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Research makes a difference
Stimulating and supporting New Zealand-based research into the cause, prevention and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), in the hope of ultimate cure.
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New Zealand Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust

The New Zealand Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust was established in 2015 to stimulating and supporting New Zealand-based research into the cause, prevention, treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and in the hope of ultimate cure, we obtain and share research findings in New Zealand and internationally.

New Zealand provides unique opportunities for MS researchers. There is so much about MS in New Zealand that is unknown. We have the opportunity to make life better for people with MS and the need is pressing.

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What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is a disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

The CNS is responsible for our conscious and unconscious functioning, including movement and the response to sensations such as sight, touch and hearing. It directs these functions by sending its instructions in the form of electrical impulses to the appropriate sites along nerve fibres.

The term multiple sclerosis refers to multiple areas of scarring (sclerosis) scattered throughout the brain and spinal cord…

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Multiple Sclerosis Research

Through its research and by strengthening international links with other MS organisations, the Trust is working to build a strong and respected NZ-based research capability that will make a real difference to the lives of people with MS here.

New Zealand Research

New Zealand provides unique opportunities for MS research. Every New Zealander has their own health identifier number enabling the accurate collection and tracking of information and the population base has a longitudinal spread that is significant in terms of MS research.

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International Research

New Zealand provides unique opportunities for MS research. Every New Zealander has their own health identifier number enabling the accurate collection and tracking of information and the population base has a longitudinal spread that is significant in terms of MS research.

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News

Time Matters in MS – Podcast

Hosted by on behalf of Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand. During MS Awareness Month, Time Matters in MS podcast, featuring five new episodes packed with discussions about: MS diagnosis- What does it mean Treatment Options for MS available in Aotearoa New Zealand Traveling the world and adventuring with Multiple Sclerosis Parenthood and Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis Research Update Stay informed and inspired by the progress being made on the groundbreaking research in multiple sclerosis (MS). listen to Dr. Elza Cloete (Trustee NZ Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust) shares insights about the Trust’s ongoing work, emphasising how research breakthroughs directly impact those living with MS in New Zealand. The Trust also plays a vital role in raising community awareness and encouraging donations that fuel vital scientific progress. Dr. Daniel Cornfeld and Paul Condron from the (Mātai Medical Research Institute) discussing the new MRI method developed by the team ultra-high contrast (UHC) MRI detects subtle brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients that are not seen on current state-of-the-art scans. along with Brett Drummond from (MS Translate), the podcast dives into the latest advancements and insights connecting science to real lives affected by MS. Whether you’re living with MS, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the latest in MS, each episode offers clear, engaging conversations that make complex topics accessible and inspiring and a reminder that time truly matters when it comes to research and managing MS.  Click link to listen to the podcast

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News

Could MS cure start with brain cells in a dish?

Dr Amy McCaughey-Chapman whose initial research was funded by the Trust explores a groundbreaking approach to finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by utilising brain cells in a dish. By studying MS in a controlled environment, researchers hope to accelerate the discovery of effective therapies and ultimately find a cure for this debilitating condition. While this research is still in its early stages, the potential for brain cells in a dish to contribute to an MS cure is significant. If successful, this approach could lead to the development of treatments tailored to individual patients’ needs, improving their quality of life and potentially halting disease progression The next stage of this research is to be funded by the Health Research Council one of NZ’s most important health research funders. Read more about this incredible research taking place in Aotearoa. Click here  

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Andrew Cushen

Trustee

Andrew is an independent corporate affairs and strategy consultant, working and living in Auckland. He has previously held senior positions in a number of corporate and not-for-profit entities in New Zealand.

Across his career, Andrew has worked as a funder of research projects (albeit in different areas than medicine and health), served in a number of not-for-profit governance roles, and been successful in developing and implementing collaborative funding models to extend investment in research and community programmes.

Andrew’s interest in Multiple Sclerosis stems from his father’s diagnosis with progressive MS in the early 2000s, and he is keenly interested in research, treatment and management approaches that may lessen the impact of MS on those diagnosed and their families.

Julia Howell

Trustee

Julia is a qualified nurse and midwife, with a varied career including specialising in eating disorders, primary healthcare, and management.    

Julia, in partnership with a GP, set up an outpatient clinical trials unit (Southern Clinical Trials). Under her leadership this grew into a network of 6 sites across NZ. This network merged with another one in 2021 to form PCRN, NZ’s largest clinical trials network. Julia is currently working as joint COO for PCRN.

Julia’s daughter was diagnosed with MS aged 14 and she has been intimately involved with her management over the years.

 

Jan Campbell

Trustee

Born in Ōtautahi Jan trained as a nurse in Christchurch, as a midwife in Winchester, UK and has a degree in philosophy with particular interest in healthcare and business ethics.

