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Grant Application

Funding opportunity

NZMSRT is delighted to offer funding of NZ$150,000 for three years to support neurologists wishing to undertake research in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. This grant may be used to support a fellowship both here or overseas for those intending to return to NZ to specialise in MS.

Support for more limited training or research projects in MS will also be considered as will MS research undertaken by a non-clinical scientist. 

For further information, please contact us via our Contact Form. 

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The Monica Mackley MS Nursing Education Fund

The Trust has available funding provided by the Estate of Monica Mackley for the support and further education of neurology nurses wanting to further their knowledge of the treatment and research into MS.

The late Monica Mackley was a person with MS and was always very appreciative of the care and support she received as a patient with MS from the specialist Neurology nurses at Auckland Hospital.

It was her wish that a fund be created to support further education for nurses wanting to specialise in the research and treatment of MS.

The key points being.

  • The funds are available to support registered NZ nurses specialising in Neurology and with an interest in MS to further their knowledge and education on the treatment and research of MS.
  • It is intended that the funds be used to supplement funds from other sources rather than cover the entire cost.
  • Funds may be used for travel overseas, course fees and related costs.
    The initial grant for 2024 is $3000. Applications on the attached form close on 30 May 2025.

If you are seeking support for airfares and/or accommodation, please do not make any bookings until you know the outcome of your application.

  • The Trustees retain the right to approve or decline any application
  • To apply for the grant please complete the online application or download the Application form

If you require further information, please contact NZMSRT at  info@msresearch.org.nz

Apply Online Here
Download Application Form

MSBase

MSBase is the focus of the Trust’s. We are spearheading and funding of MSBase in New Zealand, and it’s already making a difference. This major project encourages New Zealand-based research and benefits the lives of people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Researchers in New Zealand will have access to the largest organised repository of longitudinal, anonymised data from nearly 70,000 consenting Multiple Sclerosis patients in 35 participating countries. This dataset enables researchers to gain insight into Multiple Sclerosis in New Zealand.

MSBase is also a tool for tracking and evaluating patient health outcomes. As we fund the MSBase on-boarding, clinicians can use this insightful platform to achieve better health outcomes for their patients.

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Grant Funds for Researchers

The Trust is currently developing information for Researchers regarding funds available for MS Research in New Zealand and how to apply for these.

In the meantime, please contact us via our Contact Form.

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Grant Funds for Researchers

The Trust is currently developing information for Researchers regarding funds available for MS Research in New Zealand and how to apply for these.
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The New Zealand Multiple Sclerosis Research Trust was established in 2015 to stimulate, co-ordinate and support New Zealand-based research into the cause, prevention, treatment, alleviation and cure of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and to obtain and disseminate research findings.
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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.