The Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand Inc. (MDANZ) is a member-led orgnisation established by New Zealanders with lived experience of neuromuscular conditions.  

Starting in the 1950’s as a support group for families affected by muscular dystrophy is now the leading source of information and support to our community.  

The charity has four regional branches based throughout the country that are supported by the National Office based in Auckland. Our governance structure ensures leadership of the organisation by individuals and whānau members with lived experience of a neuromuscular condition.  We are therefore member-driven in our approach.                 

MDA campaigns to improve public awareness of rare neuromuscular conditions and work with clinicians and researchers to improve pathways to diagnosis and care standards for our members. We offer hope for the future by funding research and facilitating access to clinical trials and potential new treatments.

• $115 pays for a counselling session that we offer free to our members
• $70 pays for a pneumococcal vaccine that we offer free to our members
• Our members are visited by Fieldworkers as far north as Ahipara and as far south as Invercargill
• Our Fieldworkers make over 6,000 points of contact with our members each year

This charity was nominated by Tyler Barnes as the charity support his nephew Eli, who has MD, and his family.