Governance & Accountability
Member-led, transparent & purpose-driven
The Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand (MDANZ) is a registered charity governed by a member-led National Council and supported by local Branch Committees across Aotearoa.
Registered Charity: CC22238 (Charities Services NZ)
Member-governed: Constitutionally bound to represent individuals and whānau living with neuromuscular conditions
100% Financial Transparency: Independently audited annual financial accounts
Our governance framework & National Board
MDANZ operates under a national governance model that balances strategic national oversight with local, regional community representation.
The role of the National Board
The National Board is the governing board of MDANZ. It sets the strategic direction and ensures legal and financial compliance. A majority of Board members have personal lived experience with a neuromuscular condition, either directly or as a family caregiver.
National Chairperson & Vice Chairperson: Elected at the AGM by the membership.
Regional Branch Representatives: Delegates elected by Northern, Central, and South Island branches to ensure local regional voices shape national strategy.
Co-Opted Specialists: Appointed for specific expertise in medical research, law, finance, or clinical care.
Meet our National Board
Our governing board brings together lived experience, clinical expertise, and strategic leadership to guide MDANZ across Aotearoa.
| Board Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Scott Boyle | Chairperson |
| Jessica Barnes | Vice Chairperson |
| Joy Jenkin | Board Member |
| Jeremy Sole | Board Member |
| Sophie Tamati | Board Member |
| Allister Davis | Board Member |
| Yasmin Dolbel-Neville | Branch Representative |
| John Hawkins | Branch Representative |
Our Governing Documents
MDANZ Constitution: The core rules governing our purpose, membership rights, elections, and national operations.
Strategic Plan: Our multi-year roadmap detailing our commitment to fieldwork expansion, advocacy, research investment, and organisational sustainability.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Financial Reporting
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the highest decision-making body of MDANZ. It provides all registered members with the opportunity to review performance, vote on constitutional remits, elect national officers, and hold leadership accountable.
Member Voting Rights
Every registered member aged 18 and over (or a designated parent/guardian of a youth member) has full voting rights at the AGM, whether attending in person or submitting a proxy vote online or by post.
Annual Reports & Audited Financial Statement
We publish our audited accounts and annual performance reports ahead of every AGM which you can view and download here:
Upcoming AGM Notice
Date & Time:
Format:
Remits & Nominations Deadline:
Regional Branch Committees & Local Leadership
While the National Council oversees national strategy, our Regional Branch Committees (Northern, Central, and South Island) drive local engagement, community events, and grassroots member support.
The role of a Branch Committee
Branch Committees are composed of local volunteers, members, and carers who meet regularly to:
Plan Local Events: Organise local coffee mornings, family picnics, carer retreats, and accessible social outings.
Guide Local Welfare Funds: Help allocate discretionary branch funds for member relief, local grants, and equipment pool maintenance.
Advise Regional Fieldworkers: Provide local community insights to help regional fieldwork teams address emerging needs.
Represent the Region: Appoint regional delegates to sit on the MDANZ National Council.
Standing for election to your Local Branch Committee
Branch Committee elections take place annually at Regional Branch Meetings. Any registered MDANZ member residing within the branch region can stand for election or nominate a fellow member.
Want to Join Your Local Branch Committee?
Volunteering on a branch committee is a rewarding way to share your skills, connect with local families, and shape local support in your region.
Download the Branch Committee Nomination Form here
Governance Document Directory
Access all official MDANZ governance documents, policy frameworks, and nomination forms in one place:
MDANZ Constitution — Official governing rules of the association
MDANZ Strategic Plan 2024–2028 — Our strategic priorities & impact measures
National Council Nomination Form — Form to nominate candidates for National Council roles
Branch Committee Nomination Form — Form to stand for local Branch Committee election
Proxy Voting Form for AGM — For members unable to attend the AGM in person/online