Living with MS on the West Coast: Vanessa’s Story
I was 22 years old when my body first sent me a signal that something wasn’t right. I was experiencing numbness and tingling, but it was easy to dismiss, easy to explain away. There was no dramatic moment, no obvious cause for alarm. For 13 years, life continued. Then, on the 11th of October, just […]
DSS Update: Improvements to Assessment, Allocation & Flexible Funding
Information provided by Disability Support Services. Click here to see original post. In September 2025, the Government announced external improvements to disability support services. The changes are informed by what the disability community said. These changes are about: making the system fairer and more consistent giving disabled people more choice and control over their flexible […]
Staying well with MS this Summer
Long, bright summer days of a traditional Kiwi summer are upon us. Sunshine boosts our mood, warms our skin, and encourages us to get outside and enjoy everything from bushwalks to backyard barbecues. For people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) the sun can still offer these benefits, but because MS interacts with heat and certain medications in unique ways it’s worth taking a thoughtful sun smart approach. The benefits […]
ECTRIMS Patient Community Day 2025 Impact Report
In September 2025, MSNZ’s Co-Vice President, Graham Walker, and his wife Julie travelled to Barcelona, where Graham represented us at ECTRIMS—the world’s largest MS research conference. His mission? To bring back the latest updates on treatments and research for MS. (You can read more about his trip and key learnings here.) Alongside other panel appearances, […]
Enjoy a Comfortable Summer with MS
Summer in New Zealand is a season of sunshine, beaches, and family gatherings. For those living with MS, it can also bring unique challenges, especially when the temperatures rise. Heat doesn’t cause harm, but it can make symptoms worsen, leaving you feeling drained just when you want to enjoy the festivities. With a little planning […]
Defying MS in Cambodia: Roxy’s Ride for MS Journey
“MS doesn’t quit, so neither do we.” I spent most of 2025 planning, fundraising, and training for Ride for MS in Cambodia. Cambodia had been on my travel wish list for years, and when the chance came to bike through this incredible country while supporting Multiple Sclerosis NZ and MS South Canterbury, I jumped […]
Subcutaneous Ocrelizumab update.
From 1 December 2025, a new way of receiving ocrelizumab treatment will be available in Aotearoa New Zealand. Alongside the current intravenous (IV) infusion, people with MS will soon have the option of a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. The subcutaneous formulation contains the same medication as the IV infusion but is delivered differently. For some, this […]
Multiple Sclerosis NZ Endorses MS Get a Head Start: A Game-Changer for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Change in exercise prescription for people with MS is overdue and Multiple Sclerosis NZ is proud to lead the way by endorsing the MS Get a Head Start (MS GHS) programmes. Why This Matters Research has made it clear: exercise isn’t just beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), it’s disease-modifying. Yet 80% of people […]
Nick Allen’s Journey to Diagnosis, Rediscovering Strength and a Decade of Mastering Mountains
When Nick Allen first began experiencing symptoms at just 18, he never imagined the path he was about to walk. What started as weakness in his legs, bladder issues, and unusual sensations quickly escalated into debilitating fatigue, cognitive problems, pain, balance issues, and visual processing difficulties. Yet despite years of symptoms, multiple medical appointments, MRI […]
Adventure, Grit, and Heart: Meet Team Murray Sisters
Hi, I’m Sarah Murray; adventure racer, shearing contractor, mum of three boys, happily married and proud team captain of Team Murray Sisters. Life is busy, full of family, work, and racing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve spent the last 15 years immersed in adventure racing, marathons, and endurance events. The adrenaline, […]