Category: Media

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week 2025 – Press Release

Time Matters in MS: MS Awareness Week Highlights Critical Treatment Window This Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, 15th – 21st September, multiple sclerosis organisations across New Zealand are shining a light on the early symptoms of MS and raising vital funds for community services. MS is a chronic neurological condition affecting the central nervous system. In […]

MS Diagnosis Jumps 67% in NZ, Exposing Māori Care Gaps

Neil Woodhams, President of Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand, joined Dale Husband on Waatea News to discuss the recent study which showed a 67% surge of MS diagnoses in New Zealand since 2006 and the Māori disparities that highlight the urgent need for Neurological care investment. Listen to their interview below: Alongside discussing the prevalence of […]

The Need is Urgent: Critical Shortage of Neurologists as MS Cases Rise

Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand is calling for more governmental investment in specialist neurologists, clinical nurse specialists and allied healthcare workers to better diagnose and treat the growing numbers of people with MS in Aotearoa New Zealand. Listen to MSNZ National Manager, Amanda Rose, discuss the critical shortages of neurologists as multiple sclerosis cases rise, with […]

When Specialist Care Isn’t There: A System Failing Patients

The recent case reported by RNZ of a woman in Palmerston North who was unable to see a neurologist after experiencing a seizure is deeply concerning — and, unfortunately, not an isolated incident. With only two part-time neurologists currently employed at Palmerston North Hospital, this situation highlights a broader and ongoing crisis in neurological care […]

Comorbidities and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a complex neurological condition, but it’s rarely the only health issue a person faces. In our recent GP Voice article, we highlight the critical role primary care plays in identifying and managing comorbidities that can significantly affect MS progression, diagnosis, and overall quality of life. From depression and vascular disease to cognitive […]

1News Report – Medsafe Approves 10 Minute Ocrevus Injection

Watch Graham Walker, person with MS, President of MS Taranaki and Co-Vice President of MSNZ discuss the life-changing news that Medsafe has approved the 10 minute Ocrevus injection, accompanied with comments from Amanda Rose, MSNZ National Manager on 1News, 29th April 2025. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YQitPAsR5A We encourage those with lived experience to provide their stories […]

Medsafe Approves 10 Minute Ocrevus Injection; TVNZ Breakfast Interview with Graham Walker

Watch Graham Walker, President of MS Taranaki and Co Vice-President of MSNZ, discuss the newly approved 10 minute Ocrevus injection with Jenny-May on TVNZ’s Breakfast show. Click here: https://youtu.be/powx9Ukm3Dw We encourage those with lived experience to provide their stories to us of barriers they experience accessing treatment. These will help to strengthen our message to Pharmac around […]

MSNZ President Calls for Pharmac to Fund 4 New Drugs on TVNZ Breakfast

Watch MSNZ President, Neil Woodhams, on TVNZ Breakfast today where he calls for Pharmac to fund 4 new drugs for MS treatment. Neil Woodhams attended this interview ahead of us appearing at Parliament later this morning, with the Bangers to Bluff Car Rally. After meeting on the steps of Parliament to raise awareness of the event […]

Press Release: Pharmac Funding Stalemate for “Life-Changing” Multiple Sclerosis Drugs

There are calls for Pharmac to “quit stalling” and fund four affordable treatments to significantly improve quality of life for patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in New Zealand – treatments which would also significantly reduce demand on New Zealand’s stretched health system. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) is drawing attention to its fight to have […]