The Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ

09/06/2026

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday 10 June, from 11.00am for our next online IBM member support group meeting.

We're delighted to welcome Dr Larry Stern, a long-time supporter of MDA and retired US neurologist, who will be joining us for a Q&A session and providing updates on Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM).

This is a great opportunity to hear from an expert, ask questions, and connect with others in our community.

Can't make it on the day? Don't worry — the session will be recorded and made available to watch later.

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/06/2026

📢 Have your say on the future of Disability Support Services (DSS)

Disabled people, families, whānau, carers, and advocates are invited to help shape improvements to DSS.

The consultation runs from 8 June – 31 July and covers key areas including:
✅ Better support and outcomes
✅ More choice and flexibility
✅ Improved respite options for carers
✅ Easier access to information and services
✅ Better feedback and complaints processes

You can participate through workshops, written or recorded submissions, or an online survey.

Your feedback will help shape the next improvements to disability support services.

Find out more, read the consultation documents, and register for a workshop via the DSS website 👇

08/06/2026

While Budget 2026 doesn't include any big new funding packages specifically for disability services, there are several changes that you should know about - especially if you receive a benefit or live in social housing.

Find out more at the link below 👇
https://firstport.co.nz/item/article/budget-2026-key-takeaways-for-disability

03/06/2026

Website Under Construction 🔧🔧

We're currently rebuilding our website to create a better experience for our members, supporters, and wider community.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we make these improvements.

In the meantime, if you need assistance, please contact us directly via your Fieldworker or 0800 800 337 or info .org.nz

03/06/2026

Join us on Wednesday 10 June at 11.00am for our next online IBM member support group meeting.

We're delighted to welcome Dr Larry Stern, a long-time supporter of MDA and retired US neurologist, who will be joining us for a Q&A session and providing updates on Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM).

This is a great opportunity to hear from an expert, ask questions, and connect with others in our community.

Can't make it on the day? Don't worry — the session will be recorded and made available to watch later.

We look forward to seeing you there!

02/06/2026

📣 Have your say on a Declaration of Disability Rights, written by disabled people for disabled people! Our country lacks a ratified legal document protecting our communiy, with the Disability Charter and Strategy Plan dictated to us by the Crown. Thanks to experts in policy and rights, this document will fill a long ignored gap in the Human Rights abuse towards disabled New Zealanders.

Last year, tākata whaikaha & hauā Māori, Deaf and disabled leaders, whānau, parents and communities came together with one shared question:
What would it look like if disabled people in Aotearoa defined our own vision for rights, dignity, belonging, and justice?

Out of those conversations came a powerful idea:
to create a shared Declaration of Disabled Peoples’ Rights in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Finding Common Ground is a collaborative initiative led by representatives from:

✨ Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA)
✨ Te Ao Mārama Aotearoa (TAMA)
✨ National Enabling Good Lives (NEGL)

Together, we are working to build a shared declaration grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, UNCRPD, and Enabling Good Lives principles.

This is not just words on paper. It is intended to become:

✊ A tool for collective action
✊ A platform for advocacy
✊ A way to push disability rights onto the political agenda ahead of the 2026 election and beyond

Because despite decades of advocacy, too many disabled people are still being excluded from decisions that affect our lives.

Finding Common Ground is about changing that — together.

We want to hear from you. Help shape what this declaration should include.

✨ What matters most to our communities?
✨ What rights need stronger protection?
✨ What future do we want to build together?

Please complete the survey and share it widely through your networks.

He Toa Takitini — together we are stronger ❤️

Survey:
https://tinyurl.com/yz9ybnjm

Easy Read version available:
https://tinyurl.com/3s6wn8ft

01/06/2026

📢 Reminder: Our CMT Online Support Group meets tonight!

Join us on Tuesday 2 June at 7.00pm via Zoom for an opportunity to connect with others in the CMT community, share experiences, ask questions, and access support.

All members, family members, carers, and support people are welcome to attend.

Please check your email for the Zoom link, or contact [email protected] if you need it resent.

We look forward to seeing you there! 💙

31/05/2026

We're proud to share that our member and former CEO, Ronelle Baker, has been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding service to children and disabled people.

This recognition reflects Ronelle’s longstanding commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. We congratulate Ronelle on this well-deserved honour and extend our congratulations to all those recognised this year.

Thank you for the invaluable contributions you make to our communities. 💙

29/05/2026

I.Lead Showcase Days are an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and grow our disabled youth-led movement across Aotearoa. These events are designed to introduce new members, partners, and supporters to I.Lead, while highlighting the impact, leadership, and advocacy driven by disabled young people in our communities.

Showcase Days provide a welcoming and accessible space to:
-Learn about I.Lead’s kaupapa, programmes, and regional committees
-Hear directly from disabled youth leaders about their experiences and impact
-Explore opportunities to get involved — as a member, volunteer, partner, or supporter
-Connect with like-minded young people, organisations, and decision-makers

Each Showcase Day reflects our commitment to youth leadership, inclusion, and collective action. Whether you’re a disabled young person wanting to build confidence and create change, or an organisation wanting to better engage with disabled youth, I.Lead Showcase Days are a place to start.

Come along, meet the community, and see what’s possible when disabled youth lead the way.

28/05/2026

Yesterday the Government released its 2026 Budget.

The Government has allocated just over $84 million over a 4-year period to ensure the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha can continue its work to improve the lives of disabled people.

You can find out more about the budget and announcements from other agencies on Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People website

https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/news/news/budget-2026-announcement