New Zealand Brain Research Institute

27/07/2026

We’re excited to announce the return of Music Meets Art, our annual fundraising concert in support of the New Zealand Brain Research Institute and would love you to join us for what promises to be a memorable evening.

We’ve curated a special evening featuring a programme of well-known opera, musical theatre, and jazz performances, alongside a stunning collection of artwork available to purchase in our always-entertaining live auction.

Date: Friday 28th August 2026
Venue: The Piano, Armagh Street, Christchurch
Doors open: 6.30pm for pre-show hospitality and viewing artwork

Tickets:
Adults: $89 +booking fee
Students: $49 +booking fee
Corporate Package - 10 guests: $850 +booking fee
Book Here: https://events.humanitix.com/music-meets-art-2026

The evening includes:
• An exceptional programme featuring performances by Donna Alley, Michael Bayly, Amanda Atlas, Elly Rydge and Darren Pickering, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles and repertoire.
• Award winning wines sponsored by Pegasus Bay Winery
• Selection of canapés served by Lizzie’s Cuisine
• Art Auction sponsored by Harcourts Holmwood
If you would like to book tickets, please do so through the 'Book Here' link above. Alternatively, for groups of 6 or more, tickets can be booked and invoiced directly (avoiding the booking fee) and requested by emailing [email protected].

15/07/2026

NZBRI and Pacific Radiology Group – A Longstanding Partnership

For decades, innovation in healthcare has relied not only on technology and expertise, but on partnerships built on trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to improving lives.

The story of the New Zealand Brain Research Institute (NZBRI) and Pacific Radiology Group is one of those partnerships — a collaboration that has quietly but profoundly shaped the future of brain health research in New Zealand.

At the heart of Christchurch, the New Zealand Brain Research Institute was established with an ambitious vision: to better understand neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. From the beginning, the Institute recognised that world-class research required more than scientific curiosity. It required access to advanced imaging, clinical expertise, and partners willing to invest in the future of medical discovery.

That partner emerged in Pacific Radiology Group.
What began as a professional relationship soon evolved into a deeply aligned partnership grounded in a shared belief — that better imaging leads to better understanding, and better understanding leads to better patient outcomes.

Over the years, Pacific Radiology Group has become far more than a diagnostic imaging provider to NZBRI. It has been a collaborator, supporter, and advocate for groundbreaking neurological research. Through access to cutting-edge MRI technology, radiology expertise, and ongoing support, Pacific Radiology Group has helped NZBRI researchers see the brain in extraordinary detail — revealing patterns, changes, and insights that were once invisible.

Together, the two organisations have contributed to research projects that have advanced understanding of neurodegenerative disease progression, early diagnosis, and brain ageing. Clinicians, radiologists, scientists, and researchers have worked side by side, united by the common goal of improving the quality of life for New Zealanders affected by neurological disorders.

Yet the true strength of the partnership has never been measured solely in scans, studies, or scientific papers.
It has been measured in people.
In the family who finds hope through participation in research. In the young researcher inspired to pursue discoveries that could change lives for generations to come.

Pacific Radiology Group’s support has also reflected a broader commitment to community wellbeing and medical advancement in New Zealand. Their willingness to stand alongside NZBRI through fundraising initiatives, research programmes, and public engagement has demonstrated what can happen when healthcare and science move forward together.

Like all enduring partnerships, the relationship between NZBRI and Pacific Radiology Group has been built over time — through shared challenges, scientific breakthroughs, and an unwavering belief in the power of collaboration.

Today, as brain health research becomes increasingly sophisticated and urgent, that partnership continues to evolve. Artificial intelligence, advanced neuroimaging, and precision medicine are opening new frontiers in neuroscience. Together, NZBRI and Pacific Radiology Group remain at the forefront of this journey, helping position New Zealand as a leader in neurological research and innovation.

Their story is ultimately one of vision and impact — proof that when organisations combine expertise with purpose, they can help shape a healthier future for countless people.
And while much has already been achieved, both organisations know the most important discoveries may still lie ahead.

08/07/2026

Grant success!

Dr Campbell Le Heron has been awarded a Health Research Council (HRC) project grant.

Campbell’s project is titled “Transforming diagnostic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease using blood biomarkers”

Through this project, Campbell and his team aim to establish a reliable blood-based diagnostic marker for Alzheimer’s within the New Zealand Health system. Additionally, they will examine a potential marker of Alzheimer’s progression.

