Walk to Defeat MND: A Step Forward

This year’s Walk to Defeat MND was a resounding success, bringing together communities from Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland to raise much needed awareness, not to mention an astounding $123,390 for MND support and research!

Through months of planning in whatever spare time that could be spared the tireless dedication of some quite remarkable volunteers were crucial in bringing these Walks to life. Their commitment underpins the success of each Walk, and we are incredibly grateful for their efforts.

Across the country participants joined in memory of loved ones lost to MND and in honour of those battling the disease today. Reflecting on the first Walk of the season to take place in Wellington one participant shared, “It was lovely to catch up on the MND Walk today with a lot of happy people, despite their diagnosis.”

Next to take place was the Christchurch Walk where another echoed this sentiment, noting, “The Canterbury Walk to Defeat MND went really well and was really uplifting!”

That sense of community was just as palpable for the final event in Auckland, where walkers were inspired by the incredible turnout. One of our community members rocking the classic MND blue wig rolled in via her hubby powered wheelchair and shared “I was at the walk today astounded by how many people turned up! I can’t tell you how glad I am that you made so much of it.”

Despite a day of rough weather, that spirit of determination resonated, with another participant stating “Awesome walk today, even with the weather so many turned out! Bring on the 2025 MND Walk!”

The Walk to Defeat MND does so much more than raise awareness and vital funds for MND; it strengthens our community ties and advances our shared mission to support every New Zealander living with MND while building hope for a future free from it. Our deepest thanks go out to every volunteer, participant, and supporter that made these special events possible. Together, we’ll continue to take steps towards a future without MND, and we look forward to walking alongside you again.