Research opportunities
Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nikurangi is an exciting area of research, science, and clinical practice. Discoveries are being made all the time particularly when it comes to specific areas of living with CP, such as the difference between Level I and V.
The Cerebral Palsy Society regularly gets approached with research opportunities. This page is a place to learn about different studies that are on offer.
By getting involved in research, you’re helping create a more informed and clearer picture for people with CP across Aotearoa New Zealand, guiding advocacy and efforts towards change.
- If you are interested in learning more about the studies listed below, please contact the researcher directly.
- If you would like information about CP research in general, please contact Cerebral Palsy Society Researcher and Writer Amy Hogan amy@cpsociety.org.nz.
- Anyone interested in having their research featured on this page should contact Cerebral Palsy Society Researcher and Writer Amy Hogan amy@cpsociety.org.nz. Please supply an intro of no more than 200 words, a video or written document explaining your research, a suitable photo (or logos), and any other relevant documents.
Help shape research about literacy and AAC
June 16, 2026
How can we better support literacy learning for children who cannot rely on spoken speech alone to communicate in mainstream primary schools?
You are warmly invited to join a small sense-making group as part of a Master of Specialist Teaching research project at Massey University.
This group brings together people with lived experience to help make sense of findings from interviews with educators about literacy learning and augmentative and AAC (alternative communication) in mainstream schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This is not a research interview. Instead, it is a chance to share your perspective and help ensure the findings reflect what matters most to AAC users and their families.
The group is open to:
– Adults who use AAC and attended a mainstream school, or
– Parents of a child who cannot rely on spoken speech alone to communicate and have attended a mainstream school.
The group will meet online for one 60-minute session in late June, with an optional follow-up session in early July.
If you are interested or would like to know more, please email Maria Wilson at mariatalks@hotmail.com.
Help shape better support services for people living with Cerebral Palsy
June 12, 2026
How has cerebral palsy affected your finances and quality of life?
You are invited to answer a survey as part of a doctoral research project at the University of Auckland, on the financial and economic impact of Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Are you:
– A parent or primary caregiver of a person living with CP in New Zealand, OR;
– An adult over 16 years old living with CP in New Zealand who can self-report your experiences.
The 30-75 minute survey will take you through questions on out-of-pocket expenses, productivity, and quality of life.
Your insights will help shape better support services for the community. Please take the time to respond.
The survey closes on August 15, 2026.
For any questions, you may contact david.rebosura@auckland.ac.nz
Impact of Aging With Cerebral Palsy Study – (Inter)National Survey
December 10, 2025
The United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawai’i has embraced the humanitarian need to continue to research the effects of aging with cerebral palsy along with potential interventions to help.
Their study consists of seven questionnaires over three surveys investigating changes in physical skills, pain levels, adaptive skills, communication skills, medical/mental health needs, current concerns, and the need for resources.
The study is open to adults with cerebral palsy who are 20-years of age older and/or caregivers, if applicable.
The Impact of Aging with Cerebral Palsy—A Brief Summary (published at https://ucp.org/the-impact-of-aging-with-cerebral-palsy/)
Cerebral Palsy Is Not Just a Childhood Disorder—it has been reported that there are more adults with cerebral palsy than children!
While the damage that causes cerebral palsy is not progressive, adults with cerebral palsy often face a significant increase in spasticity, ataxia, athetosis, pain, social isolation, depression, anxiety, and more.
The information will be gathered, analysed and sent to all community agencies that work with people with disabilities, our legislature, and because this is now an international survey, all state Department of Health agencies as well as agencies from the countries of international respondents.
The link to the first survey is below. Surveys two and three will be sent as they receive each survey.
– More information on the aging with cerebral palsy study: https://ucpahawaii.org/aging/
– United Cerebral Palsy blog on the study: https://ucp.org/the-impact-of-aging-with-cerebral-palsy/
Free gait training sessions
October 13, 2025 – updated December 12, 2025
Researchers at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute have concluded the first research phase of their anti-gravity treadmill project. Given the great progress some participants achieved, they have expanded their scope to offer the training free of charge to the community. Weekly sessions run at the Newmarket campus between 9am and 5:30pm. There are spaces for more participants.
The positive-pressure (“anti-gravity”) treadmill reduces body weight loading and makes walking easier and more efficient. The researchers see this as a complementary form of physical activity alongside existing therapy or exercise routines.
Watch this video to see how the treadmill works: https://youtu.be/R5vkpDBzIyk?si=7tfP4twIZkd_E_SR
For more information contact Pablo Ortega-Auriol, Research Fellow, Auckland Bioengineering Institute – p.ortegaauriol@auckland.ac.nz
* Clinicians who would like to visit and learn more about the sessions and services for their patients are more than welcome to get in touch.
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