History
Backed by a legacy. Built for the future.
cann Charitable Trust, formerly the Duncan Foundation, was established in 2017 to improve the lives of people physically impacted by neurological conditions across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our roots trace back to Sir Thomas and Lady Duncan, who in 1946 established a hospital in Silverstream, Wellington, for the treatment of polio. They also funded research into the Sister Kenny Method, a progressive approach at the time to managing the condition. The hospital later moved to Durie Hill, Wanganui, and was supported by farming operations at the family’s Otiwhiti Station.
While the hospital closed in the 1970s, the Sir Thomas and Lady Duncan Trust has continued its charitable work — supporting polio survivors, funding research into neuromuscular conditions, and assisting individuals and families, affected by neurological challenges.
cann continues this legacy, delivering forward-thinking, community-rooted care through a national network of Allied Clinicians. Launched in 2017 as the Duncan Foundation, our focus has been on research-informed, community-based allied health services for people living with conditions such as dystonia, inherited ataxias, late effects of polio, and recently diagnosed Parkinson’s.
Founder Joe Duncan partnered with leading neuro-physiotherapist Julie Rope, who became the Foundation’s first Clinical Director. Together, they developed the initial service model and laid the groundwork for what is now cann— a national clinical allied neurological network.
Gordon Jackman, then Programme Manager at Polio NZ and a former patient of the Duncan Hospital, played a key role in establishing the Foundation and served as CEO from 2017 to 2021.
Today, as we evolve into cann, we remain proudly supported by the Sir Thomas and Lady Duncan Trust. Their legacy continues to guide our vision — ensuring more New Zealanders living with neurological conditions can access the care, tools, and support they need, wherever they live.
Sir Thomas and Lady Duncan Trust
Sir Thomas and Lady Duncan founded two polio hospitals in Silverstream and Wanganui, utilizing the Sister Kenny Method. The hospitals operated until the 1970s, after which the trust continued supporting Polio Survivors through Polio NZ Inc.
Establishment of the Duncan Foundation
Gordon Jackman appointed as Chief Executive
Julie Rope appointed as Clinical Director
First Allied Clinics in Auckland and Christchurch
First Polio patient assessments
Expanding Clinical Services
Dystonia patient assessments
Friedreich ataxia patient assessments
Recently diagnosed Parkinson’s assessments
Funded 1st Parkinson’s high amplitude exercise class - AMPd
Parkinson’s LSVT full programme delivery
Supported 1st QE Health 5 Day Post Polio Programme
Broader Reach
Supported establishment of the Neurogenetics Research Clinic FACOMS study — shaping PT/OT components and providing allied clinicians.
Allied clinicians – expanded to include Occupational Therapy
Innovation and Adaptation
Dystonia intensive pilot study
Polio exercise classes - online
Polio morning teas – peer support and education programme
Polio fatigue management course online pilot
Neuro Genetics Research clinic expanded to include inherited ataxia's including spinocerebellar ataxia
Launch of telehealth services due to COVID-19
Building Multi-Disciplinary Capacity
Neuromuscular fatigue management course launch
Allied clinicians - Speech and language therapy in Auckland
PINK1 Neurogenetic Parkinson's – clinical intervention design and Pacific community delivery
National Allied Clinician Conference held in Auckland
Multi-Disciplinary Polio Clinics (orthotics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, massage therapy and dietician)
Scaling Up and Strengthening Support
Polio Equipment Fund established through CANN to continue support after Polio NZ’s closure, with funding from the Sir Thomas and Lady Duncan Trust.
Clinical team grows by 16, reaching 34 Allied Clinicians
Multi-Disciplinary Polio Clinic in Hamilton (orthotics and physiotherapy)
West Auckland Parkinson's project supported by Bollard trust, including Neuro Connection satellite clinic
Investing in Knowledge, Connection & Impact
Strengthening relationships with Neuro support groups
Funded four clinicians to attend the Management of the Ataxic Adult Patient for Physiotherapists course with Dr Katrina Williams
Presented at the Parkinsons Conference (Whangarei)
Became a PD Warrior® licensee — improving outcomes for people with Parkinson’s and supporting ongoing CPD for allied clinicians.
Becoming cann
Duncan Foundation becomes cann Charitable Trust
