Mia and Grandad

Receiving a motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis can be a challenging and emotional experience for families.   At just 13 years old, Mia Peters captured her experience with MND through a deeply moving piece of writing. Her mother shared, “With my daughter’s permission, I wanted to share a story Mia wrote last year for the … Read more

Running photo

When Tony Treloar read in our previous newsletter about Jodi Clouston and the ‘Team MND’ she had set up to raise funds for MND NZ at the Auckland Marathon in November, he felt compelled to join her efforts. Tony, who has been living with MND since 2009, was determined to support the cause and thank … Read more

General Walk Website Blog Banner

We’re excited to announce the 2025 Walk to Defeat MND will take place on Saturday, 22 February! Join us in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch for a day of solidarity and support: Further details will be published soon. Community WalksCan’t make it to an official location? You can organise your own community walk! Whether you’re personally … Read more

Local Hero Turns 40

This Thursday, 24th October, the Devonport community is hosting a special film screening at The Vic to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease NZ, honouring the memory of Ronnie Harris, who passed away from MND nearly a year ago.  Organised by his friends, family, and local supporters, the night will feature one of Ronnie’s favourite … Read more

investigating the MND molecular crime scene

In August, Dr Natalie Gauld, MND NZ’s Research Advisor travelled to Melbourne to attend the Australia and New Zealand MND Research Symposium.   Here, she shares her insights and highlights from the conference.   The Australia and New Zealand MND Research Symposium was a two-day jam-packed series of presentations by clever people working hard to find the … Read more

AAC Month

October is International AAC Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), celebrate people who use AAC to communicate, and share the latest tools and technologies in AAC. What is AAC? AAC encompasses a wide range of communication tools and systems that people use to express their thoughts, needs, wants, and … Read more

Karuna Cuppa Tea for MND

Meet Karuna, an inspiration with a ready smile showing us that #nothingisordinary. Despite the rapid progression of motor neurone disease, Karuna’s grace, humour, and positivity shine through. Supported by his loving children, Dee and Kriv, Karuna continues to embrace life with the help of remarkable technology like his iPad, which allows him to stay connected … Read more

Heartland Championships - North Otago

On Saturday 21 September our friends at North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) hosted a special day of rugby at Weston Sports Ground to raise awareness and vital funds for MND. The day kicked off with a North Otago v Mid Canterbury match, with the NORFU team running out in special charity branded one-off jerseys, … Read more

Grandson Holding Grandpa's Hands

You’re invited to attend the new MND Support Group for the Auckland region, taking place at 12.30pm on Wednesday 2 October at the MND national office, 14 Erson Avenue, Royal Oak.  “The support group gathering is the result of several clients saying ‘It would be really good to have a support group’,” says Rachel Woodworth, … Read more

Bowling Fam Higher Rez

We’re Mat and Darren Bowling — brothers, fathers, partners, and sons. Last year, our dad became one of the many people in New Zealand taken by motor neurone disease (MND). It’s a cruel, unforgiving illness. Everyone diagnosed with MND faces the same devastating prognosis: there’re no truly effective treatment options, and no cure. When we … Read more

Norfu Rugby Event

Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand (MND NZ) is partnering up with North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) and Bunnings Timaru to help increase acceptance and understanding of motor neurone disease (MND) in the community and raise vital funds for those impacted by MND. NORFU is hosting a special day of rugby on Saturday 21 September … Read more

Mother Daughter

Caring for a loved one who is dying can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re untrained and facing the unknown. To help carers navigate this difficult journey, Otago Community Hospice has launched a new podcast series, Ending Life Well, now available on all major podcast platforms. This first-of-its-kind series in New Zealand is designed specifically to … Read more