Patron

 

Dr Ernest Willoughby

Dr Ernest Willoughby has been Medical Adviser to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand since 1985.

He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies (IFMSS).

Dr Willoughby has worked as a Neurologist at Auckland Hospital since 1979 and has a consultant private practice at Mercy Hospital.

He is a part-time Senior Lecturer in Neurology at the University of Auckland’s School of Medicine.

 

 

MS Auckland Region Ambassador 

The role of an ambassador is a key role for MS Auckland Region. Individuals willing to become Ambassadors are publicly endorsing the work of the Society and happy to encourage others to do the same.As a result of their public profile they are able to raise the profile of our work and consequently make the general public more aware of MS and the work of the Society. 

 

Peta Mathias

Peta Mathias is a respected and prolific New Zealand chef, author and broadcaster, who now builds on the culinary travel experience with her gastronomic tours in the South of France, Morocco and India.

Having started off her culinary love affair in Paris with her restaurant 'Rose Blues' in the 5th arrondissement, she returned to New Zealand ten years later to teach, cook and write.

For twelve years Peta presented the prime time travel/food shows 'Taste New Zealand', 'Taste Takes off' and 'A Taste of Home'.  Peta’s initial writing focused on gastronomic travel books.  However Peta has more recently ventured into new territory with 'Can We Help It If We're Fabulous?' a book about women, which came out in August 2008, followed by 'Just In Time To Be Too Late - why men are like buses' published in November 2009 and hit the best seller list within a week.

Peta first became involved with MS Auckland Region in 2008 where she joined Raylene Ramsey for the successful “Taste of Peta” fundraising lunch.  Then in 2009 she chose to celebrate her 60th birthday by raising funds for the Society with an elaborate party at the Auckland Museum.

MS Auckland Region is delighted to announce that Peta has recently agreed to become an Ambassador for the Society.  Although there is no immediate personal connection Peta is passionate about the work of the Society and the impact MS has on individuals.

“The thought of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis would be unbearable.  Being told you had a condition with no cure and that strikes you down in the prime of your life is awful. The work the Society do to improve the quality of life of those living with MS is fantastic and it is a privilege to be involved with them and the work they do.”