MS Voice: Newsletter – April 2026

Welcome to our April 2026 edition of MS Voice, your go-to place for the latest news, updates and real life stories from Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand. In this edition of MS Voice, we extend an invite to join our National Executive Committee as an Emerging Committee Member with lived experience of MS. We discuss the […]

Your Health Team: An Introduction to Neurology Clinical Nurse Specialist

a man and a woman sitting on a couch

  Bladder and bowel symptoms are some of the most common, and often least talked about, symptoms of multiple sclerosis. To help our community better understand why these symptoms occur, how common they are, and what support is available, we spoke with KJ Lazarus a neurology Clinical Nurse Specialist with a special interest in continence […]

Bladder and Bowel Changes in MS: Practical Tips and Support

a flower on a sign

Bladder and bowel changes are common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but they can be some of the more difficult symptoms to talk about. If you’re experiencing changes, you’re not alone, and help is available.  Common bladder changes in MS  Bladder symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time. Common bladder issues include:  Needing to urinate more often or urgently  Difficulty […]

Flexible Funding Changes Effective April 1st 2026

As of  1 April, the purchasing rules for flexible funding no longer apply – giving people more choice and control to use their flexible funding on supports that work for them. From 1 April: From 1 April, disabled people who get flexible funding will have more choice and control over how they use their funding. […]

MS Voice: Newsletter – March 2026

Welcome to the March 2026 edition of MS Voice, your go‑to place for the latest news, updates, and real‑life stories from Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand. In this edition, we share an update on the much‑loved Bangers to Bluff Car Rally, including details of the upcoming auction and how you can get involved – even if […]

Understanding NMOSD and MOGAD

Doctor shows medical scan to elderly patient

Over the past decade, our understanding of inflammatory demyelinating conditions has expanded dramatically. As clinicians have gained better diagnostic tools and clearer criteria two conditions similar to multiple sclerosis, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Associated Disease (MOGAD), are now recognised as distinct autoimmune disorders. Receiving the right information about a […]

Bangers to Bluff 2026 Auction – Don’t Miss Out!

The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay’s charity rally ‘Bangers to Bluff’ started on 17th March in Auckland, and we are thrilled to be chosen as the masthead charity. The rally consists of 18 teams who are currently in Wanaka in the South Island, having a well deserved rest day. They have journeyed on ‘roads […]

Advocating for Change: MSNZ Submissions on the Carers Strategy and Total Mobility

Multiple Sclerosis NZ recently made two submissions on public consultations on matters that would have an impact on people affected by MS in our community. As an organisation which represents the views and needs of our community, participation in our consultation meetings is profoundly important to ensuring we communicate the right message. Our grateful thanks […]

You’re Invited: Rethinking the Future of MS Care

Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand, alongside our partners Wellington MS and the NZ MS Research Trust, warmly invite you to join us for a special evening at Parliament, kindly hosted by Todd Stephenson MP. This is a moment to reflect on a decade of meaningful progress in MS care, and to look boldly at what comes […]