About the HD Associations of New Zealand
The three associations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch were established around
1980 by families who were frustrated by the lack of services and felt isolated. They
had become aware of similar organisations overseas, the first having been founded in
1967 by Marjorie Guthrie in the USA.
Unable to support a national organisation, the three associations function separately to
meet the needs of their members, but co-operate when it is appropriate (bringing
speakers from overseas, awareness weeks, conferences and this Web Site).
In areas where the Huntington's Disease Associations cannot support their own social
worker/field worker the local Multiple Sclerosis Society includes HD families as their
clients: in Midland (Waikato), Bay of Plenty, Marlborough, Nelson and Invercargill.
Our Objectives
1. To provide support and advocacy for those with Huntington's Disease.
2. To provide information and support to family members and associates.
3. To act as a source of information for professionals involved with Huntington's Disease
4. To raise public awareness on Huntington's Disease.
Boundaries are flexible to cater for individual and family needs. Membership is open.
All associations have their own trusts in which donations may be placed.
International Huntington Association
All three associations belong to the International Association which was established
in 1974. It organises biennial conferences at which leading carers and scientists
speak, and issues are discussed and pursued. At present the problem of obtaining
insurance, if at risk or with a positive predictive test, is being monitored globally.
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