Kevin Norton Hero

Behind a set of double doors on a quiet West Auckland street sits a place that hums with quiet energy. From the outside, it’s a shed. But to Kevin Norton, it’s home. A sanctuary. A life lived among machines. Now living with motor neurone disease (MND), Kevin has adapted his world around what he loves … Read more

Edm Header (600 X 300 Px) Isaiah

When Isaiah Masters lost his uncle Scott Bowman to motor neurone disease (MND), he didn’t want to sit with the sadness — he wanted to move with it. So, during MND Action Month, he’s turning grief into grit through Scotty’s MND400 — a challenge that’s raw, physical, and deeply personal. Between 16 and 29 June, … Read more

Mike Brown at home beside his modified Mazda CX-9 — a vehicle that helped him stay mobile and independent after his MND diagnosis.

Michael Brown—known to most as Mike or “Browno”—has always met life head-on. Sporty by nature and community-minded at heart, he’s spent years in the surf and on the diamond. As Event Water Safety Manager with Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, Mike shares how he adapted to life with MND, modified his car to retain mobility and … Read more

MND Action Month: Tip or pour and make time count.

June is MND Action Month — a time to take action, raise awareness, and make time count for New Zealanders living with motor neurone disease (MND). MND is a rapidly progressing, incurable disease that robs people of their ability to move, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. On average, a person diagnosed with MND in Aotearoa … Read more

David Seymour was a much-loved member of our Motor Neurone Disease NZ community.

We’re deeply saddened by the recent death of David Seymour, a much-loved member of our Motor Neurone Disease NZ community. David was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2017. He had built a successful career in real estate, was a high achiever with a sharp wit, and wasn’t one to back away from a challenge. … Read more

MND Insight Survey 2025 webinar

The MND Insight Survey 2025 is the most comprehensive survey of the motor neurone disease (MND) community ever undertaken in New Zealand. Led by Dr Natalie Gauld, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, this important research is supported by Motor Neurone Disease NZ and funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. To … Read more

Phillipa MacDonald’s incredible fundraising journey

From diagnosis to determination When Phillipa MacDonald was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) on her 55th birthday, her world changed overnight. Once a practice nurse and competitive bodybuilder, she suddenly faced the challenges of progressive bulbar palsy (PBP), a form of MND that affects speech and mobility. Determined to raise awareness and support for … Read more

Mark Leggett Chief Executive, Motor Neurone Disease NZ

A year as Motor Neurone Disease NZ’s Chief Executive Over the past year, Motor Neurone Disease NZ has continued its mission to support, advocate for, and push for progress in research and care. As we mark our 40th year, we reflect on the challenges, achievements, and resilience of our community. Chief Executive Mark Leggett shares … Read more

Some of the MND NZ team bringing energy, colour, and joy to the Auckland Walk to Defeat MND.

Months of hard work, dedication, and planning went into making the 2025 Walk to Defeat MND a reality. But no amount of preparation could create the energy, passion, and impact that people bring to this event. The walk is nothing without the individuals, families, and teams who show up—not just to take steps, but to … Read more

For Jeremy Benton, the Walk to Defeat MND isn’t just another fundraising event.

For Jeremy Benton, the Walk to Defeat MND isn’t just another fundraising event—it’s a personal journey. Every year, he dedicates countless hours to ensuring the Christchurch walk is a success, helping to unite people in support of those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND). His motivation? Honouring the memory of his grandfather, who passed away … Read more

In honour of her mother’s memory, Donna McKay has organised the Rakaia Walk to Defeat MND.

Across Aotearoa, communities are coming together for the Walk to Defeat MND, raising vital awareness and funds for those affected by motor neurone disease (MND). Each walk is more than just a fundraising event—it’s a personal journey, a show of solidarity, and a way to honour those we’ve lost. For Donna McKay, this walk is … Read more