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How Centre of Movement’s intensive therapy is transforming lives in NZ

Stephen Pennisi Exercise Physiologist/ Co-Director
August 8, 2025
Reading time 11 mins

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A journey of courage and resilience – Emersyn Hardie

Emersyn Hardie is a two-year-old from Rangiora, New Zealand. Emmy entered the world not breathing, requiring 16 minutes of CPR. This traumatic start led to a severe brain injury, Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE) and she was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Emmy’s family fundraised to take her to the Gold Coast to intensive therapy with The Centre of Movement. In an article on News Hub, it’s shared how Emersyn’s determination, combined with the intensive therapy at the Centre of Movement, has led to remarkable progress—she can now sit, stand, and even take steps using a walker.

Emersyn’s journey is a great example of the incredible impact of intensive therapy. This approach involves a three-week program where children engage in daily, three-hour sessions focused on harnessing neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to create new pathways. Using specialised equipment, harnesses, and repetitive exercises, children learn to control their movements, build strength, and gain independence.

Incredible progress by Greer Rodda

Rotorua toddler Greer Rodda was born with a severe brain injury and has also shown incredible progress thanks to intensive therapy. The NZ Herald shares how despite challenges like impaired vision and the need for mobility aids, Greer has achieved milestones such as sitting up and rolling on her own.

In the NZ Herald article, Greer’s parents, Jacque and Thomas said they have invested in therapy programs not funded in New Zealand to give her the best chance at a brighter future. This effort aligns closely with the work being done at the Centre of Movement, where intensive therapies aim to help children achieve milestones once thought impossible. We’re currently working on establishing a headquarters in Rotorua by 2025, so more families may soon have access to the life-changing treatments their children need.

The power of the brain: How intensive therapy works

The intensive therapy we provide is grounded in the belief that the brain’s development is dependent on use – a concept often summarised as “use it or lose it.” For children with brain injuries, early and consistent therapy can dramatically influence their long-term development.

By stimulating the brain’s natural capacity to adapt and rewire, these therapies enable children to achieve key milestones like sitting, standing, and walking – milestones that may otherwise seem out of reach.

We tailor each therapy program to each child, so the techniques and exercises are effective for their specific condition. An article in The Press highlights how the treatment has had a huge impact, and parents, like Emersyn’s mother Mackenzie, have witnessed their children make incredible progress, often exceeding the expectations of medical professionals.

Centre of Movement expanding across the Tasman

Understanding the need for more accessible intensive therapy in New Zealand, the Centre of Movement is planning to expand our services across the Tasman. A new facility is set to open in Rotorua in 2025, bringing this transformative therapy closer to home for many New Zealand families. This expansion offers hope to children like Emersyn and Greer, giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of financial barriers.

As the Centre of Movement continues to make a difference in children’s lives, it also offers hope and support to families facing the challenges of raising a child with a brain injury. By providing these children with the necessary tools and therapies, we’re able to not only help them reach developmental milestones but also unlock their full potential.

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