From 14 to 20 September 2026, Aotearoa marks Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, an opportunity to learn more about multiple sclerosis (MS), listen to the experiences of people living with MS, and support the organisations making a difference in our communities.
At Allied Medical and Livewell, we are proud to support the MS community and help raise awareness of the work being done by Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand and regional MS societies across the country.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. The cause of MS is still unknown, although both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
One of the challenges of MS is that everyone experiences it differently. Symptoms depend on which areas of the brain, optic nerve or spinal cord are affected and can change over time.
According to MS New Zealand, symptoms can include fatigue, changes to vision, numbness or tingling, weakness, balance and mobility difficulties, as well as cognitive changes. Some symptoms are visible, while others can be much harder for those around the person to see or understand.
There is currently no cure for MS, but treatments and support are available. MS New Zealand emphasises that early diagnosis and treatment, alongside positive lifestyle changes, can help people manage MS and live full lives.
Time Matters in MS
This year's MS Awareness Week continues MS New Zealand's Time Matters in MS campaign, which focuses on the importance of early understanding, early support and early action.
For 2026, MS New Zealand is putting real experiences at the centre of the campaign through MS Looks Like Me, a digital photo wall featuring people living with MS, alongside videos exploring what different MS symptoms can look and feel like.
The aim is to make MS more visible and better understood, while helping more people recognise potential early signs and seek support.
Learn more about the 2026 Time Matters in MS campaign.
Support in Your Community
MS New Zealand works nationally to advocate for better access to MS treatments and services, provide information and resources, support education, and help address inequalities in access to care.
It also supports a network of 18 regional MS societies, which provide services and connections within their local communities.
Here in Auckland, MS Auckland is marking Awareness Week with events and activities throughout September. These include an online MS classification webinar, a Comedy Night at The Classic, Battle of the Boots and the MS Good Sorts Tea Party.
There are also MS societies around New Zealand providing local support. You can find your regional MS society here.
How Can You Help?
One of the easiest ways to support MS Awareness Week is simply to learn more and share what you know. Following MS New Zealand or your regional MS society, sharing their Awareness Week content, attending an event or talking about MS can all help build greater understanding.
You can also make a donation.
MS New Zealand says approximately 5,000 people in New Zealand are diagnosed with MS. Donations help the organisation advocate for access to treatments and services, provide up to date information and resources, fund education initiatives, and support regional MS societies throughout Aotearoa.
You can make a one off or regular donation directly to MS New Zealand here.
If you are in Auckland, you can also support MS Auckland during Awareness Week and help fund its work supporting Aucklanders affected by MS.
Every contribution helps, whether that is donating, attending an event, sharing a story or simply taking the time to understand a little more about MS.
Supporting the MS Community
At Allied Medical and Livewell, supporting people to maintain their independence and continue doing the things that matter to them is at the heart of what we do.
We are proud to stand alongside the MS community this Awareness Week and recognise the work of MS New Zealand, MS Auckland and regional MS societies across Aotearoa.
This 14 to 20 September, take a moment to learn more, share the message and help make MS more visible and better understood.
Written by Shelley Lima
Shelley is the Marketing Coordinator at Allied Medical and works closely with the Allied Medical and Livewell teams to share helpful information, resources and stories that support our customers, health professionals and wider community.