Huntington’s Disease Association of New Zealand

The Huntington’s Disease Association (Christchurch), Inc., is an non-profit, voluntary organization dedicated to supporting families with Huntington’s disease in all ways possible. Huntington’s disease is an inherited degenerative brain disorder characterized by irregular, involuntary movements (chorea); abnormal gait; slurred speech; and progressive disorientation and loss of intellectual function (dementia). Established in 1981 in New Zealand, the association is committed to educating professionals, supplying information to rest homes and hospitals, and advocating on behalf of individuals with Huntington’s disease and their families. The association also hopes to set up supportive networks throughout New Zealand so that families affected by this disorder can meet with one another and have access to medical personnel who have a familiarity with Huntington’s disease. The association produces a newsletter, brochures, and audio-visual aids.