MND Action Month 2026: A community in action

MND Action Month 2026 brought people across Aotearoa together in a powerful show of support, awareness, and connection.

From sausage sizzles to cuppa teas, ice bucket challenges to powerful stories shared, there was a real sense of momentum across the country — people showing up with generosity, care, and commitment to the MND community.

Together, you raised more than $205,000.

That support will help fund essential services, strengthen education, and invest in research — ensuring people living with motor neurone disease (MND) and their whānau are better supported, every step of the way.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, gave, shared, and stood alongside the MND community.

A nationwide effort

This year, communities across the motu came together in creative and meaningful ways.

153 events were held nationwide — from workplaces and schools to homes and community spaces. Fundraisers hosted cuppa teas, took on the Ice Bucket Challenge, and created their own events, bringing people together to raise both funds and awareness.

One of the highlights of the month was the nationwide Bunnings sausage sizzle. With more than 160 volunteers taking part — and all sausages, bread, and materials generously donated — the initiative raised $40,000.

We’re incredibly grateful to be one of Bunnings’ national charity partners, and continue to be inspired by the commitment and community spirit behind this partnership.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our campaign partners — including JMT Ceramics, Go Media, Jolly, Dilmah and Tea Total — whose support helped amplify the campaign and bring it to life across Aotearoa.

Raising awareness through real stories

A core part of this year’s campaign was raising awareness of MND and its impact.

Throughout June, people across Aotearoa shared their experiences — helping build understanding of a disease that is often unseen.

At the heart of the campaign was a three-minute video featuring Chris Kemp and Kendall Todd, who generously shared their story and spoke to the importance of awareness and timely support.

👉 Watch their story:

Their story, alongside others shared throughout the month, led to strong national and local media coverage — helping bring greater visibility to MND and the realities of living with it.

You can read more here:

• Helen and Myles' story
• Greg and Shelley's story
• Michael Cockroft's story
• Kendall Elise Todd's story
• Anthea Harvey’s story
• Lynnie Phillips and Jonathan Spencer’s story
• Tania Yates’ story

We are deeply grateful to everyone who shared their story. Your openness helps build understanding, spark conversation, and ensure more people feel seen and supported.

What your support makes possible

Every dollar raised during MND Action Month contributes to real, practical support.

$205,000 means we can provide:

• More than 3,860 hours of personalised support for people with MND and their whānau
• More than 100 education sessions for health professionals and people living with MND
• $15,000 contributed to the MND Lab at the Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland
• Two MND NZ research grants

We rely entirely on donations and grants to deliver these services. Your support makes this work possible.

Momentum continues

While MND Action Month has wrapped for June, the momentum continues. Fundraising pages remain open throughout July, and there is still time to support a fundraiser or contribute to the overall total.

👉 Donate or support a fundraiser here: www.mndactionmonth.org.nz/donate

MND Action Month 2026 has shown what’s possible when people come together.

Every conversation sparked, every event hosted, and every dollar raised has made a difference.

For those we love. For those we remember. For the people and whānau living with MND today — and the two New Zealanders diagnosed every week.

Thank you for being part of it.

Ngā mihi nui 💙