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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system.
The fibres in the nervous system are covered by a fatty substance called myelin, which protects the nerves and helps messages move between the brain and the rest of the body.
In MS, the myelin covering the nerves in the brain and spinal cord becomes scarred in scattered patches. This distorts or prevents the low of messages from the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body.
The distortions to the messages travelling through the nervous system causes a range of problems for people with multiple sclerosis including loss of balance or co-ordination; difficulty with leg, arm and hand movements and extreme fatigue.
The cause of MS is unknown, but research suggests it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There is no cure for MS yet, but the condition can be managed through a combination of medication, physiotherapy, good nutrition, rest and moderate exercise.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand (MSSNZ) is a non-profit organisation formed to provide on-going support, education and advocacy for people with MS and their support networks. It also aims to educate the general public, employers and health professionals about MS and actively funds key research into the condition.
The Society was established in 1967 and today there are 18 regional Societies from Northland to Southland. Each regional Society is autonomous, and appoints one office holder to represent them on the National Council.
The MSSNZ Board (including the President) is elected from the National Council, and is responsible for developing and monitoring MSSNZ policies.
The current members of the MS Society of NZ’s Board are:
| President | John Cawston |
| Vice President | Sandra Hunter |
| Board Members | Helen Benard |
| Stewart Stein | |
| vacant | |
| vacant | |
| National Director of Operations | Nola Rawson |
The Board is supported by the MSSNZ National Office, based in Wellington. The Office is managed by the National Director, and employs a Finance & Administration Officer, a National Information Coordinator and an Executive Assistant.
MSSNZ offers a wide variety of services, some of our which are described in this leaflet. This assistance is available to people with MS, family members and their carers. Information on any of our activities is available from National Office.
The Field Worker Service has been operating for more than twenty years. It has developed into a vital and high profile service, available to all members at no charge.
Field Workers are trained to give advice on a wide range of matters concerning MS as well as arranging social groups, exercise classes, support meetings and service referrals.
All regional Societies have skilled and experienced professionals providing one-on-one support and information.
The Youth Support Network provides an opportunity for younger people with MS to receive support from their peers.
The National Information Service provides a range of resources about MS, including:
Our Research Fund partners with leading scientists and researchers to support crucial research into understanding MS.
A key recent project is the National MS Prevalence Study, which provides the first accurate picture of MS incidence in New Zealand in over twenty years.
MSSNZ administers two awards. The Dorothy Newman Scholarship funds tertiary study of up to $7,500 for two people with MS each year. The Scholarship recognises the challenge of an MS diagnosis and supports retraining in employment that may be neccesary for those with the condition.
The Esme Tombleson Award honours the contributions members make to their wider community. Awards for 'Person with MS of the Year' and 'Carer of the Year' are presented annually.
MSSNZ liaises with allied organisations and government bodies to ensure policies concerning people with MS receive considered input from those who will be affected.
Go to our contacts page to contact National Office, the National Information Service or any regional MS Society.