Statistics can reveal patterns and trends, but they often miss the depth and complexity of individual experiences. Research shows that for migraine, prevention is the gold standard. However, there are many barriers, both social and financial, to accessing preventive medication in New Zealand. Funding decisions for medications are often based on cost-effectiveness analysis – but what if ‘data’ doesn’t tell the full story?
Emma Buitenhek, who has had chronic migraine for 8 years, is exploring the impact of migraine beyond the data. Emma is completing her Master’s of Design at AUT, and as part of her masters, she’s researching the lived experiences of migraine disease in Aotearoa New Zealand. Emma is using a range of creative methods to spark conversation, uncover personal narratives and understand the challenges faced by people with migraine.
Emma is inviting anyone over the age of 18 to take part in this research by submitting a photo in response to 1 of 3 creative prompts to the online museum: Museum of Migraine Moments
You can do this from home, at any time, using any device up until 31 December 2025.
Emma is also holding 2 in-person workshops in Auckland during November, which is a great opportunity to connect and creatively share your experiences with Emma and others with migraine. The workshops are limited to 10 people per session. You can indicate your workshop preference when you register your interest.
Further details, including workshop dates and times, are in the workshop sign-up form online here
Your contribution will help build a public exhibition that sheds a light on lived realities and challenges the public’s perception of migraine disease.
We encourage all of you with migraine to support Emma’s research; your lived experience is powerful and helps to shape the migraine narrative in New Zealand.
If you’d like to know more about the research, please contact Emma: ppx1479@autuni.ac.nz
Museum of Migraine Moments
www.museumofmeaningfulmoments.com/migraine
