi or jo@parafedbop.co.nz
Switch Access and Switch-Adapted Technology workshop
ATANZ (Assistive Technology Alliance NZ) is running an online workshop for whānau and caregivers, who support young people with profound and multiple learning Disabilities (PMLD).
The practical 3-hour workshop is specifically designed for whānau/ caregivers and their direct support team.
The session will focus on home-based strategies using switch-adapted technology to help empower tamariki or rangatahi to play, communicate and participate more fully in family life.
Friday July 31, 10.30am–2pm (30 minute lunch break).
$35 for whānau member/caregiver including one member of their support team.
Info and registration: www.tinyurl.com/2ynw47ud
Māpura Studios – Auckland
Join Māpura Studios and explore visual art, music, and movement in a space designed for wellbeing and connection. Feel supported. Feel inspired. Feel part of something real. Ready to join us? Phone 09 845 5361 or email info@mapurastudios.org.nz.
Classes are held in Morningside, Otara, Mangere, Orewa, Penrose, Mt Albert and Manurewa.
Handmade Studio Charitable Trust – Christchurch
Handmade Studio provides a safe, welcoming, and creative space where participants can explore a variety of art and craft activities—from weaving, knitting, crocheting, hand stitching, paper and fabric crafts, mosaic, embroidery, painting any many more creative projects that participants can take home or gift to loved ones. Their programmes help build confidence and independence, and encourage social connection, teamwork, and self-expression.
For more information go to: www.handmadestudio.co.nz
As always, please remember to get in touch if our team can be of any assistance. Our Member Support Team – Peter, Matt and Theo – are more than happy to hear from you via phone 0800 503 603 or email – cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz.
