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
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
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
Three Auckland sisters are on a mission to make time count for people living with MND in memory of Carl Cavanagh (pictured left) who died of the disease in August 2025, aged 56. Fundraising for research and support of people living with motor neurone disease (MND) is a family affair for Carl’s wife Lisa Cavanagh … 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