Louise Blockley 
Around half of survey respondents with motor neurone disease (MND) who receive funded care say it isn’t enough, reports recently published MND Insight Research. The research provides strong evidence of what Motor Neurone Disease NZ (MND NZ) Support Advisors see every day: that better access to more adequate funded care would ease the burden on … Read more
The Spring 2026 edition of MND News magazine is landing in mailboxes and inboxes throughout New Zealand. It’s overflowing with stories that showcase the power of connection, advocacy, education, research and support. Pictured on the front cover is the late Francois Smith, who left a remarkable legacy following his death with MND in October 2025. … Read more
Last week, people from across Aotearoa’s MND community gathered at the Emirates Team New Zealand boat shed for an evening of connection, community and a shared commitment to making time count. Hosted by Motor Neurone Disease NZ and Emirates Team New Zealand, Connection by the Waitematā brought together people living with motor neurone disease (MND) … Read more
Motor Neurone Disease NZ (MND NZ) is delighted to announce our first Research Grant Round. We are calling for applications from academics, allied health professionals, and those who work in related areas who haven’t done MND research before, with three grants of up to $10,000 each available. Applications close at 5pm on 27 November 2026. … Read more
Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand (MND NZ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shree Kumar as our new part-time Research Advisor. Shree brings her strong biomedical science research background, with experience in neuroscience, cardiovascular research, and cell-based experimental models to the team. She also has extensive experience in research, policy, and advocacy, through her … Read more
We’re delighted to share the 2026 MND Community Recipe Book; a collection of soft food recipes created by, and for, New Zealanders living with motor neurone disease (MND). When eating becomes more challenging, finding meals that are both enjoyable and easy to eat can take a lot of creativity. This recipe book brings together practical, … Read more
By Tania Guillemot-Meehan Tania is an energetic, sociable, warm, and kind person who is always thinking of others. She is a treasured wife, a mother to three young men, and a dear friend and family member to many. Tania was diagnosed with MND in December 2025. As speaking became more difficult, she quickly mastered the … Read more
MERV is a powerful new work by playwright and director Jackson Rosie (Ngāi Tahu), presented by JCR Productions (Ōtepoti). Referencing a character who lived with MND, the production is shaped by Jackson’s own connection to the disease. We spoke with him about the creative journey behind MERV and the personal experiences that inform its storytelling. … Read more
At Motor Neurone Disease NZ, our mission is to make time count for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) through personal support, advocacy, education, and contributing to research. One of the ways we bring that mission to life is by working alongside experienced health professionals to strengthen understanding of MND across the healthcare sector. … Read more
We recently hosted a live webinar by the world-renowned Neurologist Dr Richard Bedlack from Duke Health and Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina, USA as part of Motor Neurone Disease NZ’s (MND NZ) commitment to connecting the MND community with global researchers. Your questions answered on ALS untangled While Dr Bedlack was unable … Read more
Did you know that New Zealand trains up to five neurologists each year, yet funds public hospital roles for only about three? This means every year, Aotearoa is losing trained neurologists because there are not enough funded roles. Neurologists are a critical part of our healthcare system, particularly for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) and other neurological … Read more
Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand is committed to supporting research towards improving care, treatments and, ultimately, a cure for people living with motor neurone disease (MND), as outlined in our 2025 – 2028 Research Strategy. We have a unique opportunity for a part-time research advisor to join our team to help us continue delivering on … Read more