Cities and towns across Aotearoa will join a global initiative this Friday, illuminating landmarks in blue for World Parkinson’s Day on April 11th. The effort is part of the international ‘Spark the Night’ campaign, aimed at raising awareness for the estimated 13,000 New Zealanders and 11.8 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s disease.
Inspired by the PD Avengers group in the USA,
Spark the Night seeks to foster solidarity and bring hope to those affected by the condition. New Zealand’s participation places it alongside over 500 landmarks in more than 200 cities globally, including prominent sites like One World Trade Center in New York and Niagara Falls.
Parkinson’s is described as the world’s fastest-growing neurological condition. It is a progressive disorder resulting from insufficient production of dopamine in the brain. Common symptoms can include tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, as well as non-motor symptoms like anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. While the average age of diagnosis is 59, it can also affect younger individuals in their thirties and forties. Projections indicate the number of people with Parkinson’s in New Zealand could double in the coming years.
Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s New Zealand, highlighted the growing health challenge posed by the condition, for which there is currently no cure. “We must make sure people living with Parkinson’s have access to Parkinson’s specific care, information and support wherever they live in Aotearoa,” Mr Bell stated. He emphasised that with diagnoses expected to rise significantly, awareness and support are vital. “Spark the Night will raise much needed awareness of Parkinson’s in our communities and show solidarity for all who are affected by this condition”.
Parkinson’s New Zealand is the country’s national charitable trust dedicated to providing information, education, and support services, including home visits, support groups, and exercise classes.
Numerous councils and regions across New Zealand are supporting the campaign by lighting landmarks blue, including:
- Wellington: Michael Fowler Centre, Cable Car
- Tauranga: City Centre lights, Wharf Street Lights, Tunks Reserve, Masonic Park, Beacon Wharf, Waterfront Playground, Park North
- Gisborne: Town Clock
- New Plymouth: Clock Tower
- Palmerston North: Clock Tower
- Whanganui: City Council building
- Ashburton: Town Clock Tower
- Christchurch: City Council building
- Otago: Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Otago Railway Station Clock
- Dunedin: Anglican Cathedral
- Central Otago: District Council’s Cromwell Sign
- Oamaru: Opera House The Spark the Night initiative aims to shine a light on the condition and the support available to those affected by it throughout New Zealand and globally.