Patrons

Judy Bailey

Patron, Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ Inc

She graced our screens for more than 30 years, now the woman dubbed the "mother of the nation" is focusing her attention to helping children. Of her broadcasting career she says one of the highlights was being able to bring the events that changed the world into people’s living rooms. It was a privilege to be part of telling those big stories like the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela and the horror of 9/11 .Ó she says. It was also wonderful to be there when the nation gathered around the telly to support our America’s Cup team and for numerous telethons. In those times television really served as a catalyst for bringing our country together. Today, she still appears on screen on Maori Television at Anzac Day, and on the Documentary Channel. However, her main focus now is on her charity work. Among a number of other organisations Judy supports, she is a long-time patron of the Muscular Dystrophy Association - thanks to her son James' friendship with a boy named Lachlan, who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.

This relationship compelled her to get involved in the organization and help progress the cause in New Zealand.

Judy Bailey has been made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to broadcasting and the community.

Susan Devoy

Patron, Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ Inc

Dame Susan Devoy needs very little introduction; she is a well-known New Zealand squash player and sports figure of whom we are all aware. Between 1984 and 1992 she won eight New Zealand Squash Open titles, eight British Squash Open Titles and four Squash World Championship titles.

She was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1993, was awarded an MBE in 1986, a CBE in 1992, and was honoured as Dame Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1998. Dame Susan was the youngest New Zealander since Sir Edmund Hillary to receive such a high accolade from the Queen.

In her recent professional career she has been the chair of the Halberg Trust, and is now the trustee representing the Bay of Plenty. The Halberg Trust was founded by Sir Murray Halberg over 40 years ago with the twin aims of honouring sporting excellence and ensuring people with a disability have the opportunity to be more active, more often.

Dame Susan is absolutely passionate about parenting and the role that we, as parents, can play in raising fit, healthy, active children. It is for this reason that she has been involved in the Halberg Trust and Sport BOP. She has a personal drive to ensure that disabled people are given as many chances as possible. To this end, in 1988, she walked the length of New Zealand to raise $500,000 for Muscular Dystrophy and is now the patron of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.