History

Early Days

The organisation's early beginnings were in 1958 when Moira Gordon, Ann Canty and Sadie McDonald, who were mothers of boys with muscular dystrophy, began to meet at Sadie McDonald's home in Dominion Road in Auckland. In 1959 the association was formalised and became an incorporated society with the moniker of The Muscular Dystrophy Research Group. 10 years later it renamed itself the Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ (inc). In the ensuing years the MDA has grown and broadened its scope to support people with other neuromuscular conditions.

Fifty Years On

To celebrate the 50th year of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand (inc) in 2009 noted researchers, clinicians and MDA members from around the world and throughout New Zealand presented at the conference, Window on Tomorrow, Advancements in the science and medicine in neuromuscular conditions at Sky City Auckland from 7-9 May 2009. To see some of the presentations from the conference go to the members area of this website.