World's First National Study of Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence

In a report released today that has been jointly funded by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Health Research Council, New Zealand becomes the first to fully research the incidence of this neurological disease over an entire country.

Close to 3000 people have been clinically identified as people with MS with a further 1200 potentially with the condition, for which there is currently no known cure.

MS affects women at a rate three times that of men and is most often diagnosed in the late twenties to early thirties. 

Whilst being most prevalent in people from a European background, the research has established that there are 61 Maori people with MS in New Zealand. 

The prevalence is significantly related to regions of the country - increasing from 50.8 people per 100,000 in Northland to 134.6 people per 100,000 in Southland. 

The research is a valuable tool to establish the resources required to support people with MS and their families and carers as well as being the foundation from which more clinical research can come. 

Aspects of the results will be presented to the International MS Federation conference in Canada later this year. Click here for more info....

New Look Newsletter

This years Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week runs from the 1^st – 7^th September and as with previous years we will mark the occasion with our annual street appeal. 

This year we will be out collecting on Friday 5^th and Saturday 6^th September and in order to make this the most successful street appeal yet, we need your help.  Without willing volunteers it simply wont happen.   If you are interested in sparing a few hours to collect in a location near you or you know some friends or family who would be keen to help please contact Nicola on (09) 8455921 or at nicola@msakl.org. nz  - with your help we will make a difference!

Art For MS

Art for MS is back by popular demand for its fourth year and this year the exhibition promises to be as good if not better than previous years. 

The exhibition will be held in the BNZ Foyer at the Aotea Centre, Auckland and is made up of a variety of different types of art, from watercolours, to mosaics to jewellery.  Each piece has its own story to tell and many of the pieces are available for purchase.

This years exhibition will be held from the 16^th - 28^th September 2008 and is a fantastic opportunity for us to raise awareness within t he community whilst showcasing amazing art created by amazing people whose lives have been touched by Multiple Sclerosis. 

If you are a budding artist whose life has been touched by MS and you would like to submit some work or have any questions please contact Nicola at the office (09) 845 5921 or email nicola@msakl.org.nz.  Alternatively if you are interested in art or simply keen to support the work of the MS Auckland Region please feel free to visit the exhibition.