Winter is approaching… I hope you’ve got your winter hacks for keeping warm ready to go.   There has been a lot going on in the past month, we’ve got lots to update you on….so let’s get into it.   Farewell to Renata and Kavita  We have recently said farewell to two staff members – both heading off on exciting new opportunities!  Member Support and Programme Coordinator Renata Kotua left the Society on March 28 after almost two years in the role. Previously, she was on the Society’s Board for 17 months.  Renata had a huge impact on members – she was always on ..read more

The April 17, 2024 Cerebral Palsy Society Board meeting resulted in a few changes that we wanted to share with you. Office bearing roles adjusted Daniel Clay remains Chairperson/President. However, Meg Smith (previously Vice President and Secretary) now holds the single role of Secretary. Board member Emma Lovett has taken on the role of Vice President. We thank Daniel, Meg and Emma for their commitment to the Society in holding these positions, and we thank all the volunteer Board members for their dedication.   Resignation It is with great appreciation for her service to the Society, t ..read more

This weekend is Easter, and whatever the weekend means to you, be it church, family, bunnies or chocolate (or all of the above), we hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.   We’ve had a great month – members representing the Society at Round the Bays, a wonderful member-event in Christchurch, and some delightful coffee group catch ups.  There’s plenty coming up around the country too.  You can read all about it in this month’s newsletter.    Round the Bays 2024  Southern Cross Round the Bays was held in Auckland on March 3 and we were thrilled to rec ..read more

The Cerebral Palsy Society is seeking feedback from members following funding changes announced by Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People to its Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services on Monday, March 18, 2024. Please click here to fill in our short survey We will be using the information you provide us to help form our response and advocacy actions. We value your feedback and input. The survey is anonymous – unless you decide to provide us with your details. If you have any questions, please contact our Member Support team on 0800 503 603 or cpsociety@cpsocie ..read more

On Monday March 18, 2024, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People announced changes to its Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services (EMS).  We’ve complied a list of information and documents to help explain the changes.   Information from Whaikaha Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services Questions and answers: Changes to Purchasing Rules and EMS   Information from the disability sector Manawanui – Facebook Livestream to answer questions about the changes Cerebral Palsy Society – Press Release – Whaikaha’s “draconian” and “outrageous” funding  ch ..read more

PRESS RELEASE    The Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand is strongly opposed to the “draconian” changes Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People is making to its Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services (EMS).   Amy Hogan lives with Cerebral Palsy, is a member of the Society and works as the Society’s Researcher and Member Support Advisor.   “The processes to allocate funding were fragile and broken to start with. But this is making it even harder for people to access the support they need,” she says.   Whaikaha announced on Monday, March 18 that they were m ..read more

On March 7, members joined three staff from the CP Society for a wonderful day out at Willowbank Wildlife Park in Christchurch.   The event was for Society members who live in a residential facility in Christchurch, and/or are GMFCS Level 5.   The day started with lunch at the Willowbank Cafe and then members and their caregivers were free to explore the park.  Thanks to the very generous support of the E L and J B Sanderson Cerebral Palsy Trust (proudly managed by Perpetual Guardian) it was a free event.  A huge thank you must also go to the team at Willo ..read more

We’re delighted to let you know that the Cerebral Society Board has approved $200 getProgramme funding per member for the period from March 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.   To receive the next round of funding a member must: have a current/active payment plan have an e-Card Automatic top ups (for those who received funding in the Nov 1, 2023 to Feb 29, 2024 round) will begin during the week of March 1. You do not need to contact us, and you will receive a text or email confirmation once your top up has been completed.  Anyone who did not receive funding in the Nov 1 ..read more

Paralympics New Zealand is calling on those involved in sport to make their codes more inclusive to people living with a disability. Eighty-four percent of New Zealander’s believe we should have a society that is truly inclusive of disabled people. Yet research released by Paralympics New Zealand at the end of last year reveals only half believe we are achieving this desired level of inclusion. The NZ Paralympic Team continues to have a strong impact on Kiwis, and with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on the horizon, there is a clear call for more representation of disabled Kiwis on our screens ..read more

Kia ora,  I hope this email finds you, your whānau, family and friends well. We hope you’ve been able to make the most of the summer weather, and the children amongst our membership are all well settled back into the school routine.   Our thoughts have been with Kiwis living with the impact of the Port Hills fire in Christchurch, and we share the community’s grateful thanks to the fire fighters who have been working hard to protect the community.   Latest edition of The Review magazine  The next edition of The Review magazine is out now, and we’ve got plenty of ne ..read more