Kirsten lives with her kids, dogs and husband in the small regional town of Ōamaru. She’s been living with symptoms and episodes of MS for about 20 years but was finally diagnosed in 2021. She’s on a mission to walk the five-day, 85 km Old Ghost Road in Buller.

Raffaela is an Italian living in Malborough with a passion for tramping. She was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) in 2021, and she received an Expedition Grant to help her achieve her goal of tramping into Blue Lake Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Duncan is a Manawatu local who happens to live in Auckland. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis three years ago, and he is preparing to complete the 4.6km Rangitoto Ocean Swim.

Sam Smith recently returned from his 120km hike across Germany and takes us through the highlights.

Sam Smith, the 2019 Expedition Grant recipient, is heading away to trek King Ludwig's Way in Bavaria, Germany. A New Zealand comedian, author, and father, Sam was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015 and is partially blind, but he can’t wait to test himself.

David Kyle, the 2022 grant recipient, completes his inspirational goal of finishing the Karapoti Challenge mountain bike race, despite having multiple sclerosis (MS) – a fabulous achievement.

David Kyle, diagnosed with MS in 2020, wants to complete the challenging 20 km Karapoti Classic mountain bike race. We are excited equip him with all he needs to achieve his goal and continue cycling with friends and family long into the future.

On November 4th 2021, our 2020 Grant Recipient Katy Glenie accomplished her mission to climb the Minarets (3,040 metres) in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The Mastering Mountains team could not be more thrilled for her!

Katy Glenie is the 2020 Mastering Mountains Grant recipient and she has an exciting goal: to climb the Minarets, a 3,000m peak in the Southern Alps. Here, Katy gives a fun account of a course she attended in preparation for the climb.

Mastering Mountains and MSNZ are delighted to introduce the recipient of the 2020 Mastering Mountains Grant, Katy Glenie.

Despite a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), Aucklanders Sam Smith and Rachelle Becker will redefine what’s possible with MS and to inspire others to pursue healthier lifestyles.

The 2019 Mastering Mountains Climbing Fundraiser was an incredible evening. We had an amazing group of participants turn up in support of our efforts to enable people with MS and FND to get outdoors.

Nick Allen recently caught up with 2018 grant recipient Tracey Hall, to find out more about what receiving the grant has meant to her and how she is feeling while preparing for her upcoming adventure to Machu Picchu.

“This experience, as well as many others over the years, taught me that I do best when I have a goal to work toward. ... [T]o stay motivated through the ups and downs, I need goals that I’m passionate about and inspire me. Goals give me hope.”

“Eat well, listen to my body, and don’t push too hard – I knew the drill. Those were the things I knew I needed to do if I wanted to best protect myself from crashing.”

Nick Allen recently caught up with 2018 grant recipient Tracey Hall, to find out more about what receiving the grant has meant to her and how she is feeling while preparing for her upcoming adventure to Machu Picchu.

Nick Allen recently caught up with 2018 grant recipient Tracey Hall, to find out more about what receiving the grant has meant to her and how she is feeling while preparing for her upcoming adventure to Machu Picchu.

On 6th May Marlene Hessing proudly achieved her personal mission of completing the Tiri Tiri Matangi Walk, following an Anzac Day walk on the Leigh Coastal Walkway on Goat Island.

Marlene Hessing was told her Multiple Sclerosis would only get worse and that she would end up in a wheelchair. Now, almost 20 years later, Marlene has taken control of her MS and is determined and strong.  

Michelle was awarded one of the 2017 Mastering Mountains Grants, which has been used to obtain an Alinker Bike. Her aim is to complete a nine-km section of the Great River Ride, from Ngaruawahia to Horotiu, with her family and grandchildren.