NEWS & UPDATES

Latest news from the Cerebral Palsy Society – October wrap up

30 Oct 2026

To say it’s been a busy month for the Cerebral Palsy Society is an understatement – but we’ve loved every minute of everything that October brings and means to the Society.

October 1 saw Be Green & Be Seen get underway for 2026. That was quickly followed by World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6.
We published the Society’s Annual Impact Report and the Society’s 75^th Annual General Meeting was held on October 18.

We’ve got some updates about each of those things, and plenty more information to share with you, in the newsletter below. We hope you enjoy reading this month’s update.

Be Green & Be Seen 2026

Thank you to all the members who got involved with Be Green & Be Seen! It’s been great to see the photos rolling in from individual members and coffee groups as well as like-minded organisations and businesses who got involved in raising awareness and funds this month!

Photo competition
You’ve got until Monday (November 2) to send in your entries for our Be Green & Be Seen photo competition!
Send us a photo of you, your whānau, ECE, school or workplace, in your loudest and brightest green and we’ll put you in the draw to win a $50 Z Energy gift card!

Email your photos to cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz with “Photo competition” in the subject line to go in the draw.
One lucky winner will be drawn, at random, on Monday, November 2.

If you’re submitting photos, please note: They might be used for promotional purposes – such as on our website, social media channels etc so please only send photos where permission is given for us to publish them.

This is Cerebral Palsy
In the lead up to Be Green & Be Seen, we invited people with lived experience of Cerebral Palsy to share something about their life. Whether it was their successes, challenges, highlights, experiences, career or achievements – we invited them to tell their story. Thank you to the members who responded.

We’ve been sharing their stories on our Facebook and Instagram pages over the past few weeks and we’ve still got a couple more to share.
If you haven’t read their stories yet, be sure to take a look:

Annual Impact Report

We were delighted to share the Cerebral Palsy Society’s 2025-2026 Annual Impact Report with members earlier this month.

The report shines a spotlight on the impact the Cerebral Palsy Society’s work has had on members, and in the wider disability sector. We invite you to take a look at our Annual Impact Report to see what has been achieved.

Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting was held on October 18. It was wonderful to have members join us online and in person.
At the meeting we congratulated the following candidates who were elected to the Executive Committee unopposed – Mike Bishop, Chantelle Hunter and Meg Smith.
Daniel Clay, Kris Edwards, Tiresa Sio and Murray Waring retained their position on the committee until the 2027 AGM.

You can read all about the Executive Committee members here:

At the AGM, we farewelled Helena Chan who served on the Executive Committee for two years. We appreciate her input, suggestions and contribution over that time and thank her for her service to the Society.

Cerebral Palsy / Hōkai Nukurangi Education Day

We know the lived experience of people with CP in Aotearoa is unique – and that’s why we want to hear from you!
Your everyday experience, the appointments, the wins, the frustrations, the things you wish someone had told you – that’s exactly what we want to hear about at the upcoming Cerebral Palsy / Hōkai Nukurangi Education Day – Aotearoa NZ.
It’s being held on Saturday, November 14 in Wellington and virtually, and is being hosted by the New Zealand Cerebral Palsy Register and the Cerebral Palsy Society.
We’d love for you to join us for all or part of the day!

Good in the Hood

We want to say a huge thank you to Z Energy for once again running their very generous Good in the Hood campaign.
The Society was grateful to be selected by two stations on Auckland’s North Shore – Northcross and Northcote for the campaign which ran from August 18 to September 14.
We’re also very grateful to the Z customers who used their orange token to vote for the Cerebral Palsy Society.

Last call: Survey about the cost of living with CP

There is one week left to complete the survey about the cost of living with CP and go in the draw to win one of two $250 grocery vouchers!
A University of Auckland research project wants to hear about your thoughts and experiences with the cost of living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This project is being conducted in conjunction with the Cerebral Palsy Society and the New Zealand Cerebral Palsy Register. It aims to understand the financial and economic impact of CP on individuals and caregivers and will take you through questions on out-of-pocket expenses, productivity, and quality of life.
The information that comes from this survey will be very valuable to the Society as well as the researchers leading the study.

You can learn more about the research in this video:

Thank you to everyone who has already taken part. If you know someone who may be eligible, please consider sharing this survey with them.

The survey closes on November 6.

Good luck Rahil

Cerebral Palsy Society member Rahil Patel is hitting the streets of Auckland on Sunday, November 1, to take part in the Auckland Half Marathon.
In the lead up to the event he has been fundraising for the Society. As of today he’s already raised an incredible $1780.
The Society is very grateful that Rahil chose to support the Society and we really appreciate everyone who has donated to his fundraising page. Thank you!

