Our Vision

Pictured is Carlo Fiorentino and his wife, Julie Thornley, pictured at left, who lived and thrived at Laura Fergusson for many happy years. Read more about their life on the next page. ‘Why LFT matters.’ years.

Our vision

Friends of Laura Fergusson, a charity focused on re-creating aspects of Laura Fergusson’s facility was founded by Victoria Carter ONZM when the LFT Board closed and then sold the much needed facility in Epsom. Friends began court proceedings arguing that there was still a great need in the community for some of the services. Many members were rejected from joining LFT and a lengthy crusade began, led by Victoria. In 2023 as a result of mediation a large number of previously rejected members were admitted. Then at the 2023 AGM, a new board was elected and a presentation was made on what sort of facility might be created in the future.

It is our intention for Laura Fergusson Auckland once again be a respected and admired rehabilitation provider to the physically disabled community in Auckland.

Andrew Hall, National Programme Manager NZ Spinal Trust, former CEO and Chair says: “The Auckland region is significantly under resourced with respect to quality rehabilitation services.”

We intend to work with other like-minded individuals and organisations to build a broader wellness hub serving the many communities that are impacted by life changing events.

What is our plan?

Our focus will be to find a central Auckland site with good transport links to provide:

  • Transitional accommodation.

  • Leading edge rehabilitation gym and support services.

  • State of the art hydrotherapy pool.

  • Community with café, gardens, meeting spaces.

  • Support services and offices including counselling, OT, speech therapy, vocational rehabilitation, employment support, advocacy, education.

Why will our vision work?

We will keep a prudent reserve of funds aside which will support LFT Auckland going forward.

We will strengthen the JFEF so it becomes a larger ongoing funding source for LFT activities.

We will look to outsource some key areas and partner with leaders in their field.

We will stay focused on our core purpose.

We will embed ourselves into the wider community so LFT once again becomes a very well-known health provider to the disabled community.

We will relaunch a new and vibrant fundraising arm.

We will find donors and sponsors to help fund the new facility.

We will stage our rollout of services and offerings so we live within our means, financially and managerially.

 For 52 years and until 2020 Laura Fergusson Auckland provided renowned care, community, service and rehab.  It will take time, and with your support we intend to make this happen again.