The following are New Zealand patient charities, organisations and online groups providing informaton and/or support.
ANZMES
ANZMES is the Associated New Zealand Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Society. The ANZMES website lists the following objectives:
- To provide support for and publish and distribute information to groups and individuals suffering from or interested in ME/CFS including their families and carers.
- To provide a National focus for and to represent individual sufferers and support groups for ME/CFS in New Zealand.
- To promote research into the study of ME/CFS, and of the causes and treatments of this disease and to liaise internationally and keep abreast of current research.
- To maintain ANZMES position as advisory body in this area of ME/CFS.
- To raise awareness of ME/CFS by educating health professionals and the wider community about this medical condition.
- To produce a regular publication to all subscribing members to disseminate information and support.
Chronic Complex Illness Support (CCIS)
“We are an Aotearoa / New Zealand registered non-profit charity and our purpose is to improve the quality of life of people who live with complex chronic illnesses, as well as that of their loved ones.”
The illnesses covered by CCIS include Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Post Viral Fatigue / Syndrome, Dysautonomia and Long Covid.
CCIS has regional offices servicing Hamilton/Waikato, Tauranga/Western Bay of Plenty, Whakatane/Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rotorua/Lakes District, the Wellington region, and Nelson/Marlborough. It also provides online or telephone support services to those living outside of these areas, anywhere in New Zealand.
Chronic Complex Illness Support – Website
M.E. Awareness New Zealand
“M.E. Awareness NZ is a national collective of People with ME* and our carers and supporters. We exist to increase awareness of this debilitating disease and to improve the lives of those affected by it.
*ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is also known in New Zealand as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Tapanui Flu, or ME/CFS.“
M.E. Awareness NZ – Public Facebook Page
M.E. Awareness NZ – Facebook Group
M.E. Awareness NZ – on Twitter
ME CFS Canterbury
“Support, advocacy and education for people affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long Covid in Canterbury and West Coast.”
ME CFS Canterbury – Facebook Group
ME Support
“ME Support (formerly ME Auckland) is a charity helping New Zealanders with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Long COVID and their whānau or carers.”
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Information Support Services (Otago and Southland) Inc (MEISS)
“Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) by providing them with information and support, and by educating health professionals and the wider community.”
NZ Carers for ME
“New Zealand network for carers of young people with ME/CFS and other similar chronic illnesses (such as POTS, MCAD, EDS, and Fibromyalgia).”
NZ Carers for ME – Public Facebook Page
NZ Carers 4 ME Group – Facebook Group
Rest Assured Respite Charitable Trust
“Rest Assured Respite Charitable Trust is a registered charity looking to provide practical support to those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM). The aim of the trust is to provide a place of respite for those with the illnesses. In the interim we operate two opshops and offer a MEal Support Programme, MEntor Programme and Craft Group.”
Rest Assured Charitable Trust – Website
Informal Facebook Groups
NZ M.E/CFS Catchups – Facebook Group
Fibromyalgia and CFS/ME NZ – Facebook Group
International Links
25% of ME: Support Group for Severe CFS/ME
“25% of ME: Support Group for Severe CFS/ME Is a private, international group for the 25% of ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, depending on where you live) patients who are housebound and/or bedbound. ME/CFS patients in our group are generally too ill to work. Some get out of the house once in a while, others are barely able to move. This is a fluctuating, spectrum illness. Caregivers are welcome. Members span the globe, with the majority in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and throughout Europe.”
25% of ME: Support Group for Severe CFS/ME – Facebook Group
Science for ME Forum
“Science for ME is an independent, patient-led, international forum for people with ME/CFS and the carers, clinicians, scientists and advocates who support us.” New Zealanders are welcome to join. The forum also has a New Zealand and Pacific Islands news thread that can be viewed by without joining the forum.
Science for ME – New Zealand and Pacific Islands News Thread
Tapanui 'Flu Blog 