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
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
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
In July 2025, the hills of Karaka came alive with the clink of cups raised for a ‘Cuppa Tea for MND’, the squeals of an MND Ice Bucket Challenge, the calls of a bingo master, the quiet plink of teardrops…
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
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
June is MND Action Month — a time to act, raise awareness, and make time count for people in Aotearoa living with motor neurone disease (MND), and for the whānau who support them. MND is a progressive, incurable, and ultimately terminal disease. It gradually takes away a person’s ability to walk, talk, eat — and … Read more
For many workplaces, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year where wellbeing, genuine connection, and meaningful community involvement matter more than ever. At MND NZ, we’re inviting organisations across the motu to take part in something that brings all of these threads together. From 2–6 October 2026, we’re hosting Trek for MND – … Read more
Supporting someone in the workplace after an MND diagnosis can feel overwhelming — but the right information helps employers respond with confidence and care. One employer who recently worked with our Support Advisor shared: “I appreciate the clear direction on next steps for supporting our colleague — it’s incredibly helpful.” Our Guide for Employers of … Read more
The latest edition of MND News is here, packed with stories illustrating the power of connection, advocacy, education, research and support. On the front cover you’ll find Kevin Norton and his shiny Harley Davidson motorbike. He’s working on getting the bike running again, using the tools he carries in his walking frame. Delve inside the … Read more
Relax with a craft beer at a quiz night in the Sprig and Fern Thorndon during November and you’ll be raising funds to make time count for people living with motor neurone disease (MND). Tuesday nights are pub quiz nights at the Sprig and Fern Thorndon. The good folk there have been running quizzes for … Read more
We’re thrilled to launch the Trek for MND: Abel Tasman Adventure — five days, 55 km of golden beaches, native forest, and rugged coastline, all to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease NZ. Early bird registration is open now: sign up before 16 November 2025 to save $150. About the trek In October 2026, … Read more