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With more than 150 buckets tipped or brews poured during the first three weeks of MND Action Month, we’re so excited to be close to our fundraising target of $160,000! Now, it’s time to talk about where your money goes and the powerful impact you have made.  Every dollar you raise for MND NZ during Action Month goes to vital personalised support for the 400+ families impacted by MND in NZ; research towards improving quality of life, treatments and finding a cure; and education and awareness sessions so more Kiwis and health professionals understand MND.  We rely on the generosity of fundraisers, trusts, foundations and … Read more

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We’re more than halfway through MND Action Month, and already we’re seeing something powerful unfold across Aotearoa. 145 people have signed up to make time count — and together, you’ve raised over $100,000 towards our $160,000 goal. This is real progress. And it belongs to all of you. Every donation, every fundraiser, every shared post, … Read more

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The end of June marks the completion of our Research Advisor and Best Practice Advocate, Dr Natalie Gauld’s contract with Motor Neurone Disease NZ. Natalie began with us prior to my start as Chief Executive. With a strong background in research, health development projects and of course her lived experience, she immediately made an impact. One of the first … Read more

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Trevor Bailey is braving his second ice-cold plunge into Lake Wānaka as a fundraiser for 2026 MND Action Month. The daring dive off the Wānaka wharf is planned for 10 am on Global ALS/MND Awareness Day and New Zealand’s winter solstice, Sunday 21 June. It’s Trevor’s version of the popular Ice Bucket Challenge undertaken by … Read more

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Each month, we host an MND Connect Group at the MND NZ national office in Royal Oak — a relaxed, supportive space where people affected by motor neurone disease can connect, talk, and spend time with others who understand.  In July, to honour MND Action Month, we’re doing something a little different.  On Wednesday 01 July, our MND Connect … Read more

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Chris Kemp sits in his living room in a power chair

Behind a lime-green door, musicians Chris Kemp and Kendall Todd are choosing creativity, connection and purpose – even as motor neurone disease (MND) changes everything. Chris Kemp (55) and Kendall Todd’s (38) lime-green front door feels like a Narnia-esque portal into a magical musicians’ haven. Inside, a Ramones’ vinyl-record creates a rock’n’roll kitchen rangehood. A … Read more

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The first of June marks the official start of MND Action Month — and people across Aotearoa are already stepping up to make time count for those living with motor neurone disease (MND). From hosting Cuppa Teas to taking on the Ice Bucket Challenge, New Zealanders are raising funds, starting conversations, and showing that MND … Read more

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On the left is a cornflower blue handmade ceramic cup saucer and plate. on the right is Michelle and Jacqueline standing in their ceramics workshop with aprons on.

The teacups and snack plates that carry aroha and purpose   It began with a holiday pottery class — a young girl at the wheel, her mum by her side, both falling quietly in love with clay. Over time, that spark became JMT Ceramics: a mother–daughter studio grounded in patience, creativity, and connection. When Michelle’s partner lost his father to motor … Read more

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Loren Hope (44) is a passionate advocate for te taiao* (the natural world) and the power of community connection. She is the founder of Northland’s Ngunguru Pumpkin Festival and was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) as a young mum-of-two at 34-years-old.  In response to the progression of her incurable disease, Loren left her teaching … Read more