The study will use new and existing data from people across the disease spectrum. To help achieve this, the project will involve the establishment of a new cohort within the international Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network, providing a mechanism for those with genetically determined Alzheimer’s to be monitored early and contribute to research.

Congratulations to Campbell and his collaborators from University of Auckland, University of Otago, and those based internationally. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this study!

28/06/2026

For decades, progress in brain health research has depended not only on scientific expertise, but on partnerships built on trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to improving lives.
The partnership between the New Zealand Brain Research Institute and Pacific Radiology Group is a powerful example of what collaboration can achieve.
Through advanced imaging technology, clinical expertise, and ongoing support, Pacific Radiology has helped NZBRI researchers deepen our understanding of neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury.
Together, clinicians, radiologists, scientists, and researchers are helping shape the future of neurological research in New Zealand - improving diagnosis, advancing treatment pathways, and creating hope for patients and families.
As neuroscience enters a new era driven by AI, advanced neuroimaging, and precision medicine, this partnership continues to help position New Zealand at the forefront of brain health innovation.
Because when expertise and purpose come together, extraordinary discoveries become possible.

06/05/2026

A Promising New Approach for Functional Seizures: Just Breathe?

Living with functional seizures (FS) can be incredibly challenging, and because they can happen multiple times a day, they often have a disastrous impact on a person's ability to work or study.

If you aren't familiar, FS are episodes that look just like epileptic seizures, but instead of being caused by brain pathology, they are thought to be linked to psychological factors. Currently, the main treatment is psychotherapy. However, therapy can be expensive, hard to access, and unfortunately, the stigma around psychiatric diagnoses means many patients don't finish their treatment.

But there’s some hopeful news! We are involved in a large, international study called the BREATHS trial to test a brand-new, simple treatment.

Here is a quick breakdown of what the study is all about:

• The Hyperventilation Connection: Researchers noticed a pattern—in the minutes right before a functional seizure starts, many people experience a significant rise in their breathing rate (hyperventilation).

• The New Treatment: The trial is testing "Breathing Control Training" (BCT). This is a technique taught by a respiratory physiotherapist.

• How It Works: Patients learn how to do slow, calm, diaphragmatic breathing (breathing deeply from the belly and exhaling through the nose). They practice this while sitting, standing, and eventually during everyday activities.

• Why It Could Be a Game-Changer: Unlike months of psychological therapy, this breathing training only takes one 60-minute session and a 30-minute refresher a month later. It is highly cost-effective and focuses purely on physical breathing, which many patients find much more comfortable and acceptable.

An earlier, smaller pilot study showed that this breathing training safely reduced seizure frequency for many participants. Now, this new trial will involve 220 people to properly confirm if learning to control breathing can help bring functional seizures to a halt.

Science is always moving forward, and it's amazing to see researchers looking for accessible, stigma-free ways to help people get their lives back!

See a full description of this study at

Introduction Functional seizures (FS) are events that resemble epileptic seizures, but are not attributed to brain pathology and are instead thought to be due to psychological factors. A small, multisite, open-label, single-arm, pilot trial of a breathing intervention known as breathing control trai...

12/04/2026

It's been 209 years since the 'Essay on the Shaking Palsy' (now known as Parkinson's disease) was published by James Parkinson's.

Many advances have been made since then, but many challenges remain.

Our friends at the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society are acknowledging some of the key figures involved in advances to date.

Research is a team effort, and we are pleased to be part of the global efforts to solve some of the challenges that remain.

05/04/2026

Congratulations to Professor Tim Anderson for being named a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

This honour regcognises Prof. Anderson’s extensive research contributions in the clinical neurology field with a particular focus on movement disorders.

Prof. Anderson has led NZBRI’s Parkinson’s disease research programme over many years, mentoring numerous postgraduate and early career researchers in the clinical nuances of this complex neurodegenerative disorder.

https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/news/latest-cohort-of-nga-ahurei-fellows-announced

02/04/2026

April is Parkinson's awareness month, a time to reflect on the disorder that affects ~14,000 New Zealanders and is central to many of our research activities.

We are please to see that the Christchurch City Council is again taking part in the 'Spark the Night' campaign where, on April 11th, landmarks and buildings around the world are illuminated with blue light in solidarity with those affected by Parkinson's. Check the link below for locations across New Zealand.

https://www.parkinsons.org.nz/events/spark-the-night-campaign

30/03/2026

We know that the food we eat is important for many aspects of our health and brain health is no different. These are some foods that help maintain brain health at all ages and stages.