Muscular Dystrophy NZ - Canterbury

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, they have broadened their scope to support people with other neuromuscular conditions, not just muscular dystrophy.

As a registered charity, MDA 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.

MDA have three regional branches based throughout the country that are supported by the National Support Office based in Auckland. Their governance structure ensures leadership of the organisation by individuals and whānau members with lived experience of a neuromuscular condition. Therefore, they are member driven in their approach.