Who we are
Vision
"People living with a neuromuscular condition having unrestricted opportunities to achieve their full potential."
Mission
"To provide New Zealanders living with neuromuscular conditions personal support and information, and to advocate, influence and promote equality of opportunity"
Values
In all dealings with its members the Muscular Dystrophy Association will be:
Empowering; people living with a neuromuscular condition will be supported to be as independent as possible, to have valued social roles, and to enjoy full rights of citizenship
Whanau and family inclusive; the whanau and family of people with a neuromuscular condition will be supported appropriately to live fulfilling lives
Consultative; members will be provided with clear information on all aspects of the Association, and will be given a clear sense of ownership for decisions that are made on their behalf, thereby providing a sense of belonging to an organisation which is member led
Fair; the MDA will ensure that all members benefit equitably from the Association’s resources, that they have equal opportunity to participate in the Association’s decision making processes, and that they are appropriately enfranchised to vote on matters requiring member resolution
Community minded; the MDA will foster a sense of community with and amongst its members
Accountable; the MDA will be accountable to donors for the good stewardship of its resources, and to members for provision of services and operating in accordance with its stated values
In dealing with other stakeholders and the public at large the Muscular Dystrophy Association will be:
Informative; relevant information will be provided on neuromuscular conditions, their management and the impact they have on those living with a condition and their carers
Proactive; the MDA will lobby the government and its ministries, in alliance with other organisations when appropriate, to ensure equality of opportunity, fair access to services for people living with a neuromuscular condition, and appreciation of members’ views on issues affecting them
Muscular Dystrophy Association is a not for profit incorporated society. The National Office is based in Auckland where there are a small number of paid employees. The governance (elected members of the Muscular Dystrophy Association National council) all volunteer their time and expertise.
Click here to see more about the members of the National Council
There are four branches of the Muscular Dystrophy Association: Northern, Wellington, Canterbury and Southern, which cover all areas of New Zealand.
Anyone with an interest in neuromuscular conditions can become a member of Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ Inc via their local branch. Members include those with a neuromuscular condition, family members, friends and carers, health professionals and education professionals.
The services offered by the Muscular Dystrophy Association are unique and diverse:
- Specialised information regarding neuromuscular conditions
- Promotion and education
- Quarterly publication of In Touch magazine
- Workshops
- Advocacy on behalf of members
- Liaison with health, disability and social welfare organisations
- Free library service
- 0800 free phone outside Auckland (0800 800 337)
- Informative, user-friendly website
- Support network
- Assistance with funding applications
- Direct support with research projects through the Research Foundation
- Help with equipment provision