More Than Movement: The Foundation of Care
- Ola Ioane

- Jun 2
- 2 min read
When people ask what we do at Neuro Connection Foundation, I often say, “We keep people moving.” But truthfully, it’s much more than that...
Every day, we see the weight that neurological conditions place not just on the individual, but on their whānau, their sense of self, and their ability to navigate systems that are often complex and overwhelming.
In Aotearoa, over 60,000 people are living with the effects of stroke. Around 12,000 more are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Thousands live with MS or Cerebral Palsy. These numbers aren’t just statistics, they are stories of change, disruption, and resilience.
So believe what we need to support this community is 'care that lasts'. We walk alongside our clients for the long haul - sometimes for years - supporting them through the highs and lows, the plateaus and breakthroughs. Our services are consistent and community-led, shaped by the voices of those we serve. That’s intentional. Because we know that continuity matters. Relationships matter. Trust matters.
We’re often the calm after a big storm. After hospital discharges, after diagnosis days, after “we’re not sure what’s next” conversations. Our work picks up where others leave off. Through tailored rehab classes, whānau support, and practical tools, we help people develop a new rhythm, identify their strengths, and connect them to life beyond their diagnosis.
Clients tell us they feel more confident, more informed, and less alone. Carers share that our support gives them space to breathe, to hope, and to carry on. 40% of our referrals come from health professionals, because they understand that our wraparound approach reduces hospital readmissions and eases pressure on an already stretched system.
We’re not a big organisation. But our impact is mighty.
We serve hundreds of clients each year, many of whom remain with us long-term.
We provide over 1,400 rehabilitation sessions annually.
We maintain a 96% satisfaction rate from clients and carers.
We’ve helped keep people out of hospital, out of crisis, and in their communities.
Our approach is built around three pillars: services, community, and resources. From there, we hold close six commitments - continuity of care, collective voice, whole person support, confident community, equity in access, and system pressure relief. Together, these form the heart of what we offer and why it’s needed.
We know the journey of living with a neurological condition can feel isolating. That’s why we’re here, not just to provide therapy, but to provide hope, dignity, and belonging.
Because everyone deserves the chance to keep moving forward.