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
We’re bringing the community together for a special day of cricket — in support of people affected by motor neurone disease (MND). On Sunday 14 March 2027, a T20 charity cricket match will take place at Mandeville Sports Ground, Christchurch raising vital funds and awareness for people living with MND across Aotearoa. This will be … 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
Sunday 21 June is Global MND/ALS Awareness Day. It’s a day that falls on the solstice for a reason. When the global community pauses and speaks with one voice to raise the visibility of this disease that demands urgent action. Here in Aotearoa, we remember and honour the 139 MND NZ clients who have died … 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
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
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…
For many people, motor neurone disease (MND) begins in confusion. Early symptoms are often missed or misunderstood, sending people on a frustrating circuit of appointments, tests and misdiagnoses. For Judith Jones (81), it was eight years from her first symptoms to her recent diagnosis, and she is shocked by the lack of awareness of the … 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