Auckland/Northland News

Welcome to Mary Hiron as the new Editor of the Newsletter. She generously, made a special trip up to Auckland to attend the Committee meeting on 30th April. This allowed us to have a very useful exchange of information and ideas for newsletters.

Northland Visits by the Field Officer: 3 -5 March 2002. Having waited for some time, people,in the Northland areas were able to meet with me over a three day, two night visit to points north: Whangarei, Kerikeri, Mangonui, Kaitaia, Kaikohe and Dargaville. Most of the 28 face-to-face contacts were through home visits with families, but also through meeting over coffee. A seminar was held in Whangarei for representatives of health care services on the Tuesday 10.00 -12.00.

Some family members expressed an interest in forming a support group and this may well need to be located at Whangarei or Kaikohe. I plan to visit again this year with the view to facilitating a self-help group. And the HD Committee is seeking funding for further Field Officer visits to Northland. Any ideas?

Some family members did not know how to access genetic counselling or genetic testing. The following is the New Zealand 0800 number for further information about Regional Genetic Services: 0800 476 123.

Committee Meetings: Meetings are held about every six weeks on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm and the committee members have formed smaller working groups regarding: fundraising, information technology, membership issues, publicity, service contracts, events, strategic planning.

Congratulations to the committee for producing the new pamphlet

Volunteers: The main volunteers are the committee members of the Association and the office holders of the Trust. We have the valued services of Barbara who helps the Field Officer and keeps the office running. More volunteers would be welcome:perhaps to visit individuals with HD or to assist the Field Officer organise and manage local social contact for members.

 AGM: Saturday 29th June at 2.00pm.

Again this year the AGM will be held at the Disability resource centre, 14 Erson Ave, Royal Oak. Our Patron, Prof Richard Faull is the guest speaker and he will have with him Dr Barry Snow and Ken Taylor. They will be presenting their latest information on research: local and international. They will also share plans about future research.

Saturday Seminars and Social Lunches:

17th March -    The Auckland Zoo family outing was thoroughly enjoyed by those attending, m fact we are considering making it an annual event.

18th May          As the Association has acquired and can borrow videos, we made this day one of video viewing, with the options of also some talk time.

31st August              Guest speaker: to be confirmed. 30th November - Speaker to be organised.

Carers Group and Gene Positive Support:

9th April - The informal evening meeting allowed two generations of a number of families to share their experiences, feelings, thoughts and coping strategies. Support, the unspoken knowing and special caring which develop between HD families soon became evident. The group requested that their names and phone numbers be circulated.

24th September - This Tuesday evening time may change to a weekend morning coffee time and people will be contacted by the Field Officer nearer the time. New group members are welcome, so let me know if you wish to be contacted.

Keep the phone calls coming in - even though you have to cope with answer machines! Or drop by the office on Wednesdays 11.30 -12.30.

Beth Gordon, Field Officer Phones: 480-2336 (home) 025-749-163 mobile Office: Phone 815-4264 Fax 815-7260