NEWS & UPDATES
October news from the Cerebral Palsy Society
30 Oct 2025
Wow! What a fabulous October it has been!
– We’ve had an amazing month celebrating Be Green & Be Seen and World CP Day
– We published our 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report
– We held our AGM
– We’ve added more articles to the Living with CP page of our website
– AND people living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi have been continuing to achieve great things!
You can read all about it, and more, in the updates below.
Be Green & Be Seen
We’ve been absolutely delighted with the enthusiasm for Be Green & Be Seen 2025 that’s shone through from members, their whānau and friends, from fellow charities, schools, daycares and businesses.
Check out this video to see some of the awesome ways people have been celebrating the campaign across the motu.
Here’s a snippet of some of the amazing support we’ve received:
– Brolly Sheets raised $387 from their special offer which gave customers 10% off selected green items, and they donated 10% of the purchase to Be Green & Be Seen.
– Our friends at Cubro have raised $430. Staff got into the spirit of the month by dressing up green, hosting green-themed morning teas around the country, and giving out green lollies to their customers.
– Long-time supporters Envelope Engineering donated $500 after hosting a step challenge. They say, “it’s a fun way for us to stay active while supporting an important cause”.
– Rotary Rotorua Passport set up a #beACTIVE page and raised $615. A group of keen Rotarians went to Redwoods Forest for a fun walk during the month.
– Staff at Paraparaumu College held a step challenge and donated $1000. They came up with some really creative names for their teams, like Stroll Models, Hallway Hustlers, The Strolling Stones and the Red Hot Chilli Steppers.
Our heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the opportunity to shine a green light on Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi this October.
Be Green & Be Seen photo competition
Did you take Be Green & Be Seen photos during October? Send them in – we’d love to see them.
We’ve received some great images so far, but there is still time to submit your photo for the chance to win a $50 Z Energy voucher.
The winner will be drawn on Monday, November 3 at 10am. Email your photo to cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz.
Please note: Photos submitted for the photo competition might be used on our website and social media channels, in future newsletters or future editions of The Review magazine or our Annual Impact Report, so please only send photos where permission is given for us to publish them.
AGM 2025
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Society’s 2025 AGM on October 19. Whether you nominated yourself for a position on the Committee, voted on the remits, or joined the AGM on the day – we appreciate your participation.
Murray Waring, Tiresa Sio and Kris Edwards joined the Committee at the AGM, while George Hewitt, Emma Lovett and Reuben Woods stood down, and Renata Kotua resigned in September.
We also acknowledged Liam Sanders who served as Member Representative on our Grants Committee and stood down earlier this month.
We are extremely grateful to them for their commitment and dedication to the Society, and for the knowledge and expertise that they brought to their roles. We thank you for your kind service.
I’d like to take a moment to say thanks, once again, to electionz.com for their continued support of our AGMs. They manage the voting process for us, and we really appreciate their expertise when it comes to making it easy for members to vote. Their ongoing support, and generosity, makes a big difference. Thank you electionz.com.
Annual Impact Report 2024-2025
Our Annual Impact Report for the 2024-2025 year was published earlier this month.
If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, make sure you do. It’s a great overview of the mahi the Society has achieved over the past year.
Z Good in the Hood update
We’re very grateful to the generous team at Z Energy for running their Good in the Hood campaign in September. The Cerebral Palsy Society was among the charities to be selected by Z Kumeu and we were delighted to receive $1338 from them at the end of the campaign.
Thank you to Z customers who gave their orange token to the Cerebral Palsy Society!
Intensive therapy survey
Thanks to everyone who took part in our intensive therapy survey.
The survey closed last month and we are working through the first round of analysing the results.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to pass on their thoughts and experiences. Members were very generous with the feedback they shared and for that we are grateful – such a wonderful amount of information gives us more to work with as we consider our next advocacy steps.
IAACD – Listening and Sharing Sessions
IAACD’s global Listening and Sharing 24 Hour Sessions for 2025 are coming up on November 7.
This year’s theme is “Moving to Adulthood: Finding and navigating support pathways”.
The livestream will be a day of listening, learning, and sharing stories of disability and inclusion from around the world.
Cerebral Palsy Society’s researcher Amy Hogan will present on “Making the Connections: Practical Pathways into Adulthood in Aotearoa New Zealand”. Her session will explore self-advocacy, preparation, and sustaining stamina and asks: How can we make the connections that matter most while pushing for a stronger, more supportive future?
Amy’s session:
Date: Friday 7 Nov
Time: 1.30pm NZDT
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85738392357
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:
– Lion Foundation
Coffee group news
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.
If you’d like more information about your local coffee group, please call us on 0800 503 603 or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz.
Addington Coffee Group reminder:
Hey there Addington! Just a friendly reminder that your November coffee group is moving forward a week because of Cup Day.
Same venue: Natter Cafe and Microbakery
Same time: 1.15pm
New date: Tuesday 4 November
Tiresa, your host, looks forward to seeing you there.
National and international sporting success
New Zealanders who live with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi have been achieving great things on national and international sporting stages recently.
Here’s a wrap of the news we’ve come across:
Halberg 2025 Sky Sport Emerging Talent Scholarship Grant recipients
Halberg’s 2025 Sky Sport Emerging Talent Scholarship Grants provide vital support to New Zealand’s up-and-coming Para athletes, helping them take the next step in their sporting journeys. Each recipient receives $2,500 to assist with specialised equipment, coaching, and development opportunities tailored to their individual needs.
Among the five recipients are Cerebral Palsy Society members Max Wymer (Auckland – Boccia) and Maia Read (Taranaki – Badminton). Congratulations to you both!
Photos: Halberg Foundation
Para Badminton
Para Badminton players Chad Campbell, Maia Read and Anna Hika competed in Bendigo, Australia from October 16-19.
