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…
Motor neurone disease
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
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
Commonwealth Games silver medalist Blair Cox has sage advice for competitors in the 2026 Master’s Games. “There will always be someone fitter and stronger, but you’re on the start line and still doing it. Be grateful because you are lucky and some aren’t quite as lucky as you,” says Blair. When Blair finished an … 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
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
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