Living with MS and Finding Strength in the Unknown – Shania’s Story.
I was just 16 when I first started experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis, although I didn’t know it at the time. It took another 11 years before I was finally diagnosed. For a long time, I lived with things I couldn’t explain – urinary issues, persistent pain in my back, arms, and hands, and extreme fatigue. I just thought […]
Alina Pescini – My Nine-Year Journey to an MS Diagnosis
I’d had vertigo for a few days, and then sitting in a meeting I saw flashes of light before my eyes and heard the voices of people speaking ebbing and flowing. I excused myself and went home to bed. The next few days I couldn’t quite shake it, and made an appointment to see the […]
Your Health Team: Neurological Physiotherapist
Neuro Physiotherapists specialise in movement and function for people with neurological conditions like MS. They help people maintain mobility, manage symptoms, and stay as active and independent as possible. We spoke with Clinical Lead and Neurological Physiotherapist Gilly Davy, Founder & Director of MS Get a Head Start, to learn more about this important role. […]
Massage Therapy & Multiple Sclerosis
Written by Sophie Wilson BHs, (Neuromuscular Massage Therapist that just happens to have RRMS) So, you’ve just been diagnosed with MS? Welcome to the club! You’re officially elite! (Well that’s what I like to think!) Getting a diagnosis like this is something that a lot of people have an opinion about, even those who you […]
Train Five, Keep Five: Neurologists in Demand
Did you know that New Zealand trains up to five neurologists each year, yet funds public hospital roles for only about three? This means that every year we’re losing neurologists because there are not enough funded roles. Neurologists are a critical part of our healthcare system. They diagnose and care for people with diseases and […]
Staying well with MS this winter
Written by Rachael Hofmann, Clinical Lead Colder days, longer nights, and the quieter rhythm of winter are settling across Aotearoa. For many people, winter can feel like a time to rest and recharge. For people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it can also bring a different set of considerations, including increased exposure to seasonal illness, lower energy […]
Managing MS and Other Health Conditions Together
Written by Rachael Hofmann, Clinical Lead Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can sometimes feel like enough on its own. Add in things like high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, diabetes, or high cholesterol, and it can become overwhelming. These additional health conditions, called comorbidities, are common in people living with MS, and they matter. The good […]
MS Voice: Newsletter – June 2026
Welcome to our June 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 excitedly tell you about the location and further details for the 2026 Ride for MS event. We update you on the Disability […]
DSS Consultations: Have Your Say
There’s a lot of activity in the disability space at present, and that brings up a lot of emotions for our community. We’re hearing feelings of anger, frustration, and exhaustion. People are feeling over-consulted and asked to repeat the same messages again and again. We hear you. This can feel overwhelming, progress can feel slow, and many people are at the […]
Disability Support Services Bill – Why This Matters
Multiple Sclerosis NZ recently made a submission strongly opposing the Disability Support Services Bill as presented urging the Social Services and Community Select Committee recommend that it does not proceed to Second Reading. You can read our full submission here: Submission on the Disability Support Services Bill – Multiple Sclerosis NZ – 11 June 2026 We support the stated […]