Alliances and Partnerships
How ANZMES connects, coordinates, and strengthens the ME and long‑term conditions sector in Aotearoa and around the world.
ANZMES works across national, regional, and international networks to ensure ME, ME‑like post‑viral conditions, and related long‑term conditions are recognised, understood, and represented at every level of the system.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes — but it is a core part of our national advisory role.
National ME and Long COVID Sector Coordination
ANZMES serves as the national coordination point for ME organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Although this work has been running for years, many people are unaware of the scale and structure of this collaboration.
We coordinate:
- bi‑monthly national meetings with leaders of regional ME and LC organisations
- a private national communication channel for ongoing collaboration
- shared national campaigns, including World ME Day (coordinated jointly since 2021)
- sector‑wide messaging, resources, and public information
- collective responses to national issues affecting people with ME and LC
- alignment of priorities across regional and national levels
This network ensures that regional organisations remain independent and community‑focused, while ANZMES provides national leadership, coordination, and system‑level representation.
When these organisations unite for national campaigns or critical submissions, we operate collectively as the Aotearoa New Zealand ME and LC Collective, which includes:
- ANZMES ME Advisory Trust
- Complex Chronic Illness Support
- M.E. Awareness NZ (on some campaigns)
- MECFS Canterbury and West Coast
- MEISS Otago and Southland
- ME Support NZ
- ME Respite
- Long COVID Support Aotearoa
National Alliances and Coalitions
Neurological Alliance of New Zealand
ANZMES attends quarterly Neurological Alliance meetings, represented by one of our Trustees, and contributes actively to the Research Subcommittee, helping shape national neurological research priorities. The Neurological Alliance engages directly with the government and is currently leading work toward a National Action Plan for neurological conditions within the health system.
Carers Alliance
One of our Trustees represents ANZMES at Carers Alliance meetings, ensuring the needs of carers supporting people with ME are included in national policy and sector planning.
Access Matters Aotearoa & Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA)
We are members of both organisations and maintain mutual information‑sharing relationships, including:
- petitions
- accessibility campaigns
- disability rights initiatives
- cross‑sector advocacy
This strengthens recognition of ME within the wider disability landscape.
Disability Coalition
After the Whaikaha Eligibility Criteria Advisory Panel (of which ANZMES was an invited member) was disbanded by the National Government, ANZMES was instrumental in keeping communication open across the sector.
We have since led two key initiatives that united a coalition of more than ten organisations representing thousands of New Zealanders with long‑term, complex, or disabling conditions.
This coalition now works collaboratively to strengthen disability recognition, protect the rights of people with complex conditions, and ensure that lived experience and clinical evidence remain central to national decision‑making.
Chronic Pain Consumer Group
By invitation, ANZMES participates in this national group to ensure ME is represented in discussions about chronic pain pathways, service design, and disability recognition.
Long-term conditions coalition
We collaborate with other NGOs representing long‑term conditions to advocate for system‑level improvements, equitable care, and recognition of complex, multi‑system illnesses.
Affiliated Organisations
Aotearoa Covid Action (ACA)
We share information, collaborate on aligned submissions and funding partnerships, and support evidence‑informed public health messaging.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Aotearoa New Zealand
We maintain a mutual information‑sharing relationship and collaborate on issues affecting people with overlapping conditions such as hEDS, dysautonomia, and ME.
International Alliances and Partnerships
World ME Alliance
ANZMES is a founding member of the World ME Alliance and participates in:
- international meetings (frequency to be added)
- subcommittee work, including the Medical Hub and World ME Day theme development
- global coordination on advocacy, research, and clinical standards
- Slack‑based communication with 28 international ME organisations
This ensures Aotearoa’s voice is represented in global ME strategy and that international best practice informs our national work.
Long COVID Alliance
ANZMES belongs to the Long COVID Alliance and is represented by one of our National Advisory Council members, who also participates in multiple international clinical and research alliances. This ensures alignment between ME, Long COVID, and associated conditions across the work produced within these global networks.