Families from across New Zealand flocked to Porirua last month as the NAPA Centre Australia hosted its first-ever pop-up clinic in Aotearoa, delivering intensive paediatric therapy at Te Rauparaha Arena over a three-week period.
The international team of nine therapists, including two New Zealanders returning home, supported 16 children through NAPA’s renowned programmes. Designed to empower tamariki with developmental challenges, these personalised sessions combined neurological and physical therapy techniques to help children reach their full potential. Families travelled from as far afield as Northland, Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, Taupō and Taranaki to attend.
NAPA Centre Australia Managing Director Paul Pozzobon said the team was overwhelmed by the welcome in Porirua.
“It meant so much to us to support local families and be part of their journey, even for just a short time,” Pozzobon said. “Our approach goes beyond traditional therapy by focusing on functional outcomes and using a combination of global interventions. We aim to offer life-changing results in a way that’s engaging, effective, and fun.”
Until now, Kiwi families seeking this level of therapy had to travel overseas. For Laura and Tane North, founders of the Wonderboy Trust, hosting the clinic locally was the realisation of a long-held dream.
“Since first discovering NAPA Sydney in 2016, we’ve wanted to bring it home,” said Laura North. “We’ve experienced the incredible impact it’s had on our children, Thea and Elijah. This first pop-up is a seed, if we nurture it, it could grow into something life-changing for thousands of Kiwi kids.”
Local support played a major role in bringing the clinic to life. Porirua-based charity Āhuru Mōwai Trust helped fund the initiative and supplied essential equipment. Trustee Paul Latham credited the strength of the local community.
“When we heard NAPA might come to New Zealand, we did everything we could to make sure Porirua was the place,” Latham said. “Thanks to amazing support from Te Rauparaha Arena, the Mana Lions, Rotary Club of Plimmerton, Harvey Norman, Moana Road, and Whitakers, we delivered a truly special experience.”
For families like the Truemans, who have made 16 trips to NAPA clinics in Australia, the timing was ideal. Kirsty Trueman said her son Tama, recovering from major spinal surgery, made remarkable progress.
“NAPA helped him walk confidently with a walker and even communicate using a new Eye Gaze device,” she said. “It was incredible.”
For others, it was their first NAPA experience. Jessica Lock, who travelled from Taranaki with her daughter Aubree, was overwhelmed.
“It was beyond our expectations,” Lock said. “Aubree gained 10 new words, built strength and flexibility. We really hope they return.”
Founded over 17 years ago in Los Angeles, NAPA Centre’s holistic model integrates intensive therapy with state-of-the-art technology and global best practices. Their pop-up in Porirua featured flagship programmes including Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), supporting children with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and brain injuries.
“This pop-up was a special one,” said Pozzobon. “The connections we made and the progress we saw will stay with us. We’re already looking forward to hopefully returning in 2026.”