Stories of change
Stories about our grant recipients and their inspirational adventures.
Introducing: Stephanie Nierstenhoefer
Originally from Germany, Steph now calls NZ home, living with her partner and daughter in Titirangi, West Auckland, where she thrives on getting outdoors, whether hiking, swimming or running. Steph was diagnosed with MS in 2023. Her goal is to walk the Milford Track with her family.
Introducing: Kirsten Dixon
Kirsten lives with her kids, dogs and husband in the small regional town of Ōamaru. She’s been living with symptoms and episodes of MS for about 20 years but was finally diagnosed in 2021. She’s on a mission to walk the five-day, 85 km Old Ghost Road in Buller.
Introducing: Raffaela Dragani
Raffaela is an Italian living in Malborough with a passion for tramping. She was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) in 2021, and she received an Expedition Grant to help her achieve her goal of tramping into Blue Lake Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park.