Our Christian Identity

Our Vision and Values

Our vision is a world where leprosy is defeated and lives are transformed.

Because we follow Jesus Christ, we value:

• Compassion
• Justice
• Integrity
• Inclusion
• Humility

Our Mission

Following Jesus Christ, The Leprosy Mission strives to break the chains of leprosy, empowering people to attain healing, dignity and life in all its fullness.

Our Story

The Leprosy Mission was founded in 1874 by Irish missionary Wellesley Bailey.

While on a mission in India he came across a group of people sitting in isolation under a tree - they had been banished from their village because of their leprosy. He was deeply touched by what he saw and returned home determined to make a difference. Shortly afterwards, the Leprosy Mission was born.

“If there was ever a Christ-like work in the world, it is to go amongst these poor sufferers and bring them the consolation of the gospel.”—Wellesley Bailey

It wasn’t until 1912 when Bailey and his wife Alice visited New Zealand that he inspired locals to found their very own support chapter.

The Leprosy Mission New Zealand was formed to raise awareness about leprosy and provide financial support to bring hope and healing to people affected by the disease.

For over 100 years the Leprosy Mission New Zealand has been creating life-changing connections between New Zealanders and people throughout the world affected by leprosy.

We are dedicated to curing, caring for and restoring leprosy-affected people, families and communities.

Over the last 30 years, 15 million people have been cured from leprosy, but there are still 5 million people affected by leprosy today.

The Leprosy Mission New Zealand, in partnership with our supporters and the Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship and others, is dedicated to ending leprosy and transforming lives.

Our strategy

• Leprosy still exists
• There is a cure
• It can be ended in a generation

Most New Zealanders are not aware that leprosy exists, and that once detected it can be easily cured. The Leprosy Mission New Zealand is part of a global organisation that is world-class in curing, caring for and restoring people with leprosy.

The three priorities of our Strategic Plan 2014-18 are;

1. Engage New Zealanders in ending leprosy and transforming lives.
2. Resource and support field programmes that cure, care for and restore people with leprosy.
3. Actively partner with the Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship to end global leprosy.