After working in the public health system in the UK and NZ, Jan joined Roche Pharmaceuticals based in Auckland in 1999. As a respected senior leader and Medical Director, she established a medical division over the ensuing 20 years responsible for significant investment in clinical trials in NZ, developing a top-class global medicine information service, compassionate medicine supply for kiwis in need, pharmacovigilance oversight and a team working closely with patients, specialists, MEDSAFE and PHARMAC to support the safe and appropriate use of Roche medicines.

As a retiree Jan has volunteered for Mercy Hospice in Auckland and the WBoP Museum in Katikati. Now living in Ōtepoti, Jan sits on both the MS Research Trust and MSNZ executive committees with a keen interest to ensure people with MS get a fair go in NZ.

Dr Elza Cloete

Trustee

Elza is a Neonatal Paediatrician at Christchurch Women’s Hospital. Originally from South Africa, she moved to New Zealand in 2006 and completed her specialist training in Auckland.

Subsequent to that she embarked on doctoral studies at the University of Auckland’s Liggins Institute and obtained a PhD investigating congenital heart disease in new-born babies.

Elza received the Vice-Chancellor’s award for best doctoral thesis for her research and is the author of several research publications. She moved to Christchurch in 2020 for a work opportunity in clinical practice.

Elza was diagnosed with MS in 2012 and brings a consumer perspective and research experience to the Trust.

Dr Ernie Willoughby

Trustee

Dr Willoughby has been a consultant neurologist at Auckland City Hospital (1979 to 2021 – now retired, emeritus) and clinical associate professor at Auckland University School of Medicine.

He directed the MS clinic at Auckland Hospital, has had a long association with the Auckland and NZ MS Societies, and is a member of the International Medical and Scientific Board of the MS International Federation.

Dr Brian Linehan

Independent Trustee

Dr Brian Linehan is a retired pathologist who was previously Managing Director of Medlab Hamilton.

He is currently Chairman of the Tranmere group of investment companies and a Director of a number of other private companies. In 2014, he retired after 12 years on the Council of the University of Waikato where he was Pro-Chancellor.

He is a past Chairman of the New Zealand Medical Association, past Chairman of NZMA Ethics Committee, past President and Chairman of CMAAO (Combined Medical Associations of Asia and Oceania) and past Chairman of IANZ (International Accreditation NZ).

Brian was diagnosed with MS in 2007 but is still active and mobile.

Peter Wood - JP, BCom, AGNZ, ACIS, FNZTA

Treasurer

Peter gained his commerce degree at Victoria University of Wellington and has been practising as a Chartered Accountant initially in Wellington and then in Tauranga.

Peter was a respected and trusted advisor to many businesspeople.
He is now resident in Auckland and consultants to a limited number business clients.

He has also served his community through involvement with Jaycees, Lions and Rotary clubs and a number of charitable trusts.

Peter is currently the Treasurer of Multiple Sclerosis Auckland and a trustee of the Multiple Sclerosis Auckland Trust. Peter is a Justice of the Peace and a member Governance New Zealand and is a Fellow of the NZ Trustees’ Association.

Neil Woodhams

Trustee

Neil is an independent health management consultant who has had an extensive career in health management as a senior manager or consultant to government, DHBs, primary care and community providers. 

Neil is President of MS New Zealand and a trustee of the MS Auckland Region Trust. Neil was also President of MS Auckland until he stepped down from this role mid-2020 to concentrate on his national roles.

Neil’s wife was diagnosed with MS in 1994. One of his four sons was also diagnosed in 2010.

Neil strongly believes in the objectives of the NZ Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust and has advocated for the establishment of the Trust for over 10 years.

Sir William Gallagher

Trustee

Sir William is renowned as a motivational, pragmatic and hands-on businessman in and outside of New Zealand and has a reputation both as a dynamic leader and one of NZ’s most astute businessmen.

Still very involved in the daily operation, he maintains regular contact with customers in the 130 countries in which Gallagher products are sold spending up to 150 days a year on the road representing the company and its philosophies and emphasising the ethics and integrity of his professional and personal dealings.

His achievements have been officially recognised by a string of awards, the latest to mark his commitment to enterprise and leadership skills being his Knighthood in the 2010 New Year’s Honours List. He was also the 1996 winner of the prestigious Excellence in Communication Leadership award, the first time in its history that it had been awarded outside of North America. He also received an MBE in 1987 followed by a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 1998.

Sir William Gallagher - KNZM, MBE. HonD

Patron

Sir William is renowned as a motivational, pragmatic and hands-on businessman in and outside of New Zealand and has a reputation both as a dynamic leader and one of NZ’s most astute businessmen.

Still very involved in the daily operation, he maintains regular contact with customers in the 130 countries in which Gallagher products are sold spending up to 150 days a year on the road representing the company and its philosophies and emphasising the ethics and integrity of his professional and personal dealings.

His achievements have been officially recognised by a string of awards, the latest to mark his commitment to enterprise and leadership skills being his Knighthood in the 2010 New Year’s Honours List. He was also the 1996 winner of the prestigious Excellence in Communication Leadership award, the first time in its history that it had been awarded outside of North America. He also received an MBE in 1987 followed by a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 1998.