About Diabetes New Zealand

Diabetes New Zealand is an incorporated society, and is a nationwide, non-governmental, non-profit organisation. Established in February 1962, the aim of the organisation is to support its 14,000 members, 39 diabetes societies throughout New Zealand, and health professionals involved with diabetes.

Diabetes New Zealand acts for people affected by diabetes by:

• Encouraging local support for people affected by diabetes.
• Acting as an advocate for people affected by diabetes.
• Raising awareness of diabetes, especially concerning interventions that will prevent or reduce its incidence.
• Educating and informing people about diabetes, its treatment, management and control.
• Supporting research into the treatment, prevention and cure of diabetes.

Diabetes New Zealand is governed by an elected Board and employs a Chief Executive, Communications Manager, Operations Manager, Dietitian, Regional Liaison Officer and magazine editor. The National Office is based in Wellington.

Members can choose to either join Diabetes New Zealand direct or belong to their local diabetes society. The current subscription for direct members is $30 a year. A small membership fee of between $20 and $39.50 is charged annually for membership to a local society. Members who belong to a local society get automatic membership of Diabetes New Zealand. Corporations and companies are encouraged to join.

Diabetes New Zealand is funded by members' capitation fees, direct members fees, donations, grants and bequests and operates a diabetes product distribution and mail order service, Diabetes Supplies Limited (DSL). The Lottery Grants Board kindly provides assistance towards employing staff and Government agencies provide targeted funding for specific initiatives and programmes.

Established in 1994, DSL now employs nine people and is based in Oamaru. DSL provides blood glucose meters, finger pricking devices and blood glucose testing strips free-of-charge to people with diabetes who have a Community Services or High User Card. Others who are not entitled to card benefits have to pay a nominal amount for the blood glucose strips. Prices are discounted for members but the scheme is open to everyone.

DSL also distributes educational pamphlets and books. For information, phone 0800 DIABETES (0800 342 238), email info@diabetes.org.nz or write to Freepost DNZ, PO Box 54, Oamaru.

This website provides up-to-date information on diabetes and the products available through DSL in New Zealand.

Diabetes New Zealand is a member of the Western Pacific Region of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), a membership organisation for all diabetes consumer groups throughout the world.

diabetes, the magazine of Diabetes New Zealand, is a professionally produced quarterly magazine which is distributed to more than 18,000 people, including members of Diabetes New Zealand and health professionals.

Board Members

President - Mike Smith
Vice President - Cameron McIver
Region 1 Representative - Ken Grace
Region 2 Representative - Pat Bent
Region 3 Representative - Helen Hannay
Region 4 Representative -  Nigel McBeath
Region 5 Representative - Joan Martin
Business Group - Paul Bowe
Diabetes Youth NZ - Adrian Coombe
NZSSD - no appointment

Patrons

Lady Beattie
Professor Don Beaven, CBE

Chief Executive

Sarah Thomson

Diabetes Societies

There are 39 affiliated diabetes societies throughout New Zealand - from Whangarei to Invercargill.

Join Diabetes New Zealand today!

Sponsors

Diabetes New Zealand gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of our special sponsors.