Bryce Mackenzie has always found meaning in the outdoors — especially when it’s shared with family. But after an MS diagnosis, years of relapses and setbacks left him disconnected from the active life he once loved. Through the Mastering Mountains Programme, Bryce set himself a powerful goal: completing a 160km cycle around Lake Taupō. With wraparound support and a committed crew beside him, he proved to himself that hope can be rebuilt — one pedal stroke at a time.

Ten years ago, Sue became the first person to ever receive a Mastering Mountains grant. When she first heard about the grant, she paused - the idea of applying was an avenue to something more, but it also seemed daunting. “What if I get it and fail?” she wondered. This initial hesitation was overcome by a deeper resolve that surfaced within her: I have to try.

Fresh back from Milford Track, Steph knows she can’t predict the future, but she no longer sees that as something to fear. “I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty with a sense of adventure,” she says. “The future feels exciting again.”

Duncan completed his mission with friends in April 2025, swimming from Umupuia to Maraetai. “I finished it tired,” he said, “with legs that didn't want to walk me out of the water.” Duncan jokes, “Mine’s probably been the longest Mastering Mountains mission to take place.”

Duncan Grant has MS and talks to us about the resilience as he works towards his goal and how he’s learning to 'swim across the current': finding freedom and joy from acceptance, the willingness to change your mindset and embrace vulnerability in community.

Jodie lives in Tāmaki Makaurau and loves helping others to reach their goals and dreams. Diagnosed with MS in 2019, Jodie is working toward a three-day cycle mission. Starting at Hunua, south of Auckland, her goal is to traverse the Hunua Range, cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail, and finish with a day-hike to Wairere Falls near Te Aroha, Waikato.

Michelle is from Nelson, and loves the challenge and adventure of the outdoors, particularly running, mountain biking, rock climbing and tramping, and sharing these experiences with friends. She was diagnosed with MS in 2020, within a few weeks of developing symptoms. She's on a mission to undertake a new challenge: completing a mountaineering expedition.

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.

Congratulations to Kirsten Dixon, who recently completed her mission to walk with a friend, unsupported for five days, along all 85 kilometres of the West Coast’s Old Ghost Road. Kirsten reflects on her journey.

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.

Duncan is a Manawatu local who happens to live in Auckland. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis three years ago, and he is preparing to complete the 4.6km Rangitoto Ocean Swim.

Sam Smith recently returned from his 120km hike across Germany and takes us through the highlights.

Sam Smith, the 2019 Expedition Grant recipient, is heading away to trek King Ludwig's Way in Bavaria, Germany. A New Zealand comedian, author, and father, Sam was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015 and is partially blind, but he can’t wait to test himself.

David Kyle, the 2022 grant recipient, completes his inspirational goal of finishing the Karapoti Challenge mountain bike race, despite having multiple sclerosis (MS) – a fabulous achievement.

David Kyle, diagnosed with MS in 2020, wants to complete the challenging 20 km Karapoti Classic mountain bike race. We are excited equip him with all he needs to achieve his goal and continue cycling with friends and family long into the future.

On November 4th 2021, our 2020 Grant Recipient Katy Glenie accomplished her mission to climb the Minarets (3,040 metres) in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The Mastering Mountains team could not be more thrilled for her!

Katy Glenie is the 2020 Mastering Mountains Grant recipient and she has an exciting goal: to climb the Minarets, a 3,000m peak in the Southern Alps. Here, Katy gives a fun account of a course she attended in preparation for the climb.

Mastering Mountains and MSNZ are delighted to introduce the recipient of the 2020 Mastering Mountains Grant, Katy Glenie.

Despite a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), Aucklanders Sam Smith and Rachelle Becker will redefine what’s possible with MS and to inspire others to pursue healthier lifestyles.

Nick Allen recently caught up with 2018 grant recipient Tracey Hall, to find out more about what receiving the grant has meant to her and how she is feeling while preparing for her upcoming adventure to Machu Picchu.