“There are blessings in all of this”

By Melanie Louden

Te Aorangi Thrupp-Timoti is a bright, bubbly 7-year-old, surrounded by a loving whānau and endless opportunities.

From the moment she was born, she was a fighter – a taonga cherished by those around her.

Born at just 29 weeks, Te Aorangi made an early entrance into the world. 

The night she arrived was stormy, with fallen trees and power lines making the journey to Waikato Hospital even longer.

Her mother, Misty, underwent emergency surgery, and in the early hours of the morning, Te Aorangi was born, weighing 2lb 4oz. Tiny nappies came up to her armpits, a testament to just how small she was.

During her birth, Te Aorangi experienced a brain haemorrhage, leading to a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi. 

She spent weeks in NICU and SCBU before finally going home at three and a half months old.

Along the way, her whānau learned invaluable lessons from other parents in the neonatal unit—small but significant insights that helped shape her care and upbringing.

Fast forward to 2025, and Te Aorangi is a happy, caring, and energetic child with a great sense of humour. 

She loves making friends, going to the mall, and watching movies. She enjoys dancing and fishing, and her koro is her absolute favourite person. 

“She gives anything a go,” her whānau says. “She is friendly and talkative—she can talk, talk, talk!” 

Since she was three, Te Aorangi has taken gymnastics and swimming lessons, which help her stay active and strong. 

Her love for movement is matched by her deep connection to her Māori heritage.

She learns te reo Māori, participates in kapa haka, performs a fierce pukana, and confidently shares her pepeha.

Her whānau, recognising her potential early on, worked closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure she had the best schooling experience.

She started primary school at six, attending half-days initially, with strong support systems in place to help her thrive.

Though Hōkai Nukurangi affects her balance, and she tires more easily than other children, Te Aorangi continues to embrace life with determination and joy.

She may not run around all day like other kids, but she shines in her own way. 

Her whānau joined the Cerebral Palsy Society before her first birthday, and the support has been invaluable, especially the e-card funding, which helps cover her swimming lessons. 

“Te Aorangi is a gift to us all,” her whānau says. “Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu—although she is small, she is a treasure.”

Their advice to others walking a similar journey? Seek knowledge, reach out for support, and remember that every child is a blessing.

“It takes a village to raise these children, and we are proud to walk this journey together.”

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This article was originally published in the March 2025 edition of The Review magazine.

 

For more information:
Melanie Louden
Communications Manager
melanie@cpsociety.org.nz
Mobile: 022 087 819