Congratulations Maia

Para badminton Athlete Maia Read has been nominated for Sport Taranaki’s Junior Sportswoman of the Year award.

“It’s been a great 12 months for me, with the opportunity to compete in three different overseas competitions that have officially started off my journey in para badminton,” said in a social media post. “While I am happy with the results I have produced over the season, I know I need to make a lot of improvements and I’m willing to work hard to make that progress. Thank you to my local club Taranaki Badminton for nominating me, I feel honoured to be held in this regard. And thank you to my teammates, coach, family and friends who have supported me through this time.”

The Taranaki Sports Awards are being held on Friday, November 20.
You can read more about Maia here:

Peke Waihanga – peer support

You may recall our earlier mentions about Peke Waihanga – a peer support service that is making sure parents of children who live with Cerebral Palsy are not navigating the journey alone.
The service connects parents with trained volunteer peer supporters who have experience raising a child with Cerebral Palsy and/or scoliosis.
Support is one-on-one and tailored to each family’s needs, whether that is over the phone, via video call or in-person.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can register here.

The Peke Waihanga team is hosting its first training day in Auckland for parents of children with Cerebral Palsy and Scoliosis that want to train to become peer support volunteers.
When: Saturday, December 12, 9.30am-3.30pm
Where: Peke Waihanga – Orthotic Service – Auckland Centre, Ste 1.5/72 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden
Register your interest as a volunteer using the link above and they will get back to you about whether you are keen to attend the Auckland training.

Coffee groups

Our coffee groups are held in Auckland, Whanganui, Masterton, Wellington and Christchurch.

Each Cerebral Palsy Society member who attends is welcome to bring a companion, support worker, 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:

PLEASE NOTE
The Addington and Parklands groups have one-off date changes for the November gatherings.

ADDINGTON

The Addington Coffee Group’s next catch up will be held a week earlier than usual on Tuesday,
November 3.
There is also a new start time of 1pm (instead of 1.15pm) for all Addington Coffee Group catch ups going forward – effective immediately.

PARKLANDS

The Parklands Coffee Group’s next catch up will be held a week later than usual on Tuesday, November 10, at the usual time of midday.

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
– NZCT (New Zealand Community Trust)
– Dragon Community Trust
– Trillian Trust

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

– Anytime Fitness Rolleston – Christchurch
– Anytime Fitness Shirley – Christchurch

dsport survey for Wairarapa families

dsport has traditionally been centered in Wellington. They launched their Wairarapa Youth Group programme earlier this year and with summer approaching, they are keen to connect with more local families and explore pathways to expand so that young people have the chance to get involved in activities they enjoy.
dsport is asking those across the Wairarapa who have a child with a physical disability and/or visual impairment to take part in their survey.
They want to hear directly from the young people and their families about sport and active recreation opportunities they would like to see available in their community.

PhD scholarship opportunity

Applications for a PhD scholarship with study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington close on November 16.
The scholarship – Flourishing Health Systems: Embedding Disabled People’s Expertise in Health Design Scholarship – is for a Disabled person/Tāngata Whaikaha and/or Deaf/Tāngata Turi who has completed an Honours or Master’s qualification in a relevant field and meets the University’s PhD admission criteria.
The team is keen for this opportunity to reach people with a range of experiences and backgrounds, including those who may not previously have considered doctoral research.

People are welcome to discuss access needs, the application process or the research opportunity before deciding whether to apply.
All initial enquiries should go to Dr Lesley Middleton lesley.middleton@vuw.ac.nz.

Research Opportunities

Here are some research projects that you might like to consider taking part in.

– Do you have a refugee background? Share your story
A University of Auckland research study is seeking parents or legal guardians from refugee backgrounds who are raising, or have raised, a child with a disability in Auckland. Participation involves three interviews. Participants will receive a $30 supermarket voucher for each interview as a contribution for their time and participation.

– Global Survey on Physical Disability, Sport Access and Well-Being
Researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Canada are conducting an international research study examining global access to powerchair sports. They are seeking survey responses from adults with physical disabilities who do not currently participate in powerchair sports and those who do.

– Sequencing to improve the understanding of the genetics of Cerebral Palsy
People living with CP and their whānau are invited to take part in a Liggins Institute study that looks at DNA sequencing to improve our understanding of the genetics of CP. The project is for children or adults living with CP where genetic testing has not yet identified a cause for your CP.

– The Australasian CP Health Network Study
Children and whānau in the Auckland region are invited to take part in a study that looks at muscle and bone health in children living with CP. This project is for children, aged 4- 12 years old living with CP and are GMFCS level III, IV or V. This study involves researchers from Starship Children’s Hospital and Liggins Institute, University of Auckland and is part of a multi-center study with Australia.

