education

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Impact Edm Banner 650x300

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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100k Banner

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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Natalie Contact End

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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Cuppa Tea Blog + Edm Banner 1000x500

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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Social Tilesemployer

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

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Emma Scotter Lab 2025 2

Motor neurone disease (MND) research is advancing at pace, with new discoveries bringing hope to those affected. The team at the University of Auckland’s MND Research Lab is working to uncover the genetic causes of MND in New Zealanders, develop targeted therapies, and improve support for families. Thanks to the generosity of MND NZ and … Read more

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Brent Story 2024 Family Photo

Canterbury’s Brent Thompson was diagnosed with MND in August 2013, which he describes as “a wrecking ball through our whole world!” He and his wife Jess had a nine-month old baby girl, and were in the final stages of designing their dream home in Rangiora.  Brent also ran his own business, designing and manufacturing aircraft … Read more

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202041120 Cbr Donor's Dinner 086 Web

The Centre for Brain Research recently celebrated its 15th birthday, marking an incredible milestone for neurological research. The Centre has over 400 researchers working across various fields of brain research, including a dedicated team of 10 researchers focusing specifically on motor neurone disease (MND). Led by Dr. Emma Scotter, the team have published over 20 … Read more

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investigating the MND molecular crime scene

In August, Dr Natalie Gauld, MND NZ’s Research Advisor travelled to Melbourne to attend the Australia and New Zealand MND Research Symposium.   Here, she shares her insights and highlights from the conference.   The Australia and New Zealand MND Research Symposium was a two-day jam-packed series of presentations by clever people working hard to find the … Read more

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Grandson Holding Grandpa's Hands

You’re invited to attend the new MND Support Group for the Auckland region, taking place at 12.30pm on Wednesday 2 October at the MND national office, 14 Erson Avenue, Royal Oak.  “The support group gathering is the result of several clients saying ‘It would be really good to have a support group’,” says Rachel Woodworth, … Read more

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Toni Foster

We love having Toni back in the office, and we’ve put a few questions to help get to know her better. What’s your favourite quality about yourself?Hmm that is a tough one! Probably that I am usually able to see/consider things from someone else’s perspective as well as my own. What are you most excited … Read more