Voices of migraine in New Zealand
Migraine disease is estimated to affect over 642,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand
Globally, migraine is the second leading cause of disability. Migraine disease is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and stroke combined.
For too long, the voices of people in New Zealand living with migraine haven’t been heard.
But now, together, we’re making our voices heard. Members of the Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand community share their personal migraine stories.
If you’d like to share your story, please email info@migrainefoundation.org.nz.

Melva, HamiltonSelf-education and self-advocacy have helped Melva better manage her migraine attacks.

Ella, WellingtonElla's episodic migraine attacks transitioned to chronic migraine in her early 20's. She stays hopeful thanks to new developments in migraine medications and relentless positivity.

Celia, AucklandCelia has lived with migraine since aged 9. She has learnt to manage migraine through managing triggers such as lack of sleep, strong smells and dehydration.

Suzanne, CanterburyBrain fog, speech difficulties and struggling to focus on work and her family are some of the daily challenges of living with migraine for Suzanne.

Amanda, AucklandAmanda has lived with migraine for much of her life. She is now paying for the non-Pharmac funded CGRP monoclonal antibody medication Aimovig.

Mara, AucklandCreativity and mindful self-compassion have helped Canadian-Kiwi Mara live a better life with migraine.

Jackie, NelsonSince age 14, Jackie has learnt to manage her migraine attacks, and has identified many of her triggers.

Sarah, AucklandSarah has lived with migraine attacks for over 22 years. She shares how she stays positive and how the right treatment plan has helped.

Fiona, WellingtonOne of our co-founders, Fiona, shares how she has quite literally walked the entire length of New Zealand to see if it could improve her migraine disease. She shares what she’s learnt, and why she wants to improve migraine care in New Zealand.