History hub
Snapshot of our ninety-year history
He tirohanga ki muri
We have been working alongside disabled people since 1935. As we celebrate turning ninety, we invite you to reflect on some of the key milestones that have helped shape us as an organisation over the decades.
Delegates from 17 branches attend the first Annual General Meeting of the New Zealand Crippled Children’s Society (Inc.) in Wellington, July 1935.
Laying the foundation
1935 – 1945
In response to the polio epidemics of the early 1920s, CCS Disability Action forms under the name Crippled Children’s Society by Rotary New Zealand in Timaru in 1935
Welfare officers are appointed (changed to field officers in 1949)
Regular mobile orthopaedic clinics are established, particularly in rural areas
The field officer, Miss Elsie Lepper (née Titchener), attended all the visitation work and clinics on a bicycle during the mid-1940s. In 1971 she was awarded an MBE for her services to the organisation.
A developing practice
1945 – 1955
Financed by the Crippled Children’s Society, Dr Earl Carlson (an American expert on disability) visits New Zealand to give an address on cerebral palsy
Sir Charles Norwood, an enthusiastic supporter and remarkable businessman, establishes a trust fund for children with cerebral palsy
Visiting Therapist Service established, to visit homes of children with physical impairments
Many children received their early education at CCS kindergartens like this one in Lower Hutt in the 1960s. During this time, people believed the correct response was to ‘fix’ disabled people by segregating them and providing a service (such as an institution) to meet their ‘special’ needs.
Adapting to change
1955-1965
With the introduction of the Disabled Persons Employment Act, 1960 - sheltered workshops are established as a compromise to institutional care
CCS celebrates its Silver Jubilee (1935 – 1960)
William Herewini appointed as first Māori representative on the National Council
Access Magazine launched in 1973 with the intent to showcase the stories and news of the people we supported and served. Today CCS Disability Action is committed to providing information and advocacy to the community as well as raising awareness of the issues that impact disabled people and their families.
Fresh perspectives
1965 – 1975
First issue of ‘Access’ produced, the CCS national magazine
Disabled Persons Community Welfare Act passed
National Advisory Committee on Recreation for the Disabled set up
First ‘Crippled Children Day’ held
Operation Mobility was launched at the Beehive on September 30, 1977. Here, Ross Goldsbury, manager of CCS Hawke’s Bay, displays one of the Operation Mobility cards. Today, there are over 170,000 Mobility Parking scheme users, managed by a dedicated team based in Christchurch.
Empowerment and mobility
1975 - 1985
First Outward Bound course held for disabled people
Operation Mobility parking scheme launched
First Building for Disabled Persons Design Award given
Barrier Free campaign launched
International Year of Disabled Persons (1981) – funds from a telethon went towards this cause
Golden Jubilee
Mere Broughton welcomes Debbie Ward with a hongi at the CCS National Conference pōwhiri,1993. CCS Disability action was one of the first disability organisations to try and extend its support into Māori communities. Today, all our work with whānau hauā Māori is guided by our Māori leadership strategy – Manawa.
Expanding horizons
1985 – 1995
First Philosophy and Policy document and Mission Statement adopted
First Working with People with Disabilities Course held
CCS Information Service and library established
Partnership with tangata whenua and recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
CCS adopts new name and logo - New Zealand CCS Inc.
Consumer Advisory Group established
Whānau Support Group established
National Research Group established
Fundraising has been an important part of our organisation’s growth over the years. We rely on donations and grants to deliver our services and support disabled people and their whānau. Every gift, little or large, makes a difference to support 5,000 disabled people and their whānau around the motu.
Innovation and impact
1995 – 2005
National Strategic Plan 1995 – 2000 adopted
Diamond Jubilee
‘On the Move: 60-year history of CCS’ published
First Direct Mail fundraising began
National Bicultural Strategy established
National Kaitohutohu (cultural advisor) appointed
Folate Campaign launched
‘What did you say?’ campaign launched
‘Journey to Work’ was established to help young disabled people into meaningful employment. Today, we work with disabled people and their whānau to empower and enable them to achieve their personal goals – whether that be finding a job, a place to live, education or accessing their community.
New directions
2005 – 2015
‘Let’s Get in Early’ campaign launched to increase awareness of Early Support
National manager Māori Policy and Strategy appointed
New Zealand CCS Inc evolves to become CCS Disability Action
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified by New Zealand
First Lifetime Design Chief Executive Officer appointed
‘Journey to Work’ launched, a joint project with Workbridge to help young disabled people into employment
Enabling Good Lives framework established
Strategic Priorities 2009 – 2014 launched
2025 marks our 90th anniversary. This important milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our rich history and celebrate the amazing achievements of people who have helped shape our journey.
At the forefront
2015 – 2025
CCS Disability Action continues to evolve, becoming the largest pan-disability support and advocacy organisation in New Zealand
‘Tēnei Aū. This is me, here I am’ – A series of online huis are held to explore how Enabling Good Lives principles can build greater choice and control
Strategic priorities 2022 – 2025 launched including Te Aronui – Our Vision
Creation of Karanga Maha (‘Many Voices’) – a series of grassroots hui driven by local steering groups and underpinned by Kaupapa Māori
A new Incorporated Societies Act is passed requiring a new constitution to be adopted and the opportunity to review governance arrangements
90th anniversary celebrated