Our Members - Their Stories
Help raise the profile of Cerebral Palsy
08 Sep 2025
We’re checking in with members who have shared their story for Be Green & Be Seen to see where they are now.
By Melanie Louden
World Cerebral Palsy Day, on October 6, is just around the corner.
This is your chance to help raise awareness about how common Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi is. Every effort to increase knowledge and understanding, and to make sure that people who live with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi are seen, makes a difference.
You could get involved with the Cerebral Palsy Society’s annual campaign Be Green & Be Seen 2025.
Since it’s inception, Be Green & Be Seen has had generous support from Cerebral Palsy Society members, friends and whānau of the Society, the general public and businesses.
This year we’re checking in with some of the members who kindly shared their stories as part of previous campaigns.
Keep an eye on our social media to see more about what they, and other members, have been up to in our “Where are they now” series.
Whether you organise a green-themed morning tea, dress up day or bake sales at your workplace, your child’s kindy or school, or you share a little something about your, or your whānau’s, personal journey with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi, it all helps.
Be Green & Be Seen began in 2021. We chose the colour green because it is the international colour of Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi. And we chose October to coincide with World Cerebral Palsy Day.
Thomas Chin 2022
When we introduced Thomas, he was 22 years old, living at his family home in Christchurch and working part time, while studying law.
He was heavily involved with the Halberg Foundation and had a passion for advocacy.
In 2024, Thomas, now 25, graduated with a Bachelor of Laws minoring in Māori and Indigenous Studies.
He now lives in Whakatāne where he works as a solicitor.
“My advocacy work has transferred into my mahi as a lawyer. I cover a wide range of legal areas including criminal law, conveyancing and wills and succession.
“Although no longer specific to the disability sector, my focus on advocacy remains at the forefront of what I do.”
Since moving to Whakatāne Thomas’ focus has been on trying to find his feet as a new lawyer “while combating the significant challenges of moving to Whakatāne where there is a lack of disability
support and options in terms of accessibility and transport”.
Thomas’ story from Be Green & Be Seen 2022 – www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/our_members/getting-the-best-outcome-no-matter-the-circumstance
Kevin Botha 2023
Kevin, now 9, remains a determined young man.
“Kevin is a very happy and positive boy. He does therapy daily and is eager and happy to do it. He is a hard worker and tough both in body and mind,” dad Shane says.
When we first met Kevin he had recently learnt to spell his name by putting the correct letters in the right order.
He is now able to sit unaided for a couple of minutes, he has started to pull himself into a standing position in an adapted standing frame, and can stand while holding himself up for over an hour.
His language – using a communication book, a tablet and Sign Language – has continued to advance.
Kevin’s story from Be Green & Be Seen 2023 – www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/our_members/milestones-and-happiness-for-the-botha-family
Vaotane (Va) Filemoni 2023
When we chatted with Va she was working as a teacher aid at Mangere Bridge School – a position she has now held for six years.
Ballroom dancing remains her number one hobbie – she attends weekly lessons and helps out at competitions.
Va, 33, is working on perfecting the merrilyn and tangoette dances – especially rotating during a dance.
“That’s the hard part of my dancing, because of my limited movements.”
Earlier this year Va went to Samoa for a funeral. It was her first overseas trip in 22 years. She is now planning a trip to Italy for her uncle’s wedding in October 2026.
Va’s story from Be Green & Be Seen 2023 – www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/our_members/vas-comfortable-in-her-own-skin
Max Wymer 2024
When we met Max life was all about boccia and watching the One New Zealand Warriors.
Not much has changed – except that boccia has “taken off”.
Max went to Christchurch for the 2024 Boccia NZ Nationals where he and fellow Cerebral Palsy Society member Troy Robertson played doubles and won a silver medal.
Earlier this year Max travelled to Wellington for the North Island regionals where he came second in the BC3.
He is now training for this year’s Nationals in Christchurch in October and his international debut at the Canberra 2025 World Boccia Challenger in November.
Max’s story from Be Green & Be Seen 2024 – www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz/our_members/aiming-high-after-humble-beginnings-on-court
This article was originally published in the September 2025 edition of The Review magazine.
For more information:
Melanie Louden
Communications Manager
melanie@cpsociety.org.nz
Mobile: 022 087 819
