Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand

Fifteen years of progress

(Right) Chris Carter, The Minister of Education

“Everyone wants the best for their child and so the holistic approach of Focus 2000’s Conductive Education Centre for Cerebral Palsy children, was so basically sensible,” said Minister of Education Chris Carter. Everyone agreed with the Minister who was speaking at the 15th anniversary of the Auckland Centre. On May 17th, past and present pupils and their families gathered together, at Western Springs Garden Community Hall, to celebrate their successes and talk positively about the future.

Two parents spoke formally on how Conductive Education has helped their child.

Chris Haverkort, father of former pupil Brooke, was full of admiration for the conductors who had come all the way from Hungary to help “our kids”.

“Thanks to the conductors Brooke now enters the Weetbix triathlon, abseils and wins prizes at school speech competitions,” said Chris.

Tracy Wadsworth, current Cerebral Palsy Board member and mother of present pupil Ross, spoke of her son’s amazing progress.

“Thanks to conductive education Ross is now a bright, beautiful, inquisitive child. It’s my big hope that in 15 years time my son can stand before you and talk about his own progress,” said Tracy.

And what an occasion that would be.

Manager of Conductive Education Erzsi Zatrok spoke briefly of the Centre’s history. She spoke of the humble beginnings at Ponsonby Intermediate School, the upgrade to the Marist school building in Vermont Street and the move to its present site in Coyle Street Sandringham. She spoke of the great work done by Conductive Education’s first manager Kati Gonczy and Anne Murphy, the former Director of Services for the Society. Both worked tirelessly and Anne was rewarded with the title of “honorary Conductor” from the Peto Institute in Budapest, Hungary as well as being recognised by the NZ Government with the NZ Order of Merit.

The Cerebral Palsy Society can justifiably be proud of its role in establishing the centre and Focus 2000’s role in ensuring its growth and continuing excellence.