The Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand Inc. (MDANZ) is a member-led organisation established by New Zealanders with lived experience of neuromuscular conditions.
MDANZ supports individuals, families and whānau through a range of services:
- In Touch Magazine
- Funded Counselling service
- up to 3 per year, more can be added on a case by case basis
- Must be a registered MDANZ member, carer or supporter of a member, or an immediate family member
- Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund
- Discretionary grants to help members access opportunities and specialised resources
- Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award
- Provides funding and direct support for members aged between 14-24 who want to take on the challenge
- Alert Cards
- Wallet sized alert cards to help in emergency situations
- Resource Library
- Pneumonia Vaccine Funding
- Reimbursement programme offered to members
- Fieldworkers (See below)
They have three regional branches - Northern, Central, Southern. These regional bases have fieldworkers that will provide personalized support and education, as well as location based newsletters and events.
This could include:
- support through diagnosis
- walking alongside during times of grief and change
- offering information and advice about condition(s)
- facilitating service access through referrals or advocacy
- reducing isolation by connecting people with similar experiences
- educating your community (teachers, health professionals, or disability support staff) inorder to provide better services and assistance.
