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THE NEWS When did you start working for the CP Society and what is your job? I joined the CP Society in April 2025. My role is Member Support and Programmes Coordinator; I oversee the coffee groups around the country and host two groups in Auckland. What do you love about your job? I enjoy interacting with our members and their whānau/ carers and being able to assist with suggestions and information to help them in their daily lives. The diversity of questions that we are asked means that every day is different and there are always new things to learn. What makes a successful day at work for you? To know that I have done my best to assist members and their whānau/carers and that I have provided them with the resources they need. Related to this is being able to better understand the wider needs of our membership, and utilize resources to assist others in the future. If resources and funds weren’t an issue, what would you like to see our members enjoying? More opportunities for social connections in provincial centres, and for parents, teenagers and young adults as loneliness and social isolation can be a very real issue. Meet our team Peter Rawlings Each edition we introduce you to a CPS teammember. Kia ora e te whānau Hōkai Nukurangi, Cerebral Palsy Society members. One of the most important roles of the Cerebral Palsy Society (CPS) is ensuring that the voices of our members are heard by those making decisions that affect our lives. Recently, we had the opportunity to do exactly that through our submission on the Disability Support Services Bill. Firstly, thank you to everyone who completed our member survey. We received an incredible 140 responses. That level of engagement reflects just how important disability support is to people with Cerebral Palsy and their whānau. Your feedback formed the foundation of our submission and ensured that it reflected the real-life impacts of the proposed legislation. I was proud to appear before the Social Services and Community Select Committee on behalf of CPS. It was a privilege to represent our members and advocate for your interests. Our key messages were clear. We argued that the Government should retain primary responsibility for meeting disability-related support needs rather than shifting more responsibility onto families, that support should remain based on need rather than family income or assets, and that any future changes should only occur following meaningful consultation and co-design with disabled people and their whānau. The Committee has released its report, and there have been some wins for CPS. A major gain is the change to the “family first” clause. From the Chair Daniel Clay Chairperson Previously, the Bill took a “family first” or, as CPS submitted, a “family substitution” approach where family resources were relied on before DSS funding was provided. The Select Committee has recommended changes to the Bill to remove the family first approach and consider factors such as the person with a disability’s choices and preferences, safety and dignity, circumstances, and any support from family. Consultation with disability organisations on new funding programmes has also been recommended. Importantly, the main opposition parties have confirmed that they would withdraw the Bill if in Government. CPS will monitor the Bill’s progress and any new funding programmes, and we can advocate for members’ interests. The Executive Committee has recently completed a review of the Society’s strategy. This work incorporated feedback from member surveys and the many conversations we have with members throughout the year. Our refreshed strategy reinforces our commitment to delivering valued and equitable services, being a strong and influential voice, building connection and belonging for members, supporting research and education, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of CPS. These priorities will guide our work over the coming years. Ngā mihi nui, 4 | THE REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2026