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Our Christian Identity 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, and Humanity.


Our Christian Identity


Our Vision


Leprosy defeated, lives transformed


Our Mission


Following Jesus Christ, we seek to bring about transformation; breaking the chains of leprosy, empowering people to attain healing, dignity, and life in all its fullness.


Our Christian identity and values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do. Our values are:


  • Compassion: We have sympathy and sadness for those who have suffered from leprosy and we have a desire to help
  • Justice: We believe all people should be treated fairly
  • Integrity: we believe in the value of being honest and we have strong moral principles that we will not change
  • Inclusion: We stand by the principle that everyone should be able to use the same facilities, take part in the same activities, and enjoy the same experiences, including people who have a disability, leprosy, or other disadvantages
  • Humility: We hope to be the hands of God on this earth and we are here to follow God's guidance



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 afterward, the Leprosy Mission was born.


'The Mission has been born and cradled in prayer. It has been brought up on prayer; it has been nourished on prayer, and prayer has been at the bottom of its success since the first moments of its life.' - Wellesley Bailey, Founder of the Leprosy Mission.


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.


Our Christian Identity


In the early days of the Mission, the focus was on treating the medical consequences of the disease. But in the early 1990s, it became increasingly apparent that leprosy is as much a social disease as a medical one, and that the 'cure' needed to extend far beyond the initial treatment and address the poverty, stigma, and discrimination that too often accompany the disease.


Although detection, diagnosis, and treatment are still fundamental to our mission, our programmes and services have evolved over time to address both the causes and consequences of the disease.


Today our work is diverse and includes community development, sustainable livelihoods, education, vocational training, advocacy, and emergency response and preparedness.


“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


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 of 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 other organisations, is dedicated to ending leprosy and transforming lives.






About Us

  • Who We Are

    Who We Are

    We are one of New Zealand's oldest charities being in New Zealand for over 100 years. We have a dedicated staff based in Auckland and raise funds and awareness for people affected by leprosy around the world.
  • Who We Work With

    Who We Work With

    Leprosy Mission New Zealand has been partnering with the Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship, World Health Organisation (WHO), and other organisations, dedicated to ending leprosy and transforming lives.
  • Global Fellowship

    Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship

    Leprosy Mission Global Fellowship is a global federation of 29 Leprosy Mission national organisations. We work together towards our shared vision of leprosy defeated, lives transformed.
  • Zero Leprosy Transmission by 2035

    No Child with Leprosy by 2035

    The Leprosy Mission is part of the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy, joining with organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), working towards ending leprosy transmission by 2035.
  • Celebrating 110 years in New Zealand

    Celebrating 110 years in New Zealand

    2022 is a special year in the life of the Leprosy Mission – this year we celebrate 110 years in New Zealand.
  • Privacy, Complaints Procedure and Security

    Privacy, Complaints Procedure and Security

    Please contact us on 0800 862 873 if you have any questions about the use of your personal information.
  • Safeguarding

    Safeguarding

    The Leprosy Mission is committed to the safeguarding and protection of everyone we work with, including beneficiaries, volunteers, TLM staff and the staff of partner organisations.
  • Copyright and Disclaimer

    Copyright and Disclaimer

    Please contact us on 0800 862 873 if you have any enquiries.
  • Latest News

    Latest News, Resources and Media

  • Contact Us

    Contact Us

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