The Cerebral Palsy Society members represented Aotearoa New Zealand in the Victor Oceania Para Badminton Championship.
Congratulations to Chad, Maia and Anna on their national selection, and to Anna and Maia for winning a gold and bronze medal respectively in the Women’s Singles SL4+SU5.
Photos: Badminton New Zealand
The Oceania competition was quickly followed by the YONEX Australian Para Badminton International Open 2025, held from October 21-25, which all three players attended.
At that tournament Anna and Maia won silver and bronze medals respectively in the Women’s Singles – SL4+SU5. Together they also won a bronze medal in the Women’s Doubles – SL3-SU5.
World Para Athletics
Ten athletes represented Aotearoa New Zealand at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5.
Among them were Will Stedman, Lisa Adams, Danielle Aitchison and Joe Smith who all live with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.
Lisa won gold in the Shot Put F37, while Danielle won gold in the 100m T36 and the 200m T36.
Will won a silver medal in the Long Jump T36 and a bronze medal in the 400m T36.
Congratulations to everyone who represented Aotearoa New Zealand, and to those that brought home medals.
Photos: Athletics New Zealand
CP and Me
Did you catch episode 2 of CP and Me by Attitude Pictures?
The first episode was on October 5, and the second one aired on October 26.
If you missed either episode you can check them out on Attitude’s YouTube channel.
Auckland Marathon
Good luck to everyone taking part in the Auckland Marathon this Sunday. We’re super grateful to those of you who are fundraising for the Cerebral Palsy Society while you’re at it.
Photo: Auckland Marathon
Here’s to awesome run times, lots of fun, fabulous views as you cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and a wonderful sense of accomplishment when you get to the finish line.
Thanks to every participant who is fundraising for us, and everyone who has donated to support Kiwis living with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi.
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.
getThis&That
Toddle – toddler furniture, play and learning equipment – Nationwide
getPhysical
Recovery Room Physiotherapy and Performance – Dunedin
WI Dance – Wellington
Laura Fergusson Trust Wellington Inc – Wellington
getOutThere
Driving Miss Daisy Remuera and Ellerslie – Auckland
Driving Miss Daisy Wigram – Christchurch
Living with CP articles
Our latest batch of Living with CP articles are now online.
CPS Researcher and Member Support Advisor Amy Hogan has some advice and ideas about:
– Employment
– Working with your GP
– Adapting to being sick and recovering from illness.
Is there a Living with CP topic you’d like Amy to cover, or a topic you’d like to know more about? If there is, send an email to Amy – cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz with your suggestion.
Research opportunities
There’s plenty of research going on for you to take part in at the moment.
– 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 – pain experiences during childhood for people aged 25-35 years old with Cerebral Palsy
– Free gait training sessions – weekly sessions with Auckland University at Newmarket campus on their positive-pressure (“anti-gravity”) treadmill.
You can read all about these projects on our Research Opportunities page.
What’s happening
Wheelchair Multi-Sport Event
Have a go at wheelchair tennis, basketball, and netball. Coaching in all sports provided (no experience necessary).
7 Allison Ferguson Drive, St Johns, Auckland, November 9 from 10am-2pm.
Register your interest: https://forms.gle/87nzPEzHvFz4UUYy9 or email Tegan – tegan@tennis.kiwi for more information.
Adaptive Mountain Biking Festival
The Adaptive Mountain Biking Festival is on Nov 15 and 16 in Rotorua. It’s a weekend of fun, connection, coaching, and trail time for adaptive riders of all levels.
Everyone’s welcome!
There’s more information here: www.adaptmtb.nz
The weekend includes a Give It A Go Day on Nov 15 – www.tinyurl.com/4ktv4688
Adaptive Triathlons
The Rotorua Adaptive Tri is on Thursday, November 6. The event is for Bay of Plenty tamariki and rangatahi, aged 5 and older, with physical or intellectual disabilities. There are 3 events with distances to suit everyone. All three will feature bike (wheels), run and swim events.
More information: https://www.rotoruatriathlon.co.nz/rotorua-adaptive-tri/
Sport Hawke’s Bay is hosting the Napier Aquatic Centre No Limits Tryathlon on Thursday, November 27. It is for tamariki and rangatahi aged 5–20 with physical, intellectual, or neurodiverse needs. The course includes swim, wheels and run legs. There are three different events to choose from as well as the option to enter solo, as a team or both. Registrations close Friday, November 21.
Information: https://www.napieraquatic.co.nz/events/paratriathlon/
Taranaki Amazing Race
The Taranaki Amazing Race is on Saturday, December 6, and people of all abilities and ages are invited. It’s at East End Reserve, Fitzroy from 11am to 1pm and is being put on by Halberg and some awesome partners.
The event is free, but registration is essential for support and planning purposes. Scan the QR code in the poster or go to: www.tinyurl.com/yeyt35bu
For information email max@halberg.co.nz or phone 027 269 8579.
Halberg Outdoor Recreation Camp
The annual Halberg Outdoor Recreation Camp is happening in December at Wainui Park, Banks Peninsula. Over five days (four nights), participants aged 17-21 will take part in exciting activities designed to help them grow, connect, and achieve goals they never thought possible! Space is limited.
Register your interest – email Rebecca at rebecca@halberg.co.nz
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.
Registrations open soon. www.halberg.co.nz/halberg-games/halberg-games
Goodness – what a month it has been!
We’re looking forward to a bit of “business as usual” in the weeks leading up to our Christmas shutdown.
As always, please feel free to get in touch with our Member Support team if we can be of any assistance. Peter, Matt and Theo are happy to help and look forward to chatting with you.
Ngā mihi,
Clare Williams
General Manager
Cerebral Palsy Society of NZ
