Esme Tombleson Award

Esme Tombleson was the co-founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand in 1961 and from 1975 was President for many years. She was also founder and president for many years of the Gisborne branch and on the International Federation of the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s executive. In 1987 she received the rarely awarded gold medal for distinguished services to Multiple Sclerosis.

In honour of her work, the MS Society of NZ presents the Esme Tombleson Award annually to anyone who has made a significant contribution, nationally, to MSNZ and people impacted by multiple sclerosis.

Recipients are announced at Multiple Sclerosis NZs AGM in April.

The nominations for this award are submitted through the Regional Societies and coordinated through MSNZ.

Opportunities

Objectives

  • To recognise the outstanding achievements of people impacted by Multiple Sclerosis across Aotearoa.
  • To give Multiple Sclerosis organisations the opportunity to acknowledge the valuable input of individuals on a national level.
  • To create greater public awareness of Multiple Sclerosis nationally.

The Award

The award winner will be presented with the award by a member of MSNZs National Executive and their local Regional Society at a date to be advised. The award has no monetary value but is an acknowledgement of an outstanding contribution.

Eligibility

The Esme Tombleson Awards are made on an annual basis. They are open to anyone who has made a significant contribution nationally to MSNZ and people impacted by Multiple Sclerosis.

Who can nominate?

Any member of an MS Society in NZ or any person with MS (PwMS) may propose the nominee.

The nominee does not need to be a member of an MS Society; however, the application needs to be supported by MSNZ or an MS regional MS Society by way of an accompanying letter.

Information required when nominating

Applications should include detailed information about how the nominee has provided an outstanding contribution to people impacted by MS nationally. It should include information regarding their association with MS, their achievements, and any other details that make them and their contribution extra special. Any other additional material that you wish to submit is welcomed, and can be included with the application (e.g. links to media coverage, letters of support, photos, videos).