Sarah's story
As the wife of Jamie, a young stroke survivor, Sarah encourages other survivors and loved ones to not give up.
December newsletter 2025
By Stroke Aotearoa
In this edition, we let you know how the voices of carers can be heard, share 50 ways to take a break over the holidays, and give a special thanks from our Chief Executive, Jo Lambert.
Welcome to the December edition of our supporter e-newsletter.
One of the most effective ways our charity can care for stroke survivors in New Zealand is supporting those who do it every day. We really want to make sure that the voices of those caring for stroke survivors are heard! Right now, the Ministry of Social Development is calling for feedback on its draft Carers' Strategy Action Plan for unpaid and informal carers. It will provide a road map for addressing the long-term challenges carers face.
Carers have your say
As Stroke Aotearoa is part of the New Zealand Carers Alliance, we want to make sure that those caring for stroke survivors are well represented.
Age is not a barrier for participating. Young people caring for stroke survivors are most welcome to join in. Every voice matters and this is a rare opportunity to make sure every voice counts.
To read about the proposed Carers' Strategy Action Plan for unpaid and informal workers, click here.
To provide your individual feedback, click here or email: CAPsubmissions@msd.govt.nz. You can also write to:
Carers' Strategy Action Plan
Ministry of Social Development
P.O. Box 1556
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Your feedback is needed by 12th March 2026.
Online cafe meeting
The next online cafe session:
Wednesday 21st January at 12:30pm
Topic: Community Workshop on the Draft Carers' Strategy Action Plan
Guest Speaker: Nicky Mayne
Make sure you take a break!
As you enjoy your end of year group activities, perhaps there is an opportunity to discuss with other members how you take a break or share tips on how you manage the festive season, when living with the effects of stroke or caring for someone who has had a stroke.
Here are some more great ways to take some time to be kind to yourself and make some time for you with thanks to original artist Karen Horneffer-Grinter for this wonderful illustration.
Around the motu
In typical New Zealand fashion, we've been busy right up to the final weeks of 2025! Read our latest stroke stories, check out upcoming events, and continue below to find out what December had in store for Stroke Aotearoa.
Danni's story
As a Community Stroke Navigator, Danni unfortunately knows first-hand what it is like to experience a stroke.
Life after stroke events
We offer a range of life after stroke (LAS) workshops, presentations and education sessions for people affected by stroke.
Clockwise from the top left hand-side:
In early November, alongside joint-partners The Building Intelligence Group, we were delighted to accept the ACC Excellence in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Innovation award at the 2degrees Wellington Regional Business Excellence Awards (you can read more here).
We were thrilled to be a part of Flaxmere's Together We Thrive event alongside other charities committed to the health of the community, the Rope & Twine Stroke Support Group wish to send their Christmas Greetings to other groups around the motu, it was all smiles at the Whanganui Te Oranganui Whanau Ora Day.
We are grateful for Peter Macleod and the Western Suburbs Stroke Group (Wellington) for doing the mahi raising vital funds to support our work at Karori Mall. Check out our affiliated stroke groups here.
Last but by no means least, it was all smiles at the Hauora Expo in Horowhenua. Thank you for having us.
Download our 2025 Annual Report here
Download - Stroke Aotearoa Annual Report 2025
(PDF, 8.4 MB)
Please listen to a special message from our Chief Executive, Jo Lambert
Thank you for supporting us for another year and being the reason, we are able to continuously support stroke survivors, their families and carers, and educate the wider community about stroke across Aotearoa.
If you have any enquiries, please contact us here and our friendly team will be more than happy to assist.
Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou ko te whānau │Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas.
Nicky Mayne
General Manager Community Services | Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand