Differently Normal NZ

10/08/2026

Here is a recording of yesterday's political panel to discuss the gaps in support for people living with chronic illnesses such as MECFS and Long Covid.
There were sitting members from Labour, the Greens, ACT, NZ First, and the leader of the Opportunity party. Apologies from Te Pati Maori due to prior commitments and no representative from National.

The media has picked up on it already with pieces
out like this one.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/952056/long-covid-sufferers-call-on-politicians-to-do-more-to-help-those-with-the-disease?fbclid=IwY2xjawTnGklwZG9mBGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzQwOTk2MjYyMzA4NTYwOQABHoZ6DSBPGb7VcXaf3T18G_O-zZKvzwUuAlgeoVY1_i4HSybx_q4IA21dWb29_aem__dY_g8xmPVeA3lM-TkGjhQ

09/08/2026

Today at 10am there will be a political panel discussion about chronic illness in Aotearoa New Zealand. Hosting the panel will be
long Long Covid Support Aotearoa and Sick and Tired Aotearoa. The link is: https://www.youtube.com/
By the way, National were invited to this.

08/08/2026

Today, Severe ME Day, we think of those who suffer from or have lost their lives to severe ME/CFS.
25% of people with ME are severe or very severe. They're too sick to leave their rooms and can seem invisible. Please think of them this Severe ME Day.
Themes this year for Severe ME day include:
🔵Visibility of these quiet, unseen people.
🔵Clinical Safety (Thanks, ANZMES, for the work you do to bring recognition and guide clinicians.
🔵Amplifying Patient Voices: Highlighting creative works to show the profound daily realities of post exertional malaise (PEM

08/08/2026

1 in 30 New Zealanders now have ME/CFS.

Up to 25% are housebound or bedbound.

Tens of thousands are invisible to the health system.

Early recognition prevents harm.

ME is now affecting 1 in 30 New Zealanders — around 180,000–185,000 people.

Up to 25% become housebound or bedbound.

That’s tens of thousands of patients across Aotearoa who cannot attend clinic appointments, are missing from workplaces and schools, and remain invisible to the health system.

Early recognition prevents deterioration.

Safe management prevents harm.

Clinician education saves lives.

PHOs play a critical role in ensuring every patient is taken seriously.

Learn more this August 8th.

22/07/2026

Kia ora, We are gathering member experiences on two issues currently affecting our community: MSD’s increasing use of Designated Doctors Removal of paper-based access for voting and government services Your responses will help us build a strong evidence base for advocacy. All information will be d...

27/06/2026

It's now 2 days to go, but end the love tax!
:https://www.facebook.com/share/1bScNHPdxc/

🚨​DAY 86—3 DAYS TO GO!⏳️

​The finish line is officially in sight. On Tuesday, June 30th.

We need the undeniable numbers to back our petition & submission.

​This weekend is our final, critical push to demand individual financial and medical autonomy for disabled and chronically ill New Zealanders.

​Our collective mission for this weekend is simple:

​1️⃣ SIGN THE PETITION – If you haven’t added your name yet, this is your moment. Every single signature forces Parliament to listen.

https://petitions.parliament.nz/0e32836b-6256-4bc6-68c9-08de843eac70

2️⃣ SHARE THE MISSION – Don't just like this post. Copy the link, message it to three friends privately, post it in your community groups, and tell your family why this matters.

​Together we can end the "Love Tax".

I wrote the below a little while ago... I've used parts throughout this campaign, but here is the full version:

🇳🇿To Lift All New Zealanders

I have often thought that our country will never grow unless we take everyone along with us.

To achieve true social cohesion, we have to stop treating NZ politics like a game of winners and losers.

Right now, our political system thrives on dividing us, pitting urban against rural, young against old, sector against sector... just to score short-term points for the next election. It’s breaking the social glue that holds us together.

​For a country to truly grow, you have to take everyone with you.

No Kiwi left behind.

You can't have one sector of the population thriving while others are left struggling to afford the absolute essentials of life like shelter, food, and electricity.

​Think of it like a boat... if you want to move forward faster, you don't give oars to a few people and tell the rest to swim behind. You put everyone in the boat, give everyone an oar, and row in the same direction.

True growth isn't about how high the ceiling is for a select few; it’s about lifting the floor so the whole structure rises together.

We need to drop the political games, look at the evidence, and start working as one team again.

It's just about doing the right thing. 🇳🇿

​Let’s make these final 3 days count.

​

19/06/2026

Thanks, Hannah, for the reminder. Such a good product 😊
As NZ's stockist, we're proud to represent Stickman Communications

28/05/2026

A breakdown of the Bill

14/05/2026

There is so much that can be done better for long COVID, a mainstream illness. It starts with treating it like other common chronic health conditions. Take it seriously, treat it properly and give people their lives back
I'm so honoured to have co-written an article with Professor Mona Jeffreys, a respected epidemiologist.
Here’s a link: The long COVID paradox - everywhere but nowhere.

Comment from Victoria University: In 2022 NZ’s Long Covid response showed promise, but it’s hard to justify our business-as-usual approach now

13/05/2026

There is so much that can be done better for long COVID, a mainstream illness. It starts with treating it like other common chronic health conditions. Take it seriously, treat it properly and give people their lives back
I'm so honoured to have co-written an article with Professor Mona Jeffreys, a respected epidemiologist.

Comment from Victoria University: In 2022 NZ’s Long Covid response showed promise, but it’s hard to justify our business-as-usual approach now