Story
Our Story Emily and Stephen
The Centre of Movement was founded on a simple belief: children with disabilities are capable of far more than most people imagine.
The journey to New Zealand began over a decade ago at Whangārei Hospital, where Emily saw a heartbreaking gap — adults recovering from brain injuries received structured rehabilitation and therapy, while babies with the same diagnoses were sent home with little more than a “wait and see” approach. This lack of early intervention during the most critical window of neuroplasticity never left her.
As the vision grew, Stephen traveled to the United States to bring back modalities and equipment such as the TheraSuit , CME and DMI training, Universal Exercise Unit and innovations like the Trexo Robotic Walker that were reshaping what was possible in rehabilitation for children with disabilities.
What began in Australia has now come full circle, back to Aotearoa.
After three years of supporting New Zealand families from our Gold Coast clinic and running pop-up intensives across both islands, we knew it was time to create something permanent. That is why we have established two dedicated centres in Rotorua and Christchurch.
Rotorua was chosen for its strong sense of community and the unique healing environment of its geothermal waters. Christchurch, as the hub of the South Island, opens the door to intensive therapy for families across the city and beyond, making intensive therapy programs accessible closer to home.
About
Emersyn’s story
Parents Jared and Mackenzie
Our goal is simple yet deeply personal: to deliver world-class, intensive therapy to children with neurodevelopmental challenges—right here in our own backyard.
This mission is inspired by our daughter Emersyn (Emmy), and her incredible journey with cerebral palsy. Emmy suffered a severe brain injury at birth, which led to a diagnosis of mixed cerebral palsy. Her early days were filled with hospital visits, feeding tubes, and uncertainty. Like so many families, we were left searching for answers and for hope.
That search led us one late night during a tube feed, to a video of a child receiving therapy that looked completely different from anything we had experienced here in New Zealand. It was hopeful, joyful and effective.
We knew instantly: we had to get Emmy there.
In July 2022, we travelled to the Centre of Movement in Burleigh, Australia. Nervous but full of hope, we stepped into a bright, uplifting space where we were met with compassion, expertise and a true sense of community. Emmy began to thrive. Her progress physically, emotionally and developmentally was beyond anything we could have imagined. With the help of intensive therapy, Emmy is now walking in a walker, talking, eating, and continuing to achieve milestones we were once told might never come.
After several visits to Australia, we realised this wasn’t just about our daughter anymore. It was about every child who deserves access to the same level of care.
That realisation led us to support New Zealand’s first Centre of Movement pop-up clinic in Rotorua. The impact was immediate and undeniable: children reaching milestones, families finding hope, and a community forming around a shared vision. We remember looking around the room and seeing the same joy, relief, and possibility that we had experienced. In that moment, we knew we were on the right path.
Now, we’re proud to be bringing the Centre of Movement to Aotearoa permanently.
This isn’t just about therapy it’s about environment, belief, and connection.
Steve and Emily the founders of Centre of Movement, have built something truly special: a space grounded in trust, compassion, and the belief in what’s possible for every child.
We are honoured to help carry that vision forward and to be part of the Centre of Movement whānau.
After several visits to Australia, we realised this wasn’t just about our daughter anymore
It was about every child who deserves access to the same level of care
Our Mission
Our mission is clear:
To have intensive therapy accessible to every tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa. No more waiting. No more long distance travel. Just world class care, close to home. A place where hope lives, and potential is unlocked—one child, one family, one step at a time.
Why us?
Why Centre of Movement
Innovative Approach
Experienced professionals
Unwavering Support
Community Commitment
Empowerment & Potential