– Anti-gravity training
Researchers at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute are continuing to offer their anti-gravity treadmill training free of charge to the community. Weekly sessions run at the Newmarket campus between 9am and 5.30pm. There are spaces for more participants. The positive-pressure (“anti-gravity”) treadmill reduces body weight loading and makes walking easier and more efficient. The researchers see this as a complementary form of physical activity alongside existing therapy or exercise routines.

Learn more here:

What’s On

Para-Disability Dance Class Alex Prykhno is a professional ballroom dancer, instructor, and choreographer who is hosting Para-Disability Dance Classes in South Auckland. Weekly sessions cover ballroom and Latin dance. Classes cater for participants of all abilities, a dance partner is not required, and no previous dance experience is necessary. Classes cost $20 and are held Sundays from 11am at 30 Bairds Rd, Papatoetoe. Contact Alex on 021 757 374.

Let’s Dance Kumeu A wheelchair ceilidh (barn dance/formation dance) group in Kumeu, Auckland has room for more dancers and volunteers. The group is for young adults with disabilities who require a wheelchair for mobility. The focus is on fun, friendship and giving dancers the chance to experience dancing in a group, speed, change of direction, turning and moving to music and rhythm. The sessions are held once a month on a Sunday afternoon at the Kumeu Community Centre. Sessions run for 45 mins, then break for afternoon tea, followed by another 45 mins of dancing. All dancers need to bring a support person. For information about joining as a dancer or volunteer (to push/guide a dancer, fill in as an extra person dancing, set up and pack up) contact Conni – 021 025 17705.

Taupō Disability Focus Trust fundraiser Cam Calkoen, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, is the guest speaker at the Taupo Business Chamber’s meeting on November 3 from 7am–9am. Cam is the 2020 New Zealand Speaker of the Year, has represented New Zealand as a Paralympic athlete, climbed Kilimanjaro and is considered one of Australasia’s most frequently booked inspirational speakers. $5 from each ticket sold will go to MTF Finance Taupō’s local charity of choice, Taupō Disability Focus Trust, and MTF Finance will match the total ticket donations received. Click here for more information.

ATSNZ Disability Expo Head along to the Due Drop Events Centre, Auckland on November 4 and 5 for two days of discovery, connection and practical ideas. 60+ exhibitors, free entry, professional seminar series, a sensory room, free parking. Explore the latest products and services, try equipment for yourself, and talk directly with exhibitors about what could work for you or someone you support. Click here for more info and to register for your free ticket.

Have a go golf day – Rotorua All Abilities Golf NZ is hosting a free have a go day exclusively for young people with a disability (and their friends and family). Professional coaches will be onsite and there will be drinks and a BBQ. Where: Lake View Golf and Country Club Golf Club When: Friday, November 6, 4.30pm–5.30pm Maximum of 20 participants Click here for more information.

Discover Para Sport Find Your Community Boccia New Zealand, Wheelchair Basketball New Zealand, and New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby are bringing together three Para sports for a two-day event. Participants can try boccia, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. Whānau, friends and support people are encouraged to attend, participate and experience Para sport alongside them. When: November 7 and 8, 10am-4pm Where: Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, Christchurch. The event is open to people from around the country. Register here

Amazing Race Waikato Parafed Waikato is hosting an Amazing Race on November 14 from 11am-1pm at Jubilee Park, Claudelands. This fun, family-friendly event will include, adapted activities, a fully accessible course, activities for all abilities. Teams, families and individuals are welcome. You’ll also meet organisations and providers from across the disability sector as they share information, programmes and opportunities through interactive stalls and displays. Click here for more information.

Māpura Studios Open Day Māpura Studios is hosting its annual Open Day on Saturday, November 21 from 11am–2pm at Fowlds Park, Morningside, Auckland. The day will feature artwork created and sold by Māpura artists, free children’s activities, face painting and a bouncy castle, treasures from the Māpura Op Shop, local stalls (the chance to get in some Christmas shopping), food trucks, music, entertainment and plenty of community fun. Entry is free and everyone is welcome! Every visit and purchase helps support Māpura Studios and the artists who make their community shine. For more information email info@mapurastudios.org.nz

There has certainly been a lot going on and judging by the What’s On section of our newsletter, there’s definitely lots coming up. There’s plenty to get involved in out there!

As always, please remember that our member support team Peter and Matt are just a phone call or email away and are happy to hear from you with any queries or support needs you may have.

Ngā mihi,
The Cerebral Palsy Society team