Connect 28
- The Champion Centre
- Jun 16
- 5 min read
Kia ora e te whānau
Term 1 2026 has proven to be a busy term for staff, whānau and tamariki:
Looking back
Our staff attended a full week of professional development before programmes restarted at the beginning of the year. As always, we had a full programme of both professional development and whakawhanaunatanga (connection). Topics were varied (see diagram) and the feedback from the week was really positive. Our Training Week also enabled us to partner with a local kaupapa Māori preschool who provided us with training, and attended some of the training we put on.
Our website and branding have received a significant and much needed update. One of our graduate parents, and our Marketing and Communications Advisor, Charlotte worked tirelessly to create a modern, vibrant and colourful brand, that connects our history, whakapapa, future and celebrates diversity. Please have a look at our website – we’d love to hear what you think!
We have engaged with whānau in consultation around our service delivery, our foundational principles, and design of the service. Thank you all for your time and honesty.
We welcomed our new Fundraising manager, Dave Marsh, who joined the team in January.
Looking Ahead to Term 2
Hydrotherapy will restart on Thursday afternoons, following a prolonged closure of the pool for repairs.
We will be continuing to engage our kaimahi / staff in consultation around service design alongside the continued whānau involvement to ensure their voices continue to shape what we do.
A couple of our senior team will be heading to Adelaide to attend the PRECI (Professionals & Researchers in Early Childhood Intervention) Conference and are looking forward to sharing about our learnings and connections.
Thank You
To our whānau, you are the heart of everything we do. Your trust, feedback, and partnership inspire us every day. To our staff and supporters, your dedication and generosity make our mission possible. From all of us at the Champion Centre, thank you for being part of this journey.
Ka whāngaia, ka tupu, ka puāwai
That which is nurtured, grow then blossom
Ngā mihi nui,
Beccy Creswick
Service Delivery & Development Lead
What's new?
'The Diversity of Neurodiversity' Workshop
We are very excited to have partnered with MHERC to deliver workshops. Our first being 'The Diversity of Neurodiversity' presented by our very own Senior Psychologist Juilana.
If you’re keen to gain a wider and deeper understanding of neurodiverse children and how to provide support that brings out the best in them, this is the workshop to attend!
For more information or if you'd like to register click here.
Ashburton Playgroup Pilot
Our senior Early Intervention Teacher has spearheaded the design and set up of a Neurodiverse Playgroup based in Ashburton, in partnership with Playcentre Aotearoa.
The playgroup runs on a Thursday morning, and a number of local whānau are attending regularly. This is currently in the trial phase however; the initial feedback and connections have been hugely positive.
Junior Music Group
We have officially wrapped up our first term of the Junior Music Group! Get in touch with Sarah to sign up for term 2.
Staff Spotlight: Leanne, Senior Early Intervention Teacher
As part of our ongoing series celebrating the incredible individuals who make our Centre so special, we’re delighted to shine the spotlight on Leanne, our Senior Early Intervention Teacher.
Leanne’s journey with the Champion Centre began as a student, completing a six‑month placement while undertaking her postgraduate studies. What started as a placement quickly became a long‑term connection, and the Centre has been fortunate to have Leanne as part of our whānau ever since.
After taking time away from work to be a stay‑at‑home mum, Leanne returned to the Champion Centre in 2024 in her current role as Senior Early Intervention Teacher.
Leanne’s Role at the Champion Centre
In her day‑to‑day work, Leanne supports tamariki as an Early Intervention Teacher, while also providing guidance and leadership for other Early Intervention Teachers on site. This includes offering supervision, supporting appraisals, and being a go‑to person for questions and support within the team.
Leanne also holds oversight of transition to school across the Centre. This role involves ensuring whānau and staff are well supported through the process, from guiding and proofreading ORS applications, to helping everyone feel confident about the systems and timelines involved.
“My role is primarily as an Early Intervention Teacher, but I also support other teachers through supervision and appraisals. I want everyone to feel supported and confident, especially through big transitions like starting school.”
In addition, Leanne acts as a key liaison with the Ministry of Education, helping to keep information current for children who are preparing to transition into school.
Working in a Multidisciplinary Team
One of the things Leanne values most about working at the Champion Centre is the truly collaborative, multidisciplinary model of care. She describes the opportunity to work alongside therapists from different disciplines as both rare and incredibly valuable, not just for tamariki and whānau, but for staff learning and growth as well.
“It’s very unique, and we probably don’t always stop to think how lucky we are. Having different disciplines sharing their knowledge and expertise means we’re all walking in the same direction for the benefit of the children.”
Growing Community: Ashburton Playgroup
One of Leanne’s most exciting recent projects has been the development of the Ashburton Playgroup, an initiative she helped bring to life after noticing a gap in community support.
Originally sparked during lunch‑time conversations with a colleague, Leanne wanted to create the opportunity to gather whānau walking similar journeys in a shared space so they could connect, share experiences, and feel less alone.
At the beginning of this year, that idea became a reality. Although the playgroup is currently running as a six‑month pilot, the response has already shown just how much communities value access to inclusive, supportive spaces.
Learning Together
A particularly meaningful focus for the group has been sign language. Many of the tamariki attending are non‑verbal, and whānau have shown a strong desire to learn new ways to communicate with their children.
“One parent shared that you couldn’t put a price on how important the sign course had been. She was excited to play with her son again, because it had given her a way to communicate that she didn’t have before.”
We’re incredibly grateful for Leanne’s leadership, compassion, and commitment to both the Champion Centre and the wider community. Her work continues to create meaningful connections and lasting impact for tamariki and their whānau.
CAN YOU HELP SUPPORT OUR VITAL WORK?
At the Champion Centre, our mission goes beyond early intervention - it is a lifeline. For children facing complex developmental challenges and disabilities, we offer not only expert therapies but also hope.
For over 45 years we have provided essential support to infants and young children with disabilities and developmental delays.
If you’re in a position to donate, your support will help us continue this meaningful mahi. Please press 'Donate' below or get in touch with us funding@championcentre.org.nz
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