Why Your Voice Matters in MS Advocacy
More than 5,000 people in New Zealand are living with multiple sclerosis (MS). In a country of five million, that can feel like a small number, easy to overlook, easy to deprioritise. But those 5,000 people don’t stand alone. Behind each diagnosis are families, whānau, friends, employers, and communities. When those voices speak together on a common […]
Have Your Say: Disability Support Services Bill
The Government introduced the Disability Support Services Bill to Parliament on 18 May 2026 with the aim of creating a formal legislative framework for Disability Support Services (DSS) in New Zealand. The Minister for Disability Issues, Hon. Louise Upston, introduced the Bill to “provide clarity and stability to a system which supports thousands of disabled […]
Rethinking the future of MS care A landmark evening at Parliament, and a clear call to action
Last month, on Tuesday 28th April at Parliament Buildings in Wellington, Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand, alongside partners the Wellington MS Society and the NZ MS Research Trust, brought together people living with MS, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and decision-makers for an event that was as timely as it was necessary. Two distinguished speakers framed the challenges […]
Introducing Our New Fundraising and Donor Relations Lead
Hi, I’m Damon Rusden, the new Fundraising and Donor Relations Lead for Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand. Born in the Mighty Manawatu, I spent my formative years in Hawke’s Bay. I studied in Wellington, and, as is the circle of life, ended up back in my hometown working in the public sector. I had always […]
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 […]
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 […]
MS Voice: Newsletter – December 2025
Welcome to our December 2025 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 share that we have once again been chosen as the masthead charity for the Bangers to Bluff Car Rally, provide you with the ECTRIMS Patient […]
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 […]
Ocrelizumab Subcut – Overcoming Barriers to Access – Pharmac Opens Consultation for Funding
After strongly advocating to Pharmac since July 2024, Multiple Sclerosis NZ welcomes the announcement today that Pharmac is opening public consultation for the funding of subcutaneous Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus). This funding comes as part of a multi-medicine deal between Pharmac and Roche. Ocrevus Subcutaneous (SC) is delivered by injection under the skin rather than by intravenous […]