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

Natalie Voice Banking

Voice banking is the recording of your natural voice while it is still natural and strong, for the possible eventuality of losing your speech. You can voice bank on a mobile phone, computer, or digital voice recorder. As long as the recordings are produced in MP3 format, they can be used later within a speech … Read more

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We first introduced you to Darren Bidois in February, when he shared his story in the lead up to the Masters Games 2024. Darren’s family have been his biggest support on his journey with MND, and this year have organised an “Icing with a Warm Cuppa” fundraising event as part of MND Action Month. Here, … Read more

Am Show

On Thursday we were privileged to have Dr Emma Scotter, head of the MND Lab at the University of Auckland, and Dr Natalie Gauld, ONZM, Research Advisor and Best Practice Advocate at MND NZ, on the AM Show sofa on Three discussing motor neurone disease and this weekend’s Walk to Defeat MND. If you missed … Read more

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Natalie was diagnosed with MND in November of 2022 and as is the case for everyone in this situation had a lot to process and go through along with her loved ones. It was discovered that she has one of the slower progressing versions of MND, so Natalie decided to do everything in her power … Read more

Mnd Website News Featherbed Tales Promo

With Christmas just around the corner MND New Zealand is pleased to offer free access to the Featherbed Tales online talking e-books and greeting card service. The web-based platform allows people with MND and their family to quickly and easily record (and re-record!) audio to play alongside the pages of illustrated digital story books, nursery … Read more

Mnd Webinar 81122 Plain

Join us for this inaugural webinar in the newly developed MND New Zealand Community Forum where leading researchers and neurological practitioners will provide an update on key areas of motor neurone disease research happening on both sides of the Tasman. Register for the MND Community Forum Webinar – 8 November 2022 Registration to this webinar … Read more

Cover Winter Newsletter 2022

In this issue:

  • Celebrate our fundraising heroes, including the 2022 MND Ice Bucket Challenge.
  • Learn more about international MND research trial – Lighthouse II Phase 3.
  • Meet the new staff joining the battle against MND.  
  • Get to know our Support Advisors – meet Megan Te Boekhorst.
  • Feel inspired by stories from across our community. 
  • From everyone at MND New Zealand, take care and stay in touch. 

Read online here

Blog Medic

By October of this year, a small group of New Zealanders living with Motor Neuron Disease will begin their journey as members of the first-ever international phase 3 MND clinical trial to be offered in New Zealand, across multiple locations. The Lighthouse II trial looks at whether human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) play a role in … Read more

Summary of study provided by lead investigator Paige Thomas (PhD); Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research, Department of Communication Disorders, University of Canterbury, Christchurch Summary of study provided by lead investigator Paige Thomas (PhD); Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research, Department of Communication Disorders, University of Canterbury, Christchurch For individuals with MND swallowing … Read more

Yesterday the Government announced changes to Funded Family Care, designed to make things more equitable. Here’s a brief overview of what’s changing: From 14 April 2020, pay rates for family carers will increase from the minimum wage of $20.50 to $25.50 per hour, which will make a significant difference financially. Carer eligibility is being expanded … Read more

Living with MND is incredibly challenging, and providing practical support to people living with MND is very important to us. With this in mind – we’re delighted to let you know that in conjunction with Corporate Sponsor, Fulton Hogan, we’ve just launched the Fulton Hogan MND New Zealand Support Fund. The fund has been set … Read more