About Us

Vision

The National Leader for Service Excellence in Multiple Sclerosis

Mission

Coordinating and leading the advances in best practice MS care

Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand

Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) is the national MS organisation representing those diagnosed with MS, their carers and whānau across Aotearoa. We are a not-for-profit, for-purpose organisation that has been working tirelessly to support the MS community and our member organisations since 1967.

Our vision is to be the National Leader for Service Excellence in Multiple Sclerosis and to achieve this we are on a mission to coordinate and lead the advances in best practice MS care.

Our organisation works with passion and pride to achieve this through our 4 key pillars:

National Leadership

  • Support the capacity of our Members to deliver excellence in MS Care.
  • Support people impacted by MS to live well
  • Ensure the MS Community has a strong voice into governance and operational activities.

Advocacy

Advocate for Excellence in MS Care for all people impacted by MS, including those diagnosed, their carers and whānau at all stages of their MS journey.

Education, Information Awareness

  • Be the leading, trusted provider of MS information.
  • Raise the awareness of Multiple Sclerosis.

Futureproofing

Ensure future organisational and financial sustainability.

What are we doing to achieve this?

At Multiple Sclerosis NZ we:

  • Provide national leadership, tools, training and support to our 18 member organisations to enable them to deliver excellence in MS care in their local communities across Aotearoa.
  • Advocate for better access to treatments, improved services, and a brighter future for those affected by MS. Through our advocacy we aim to ensure the voice and needs of the MS community is represented and heard.
  • Ensure equity of access to the latest evidence-based information so those impacted by MS across Aotearoa New Zealand can live well.
  • Raise awareness nationally of MS as a condition affecting New Zealanders to break down barriers to knowledge and acceptance.

MS Regional Societies – Our Members

Multiple Sclerosis NZ supports 18 member organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand, MS Regional Societies. These locally based organisations provide support, education, information, and services directly to members in their communities living with multiple sclerosis. 

Support and services are for all those affected by MS, those diagnosed, their families, whānau, carers and employers. Many of our regional MS Societies also support those living with other neurological or allied conditions. 

Our member organisations are their own legal entities but we work alongside each other to strive towards equitable outcomes for all people living with MS in Aotearoa.

Regional MS Societies employ Community Advisors who offer a range of support and guidance including:

  • Providing information and resources on multiple sclerosis symptoms and management.
  • Working proactively with clients to improve health and wellbeing.
  • Connecting and referring to specialised services based on individual needs.
  • Providing or connecting to local social and exercise groups.
  • Advocating for individuals impacted by MS, working on their behalf to ensure access to health and social services to improve outcomes.

About MSNZ