What’s changing in April for people who use flexible funding
From April, people who use flexible funding through DSS will have more choice and control over how they use their funding. From 1 April: People’s allocated budgets for flexible funding will stay the same as they are now. There will be no change. The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed. Flexible funding must […]
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 […]
MS Voice e-Newsletter – February 2026
Welcome to our February 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’re revving up for the 2026 Bangers to Bluff Car Rally, kicking off on 16 March and we’d love your support for our team, Keep S’myelin! […]
Neurology Research Review – Issue 93
In this issue, evidence suggests that a Mediterranean diet may have a protective role against MS, the AFFINITY study reports negative findings for opicinumab, and an analysis of data from the MSBase registry suggests that switching to an anti-CD20 drug may be the best strategy for people who relapse on natalizumab. Also in this issue, […]
New Zealand’s Neurologist Workforce: A 2024 Analysis of Demand, Supply and Projections
A report was released this week highlighting the insufficient neurological workforce in New Zealand. Professor Anna Ranta and her colleagues identified that: In 2024, there were 83 neurologists working in NZ across the public and private sectors, providing 3 full-time equivalents, including 8.3 full-time equivalent specialist paediatric neurologists. The combined individual adult neurologists equate to […]
Want to shape the future of MS Care in New Zealand?
Join our National Executive Committee and make a real difference across Aotearoa – 2 Emerging Member Positions Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand is seeking two passionate young voices to join our National Executive Committee for a transformative two-year governance experience. Why This Matters MS increasingly affects young New Zealanders, with the average diagnosis age now […]
Your Health Team: An Introduction to Community Advisors
In a new segment where we introduce you to members of your health team, this month we highlight the vital role Community Advisors play in supporting people living with MS and their families, helping them navigate services, challenges, and everyday life. Featured Professional: Fiona, Community Advisor, MS South Canterbury. Can you describe your role and […]
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 […]
Living with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis? Take Part in Study to Develop Better Treatment Options
If you’re living with progressive MS, you may be able to join a clinical trial testing a potential new treatment that may slow decline, reduce relapses, and help people stay active for longer. These clinical trials are taking place in Christchurch and Auckland. Clinical trials are the backbone of medical progress, rigorously testing drugs and […]
Looking Back, Building Forward: Our 2025 Year in Review
As we close the year, we want to thank you, our members, donors, and supporters, for standing with Multiple Sclerosis NZ through another year of progress, advocacy and growing impact. Together, we have secured tangible advocacy wins, expanded education and awareness, strengthened our network of dedicated MS organisations, and continued to future-proof the organisation […]