Our Vision

Freedom beyond limits

Our Mission

Promoting freedom of choice and a responsive society

Our Values

Sustainable    Toitūtanga

Empowering   Whakamanatanga

Proactive   Kōkiritanga

Connected   Tūhonotanga

Our Story

The Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand, commonly known as MDANZ, began in the late 1950’s as a support group for families affected by muscular dystrophy. Since then we have broadened our scope to support people with other neuromuscular conditions, not just muscular dystrophy. We are looking forward to celebrating our 60th anniversary in 2019 and are proud to have Judy Bailey and Dame Susan Devoy as our longstanding patrons.

As a registered charity, we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations from the general public, trusts and other businesses/organisations to provide specialist information and practical support to individuals and whānau with lived experience of rare neuromuscular conditions.

We have 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.

Our logo is a person shown in the form of DNA. This double helix represents the genetic component to many of our conditions and reflects our strong commitment to families and the acknowledgement of whakapapa or family histories, which are woven through the stories of our members. We believe in strengthening and supporting both individuals with neuromuscular conditions, their whānau and their communities of support.

Strategic Plan

Click here to download a copy of our strategic plan.