Mark your calendars. Walk to Defeat MND is returning nationwide on Saturday 07 November 2026. Each year, Walk to Defeat MND brings people together to walk in honour, memory, and support of those affected by motor neurone disease (MND), while raising vital awareness and funds for MND NZ’s support services and research. MND is a … Read more
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, … Read more
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
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
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
In the latest episode of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore (Newstalk ZB), made in partnership with the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research, the focus turns to motor neurone disease (MND). Journalist Clare de Lore speaks with Associate Professor Emma Scotter, who leads the MND Lab at the Centre, and Dr Natalie Gauld ONZM, … Read more
Due to the overwhelming response to our September 2025 webinar, Dr Natalie Gauld and Mark Leggett will present a second webinar for those who were unable to join us in September. We have changed the webinar delivery platform from Teams to Zoom to enable easier access to all. If you register and can’t attend the … Read more
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
The Hewitt whānau is proud to announce two special golf fundraisers, organised in memory of Norm Hewitt, a beloved All Black and rugby stalwart, who passed away in 2024 after living with motor neurone disease (MND). These events are dedicated to supporting Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand (MND NZ), raising vital funds for research, advocacy, … Read more
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
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
A new study has recently been published on the difference in levels of proteins associated with neurodegenerative disease