REGIONAL NEWS

AUCKLAND/NORTHLAND NEWS

First of all, an apology and a major correction:

The office is attended each Wednesday morning, usually 10.30 to 12.30 That means that people are welcome to drop in to see the place, share a cuppa, look at the information and/or talk with the Field Officer. See you soon.

The Association is active and our thanks go to the committee members for their administrative, awareness and fundraising successes.  So much goes on in volunteer time between committee meetings.  This results in keeping the Field Officer services up and running. The finances have allowed the weekly hours and related expenses to be increased, so that has allowed more contact to be sustained and made with family members and individuals. So, do not feel that the Field Officer is too busy!

Dale Kerr, Genetic Associate, was our guest speaker on Saturday 26 April. Dale discussed aspects of the services provided by the Regional Genetic Services and significant points were discussed between her and those attending.  In a relaxed atmosphere, we were able to share important issues related to genetic testing and the impact HD has on families.

NOTE: The Genetic Service Free Phone is: 0800 476 123. Phone for individual information on their services.

TENTATIVE ACTIVITIES & DATES FOR 2003

Events held at the Neurological Support Centre, 7A Taylors Road, Morningside

(unless otherwise stated)

 1       HD Association Committee Meetings: Tuesdays at 7.30pm

        17 June, 12 August, 23 September, 28 October, 9 December

2      Saturday Seminars and Pot Luck Lunches: Saturdays 10.00 — 1.00

        13 September 29 November

3       Gene Positive Group (invitation only): Tuesdays at 7.30pm

        27 May      21 October

4      ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Saturday 21st June (note date change) Disability Resource Centre, 14 Erson Aye, Royal Oak: 1 .30 — 4.30.

        Speakers: Prof Richard Faull and associates.

5      Carers Seminar/workshop (invitation only): Saturday 24 May 10.00 - 3.00.

The Association can be a vital link and source of “how to” get access to various systems and services offering assessment, support, advice, help and advocacy. If you have a query contact me through the answerphones or mobile phone — I know it can be frustrating, but we have no other way of operating “in the field’ otherwise.

Wishing you all memorable moments each day.

Beth Gordon — Field Officer

WAIKATO NEWS

The Waikato HD group met in Hamilton on the 6th May.  It was good to welcome some new members as well as see several familiar faces.  The group decided to meet bi-monthly on the 1^st Tuesday evening of alternate months. 

 The scheduled meetings for the remainder of the year are:   1 July, 2 September, 4 November,  7:00 pm at the Life Unlimited Building, 20 Palmerston Street Hamilton. 

 Members in the Waikato are also welcome to join any of the other activities provided by MS Waikato Trust, such as yoga classes, exercise in water, and seated exercise.  Please contact Donna Kay on (07) 839-5506 if you are interested.

WELLINGTON NEWS

Readers may be interested to know that the Wellington Association's publication, Huntington's and Me - A Guide for Young People, by Alison Gray, published in 2000, has now been translated into Danish and French.   When we were approached by our sister organizations in Denmark and Belgium, we were only too pleased to agree to the translation and publication of the book.  We are delighted that the benefits of this publication have gone well beyond New Zealand and further than the English-speaking world.  The original English version of the book is now almost sold out and we will be reprinting it later in the year.

Dorothy Tortell