Diabetes Youth New Zealand (DYNZ) is a voluntary incorporated society dedicated to providing support for children and young people with diabetes and their families.
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DYNZ was established 12 years ago and is affiliated to Diabetes NZ. There are networks of youth support groups located throughout New Zealand that assist DYNZ to provide support.
Diabetes Youth NZ also provides:
Advocacy
DYNZ advocates on behalf of all young people with diabetes. Recent projects have included submissions to Pharmac for medication supply and subsidies (Lantus and Blood Ketone Strips) and involvement with the Ministry of Education for school health guidelines.
Resources
We provide a parent’s manual; Caring for Children and Adolescents and a Diabetes Information School Flip Chart. These manuals are now included in all newly diagnosed packs that are distributed throughout the country but are also available to purchase at a very reasonable cost.
Achievement Awards
The John McLaren Award for Excellence is a joint venture between Diabetes Youth New Zealand and Diabetes New Zealand from a bequest from John McLaren to be used for the youth of New Zealand with diabetes. There are four achievers annually: each receiving a one-off amount of $1,000.
John McLaren Award for Excellence application form (PDF, 306KB)
Christchurch teens with diabetes at Wainui camp in early 2007
Support
The diabetes youth groups located throughout the country assist us in providing the support needed to enhance the lives of young people with diabetes. Diabetes Camps and the wide range of activities organised by these groups are a great place for young people with diabetes to meet others. Diabetes Youth NZ provides support for these ventures by providing advice, funding and publishing the DYNZ Camping Guidelines. These guidelines are endorsed by New Zealand Scientific Study of Diabetes (NZSSD) and are currently being reviewed for updating.