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WINTER 2026 InTouch | 5 NEWS ROUNDUP • Show Your Ability 2025 MDA Rep • Digital Accessibility Standard Refresh. As Vice Chairperson I always make decisions and act with the same question in my mind: “ Does this support/benefit our members? ” And as such will always fight for representation, policy change (hint hint 2026), and forge relationships with government and other stakeholders to support our people. Board Member Jessica Barnes Jess Barnes is a Whangārei-based real estate professional known for her results-driven approach, strong community focus, and genuine commitment to people. Since beginning her career in 2018, she has built a reputation as a high- performing agent while remaining deeply connected to her local community. Alongside her professional work, Jess is a passionate and experienced fundraiser, regularly supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact. During the Covid period, she played a key role in developing the Love It Local campaign, helping to champion and support local businesses through a challenging time. Jess brings valuable governance experience through a number of previous roles. She has served as a parent representative on the Board of Trustees for Whangārei Intermediate School, been involved at governance level with Marist Rugby Club, and contributed to the Whangārei District Council Disability Advisory Board. These experiences have strengthened her ability to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and represent the voices of her community. Her connection to Muscular Dystrophy Association NZ is both personal and deeply meaningful. Jess’s nine-year-old son, Eli, lives with a rare form of myopathy, and her family are grateful members of MDANZ. This lived experience has shaped her strong passion for advocacy, particularly in promoting equal opportunities, raising awareness, and supporting families navigating neuromuscular conditions. Jess is committed to contributing energy, empathy, and practical leadership to the MDANZ board, with a focus on strengthening advocacy, increasing awareness, and supporting the ongoing impact of the organisation. Board Member Allister Davis I am a very passionate person who has dedicated his life to the field of law and service to the community. I am an astute hard-working motivated and highly driven barrister having been a partner in a mid-sized law firm for 39 years prior to moving to the independent bar. I bring a healthy competitive edge and am constantly looking at ways to improve organisations that I have involvement with. I have an exceptionally high integrity in an honest approach to everything I encounter life. I feel that my skills and experience over the last 40 years of practice and 30 years with New Zealand Law Society which includes various roles from Vice President (South Island), Board member NZLS for 6 years , President NZLS (Canterbury /Westland branch), Convener of the NZLS National Standards Committee#3 together with being a member of the Legal Services Performance Committee, a Visiting Justice sitting at the prisons, a Disputes Tribunal referee, the Chairman of the Canterbury Rugby Football Union Appeals committee amongst other external committee and positions have allowed me to develop relationships with people of all walks of life, both personal and professional, my tenacity and enthusiasm to achieve positive outcomes and drive to truly make a difference in people’s lives has shaped me into the person that I am today. I believe that I can contribute in a positive way to the Board and the future of the Association. Board Member Joy Jenkin I joined MDANZ after my son was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2001. I have been secretary for the Northern Branch for the past 14 years. During my time on the Northern branch, I have organised family camps, Mums retreats, Christmas parties etc. I was elected on National Council in 2019 and then re-elected in 2021 and I would like to re-stand for another 2 years this year. I am very passionate about the Association and love meeting other members and offering my support wherever and whenever I can. In Continued over ...