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Our AGM on 28th April signalled the fact that another year had come to an end and simultaneously presented me with the opportunity to report to our members. It was a privilege to serve you as National Executive Chairperson for another year. I am delighted to be working with some new, and returning, members with the new National Board this year which comprises of Scott Boyle, Vice Chairperson (South Island); Jessica Barnes, Joy Jenkin, Jeremy Sole and Sophie Tamati (Northern) and Allister Davis (South Island). The Board will be joined by Branch Representatives Yaz Dolbel-Neville (Northern); John Hawkins (Central) and Kim Russell (South Island). You can find out more about your new Board on page 4 . Our key services are the pillars of our organisation, and I am proud of what we offer to new, and existing, members. The MDANZ Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund continues to be a fantastic initiative and is making a positive difference to our members. This fund is something I fully support, as it is an awesome way to give a little back to our members. The number of applications continues to growwith each round and although we would love to fund every application, it is impossible to do so. Some of the things we fund are conference attendance, travel, hearing aids, funds toward an electric bike, laptops, vaccinations, funds toward university fees and garden paths! We continue to invest in other core services for our members including free counselling through TELUS Health, our quarterly In Touch magazine, as well as our important and vital Fieldworker service. Like many charitable organisations, the times ahead will be challenging. Challenges within the health and disability sector, coupled with the inflationary economic climate means we must navigate a careful path forward. But we are not deterred and are committed to providing quality community-based services to those living with a neuromuscular condition who trust us to be a part of their support network. Hope you enjoy this issue of In Touch . FROM THE DESK Kōrero with Trevor Trevor Jenkin National Executive Chairperson Supporting our members. To speak to us about leaving a gift in your will, please email info@mda.org.nz We have been helping Kiwi families for more than 60 years and by making a bequest, you are ensuring the sustainability of our organisation so that we can continue to be there for generations to come. Any bequest, no matter what size, will directly help those living with muscle wasting neuromuscular conditions, and enable us to continue our work within your community. Your good will benefits families