We are here to offer support and knowledge about the disease to persons with Motor Neurone Disease, their carers, families/whanau & health professionals. 

This service is offered through a qualified and trained field worker. 

Liz Gow is now the Field Worker for the Northland area.

Liz can assist you by :

• listening to you, carer/whanau and trying to understand your needs and concerns.
• providing information about MND when you have been newly diagnosed, and as your condition progresses.
• helping you to understand the information and to apply it to your individual situation.
• helping you to understand the health system, identify and access services you may need now and in the future.
• providing information and support to health professionals involved in your care, who may have limited experience of MND.
• promoting communication and co-operation between the individuals and agencies involved in your care.
• offering you the opportunity to meet or be in contact with others affected by MND.

In Northland the Motor Neurone Disease Association holds seven support group meetings a year in Whangarei.  These meetings provide an opportunity for people to share living with this disease.

If you would like to attend one of these meetings please contact Edith McCarthy on 09 432 1548 or email

Key Contact

Liz Gow

Field Worker

I am originally from Nottingham, England however my husband and I now call ourselves Kiwi’s as we have a trailer, camping gear and a kayak each.

Even as a child I have always enjoyed working with people. I have experience working in various fields such as mental health, forensic, hospice, physical disability in hospital, community and rehabilitation, brain injury, stroke rehabilitation and have also worked with clients who experienced multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease. 

I work part time for the Community Assessment & Rehabilitation Services, based in Whangarei and spend 16 hours a week as the MND Field Worker for Northland.

I have spent 18 months working in the health sector in Kaitaia, but now call Whangarei home as we have been here for about five years now.

I commenced work for the MND Assoc in July 2008. I feel privileged to have this opportunity to be a fieldworker for people who experience MND and hope that I will do my job well, which is to support the client carer/whanau in their journey. 

021 230 3038