| On this page: Who We Are Our Why What We Do Want to Help? Board & Team Logo’s Meaning Partners Annual Reports |
Who We Are
Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust (SMNZT) is led by a small, passionate team of volunteers. Most of them are living with surgical menopause themselves. People join and step away as capacity allows. We continue to build slowly with limited resources whilst also managing our own health.
We’re women with lived experience, working together as a small board. Alongside a couple of volunteers, we’re creating something that didn’t exist before – and we’re doing it with heart, care, and determination, so no woman has to face this alone.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
Our Why
Surgical menopause is often misunderstood, surrounded by conflicting advice, medical jargon, and silence. Our founder, Emilie, experienced this first hand, facing medical gaslighting and a lack of support after surgery.
Determined to change that, she started Surgical Menopause NZ as an online support group in July 2022 with the help of Rachelle. Two years later, the initiative became a registered charity under the name Surgical Menopause NZ Trust (SMNZT).
We exist to make the journey through surgical menopause clearer, kinder, and better informed, providing evidence-based resources, advocacy, and a sense of community for women and their whānau across Aotearoa NZ.
What We Do
When even medical professionals seem uncertain, making sense of surgical menopause can feel daunting and unfair. Women deserve better. We are here to guarantee that every woman has access to clear, reliable information and a supportive community.
- Support: Connect others in our peer online support group.
- Resources: Offer trustworthy, up-to-date information tailored to the New Zealand context.
- Advocacy: Push for better recognition, care, and outcomes for women in surgical menopause.
We collaborate with healthcare professionals, but we are not a medical organisation. We center the lived experiences of women and advocate for informed, individualised care.
Want to Help?
As a small organisation, we rely on people who are willing to share their time, skills, or support. Whether you can help with one task or want to be more involved, we’d love to hear from you.
Board & Team
Meet the people behind our organisation, including trustees and volunteers.
Logo’s Meaning
Discover the symbolism and values reflected in our logo design.
Partners
Learn about the organisations who support and collaborate with us.
Annual Reports
Access our annual financial reports and see how we manage our funding with transparency.
[Updated: 19 July 2025]
Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust 