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Parkinson's New Zealand

At a glance
Name
Parkinson's New Zealand
Category
Formal groups & organisations
Address
Nationwide
Postal Address
PO Box 11067
Manners Street
Wellington 6142
Regions
Capital & Coast, Northland, Waitemata, Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, Taranaki, Whanganui, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, MidCentral, Hutt Valley, Nelson Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Southern (Otago), Southern (Southland)
Phone
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Email
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Web
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Other services
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Parkinson's New Zealand offers information and professional support to people living with Parkinson’s. Our team of Parkinson’s Nurses can provide home visits for personalised sessions.

Parkinson's Nurses work closely with the person with Parkinson’s and their carers to deliver individualised care that upholds their health and lifestyle. Parkinson's Nurses liaise with health professionals that treat Parkinson’s in the community, including speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists.

Parkinson’s New Zealand also has support groups for members for sharing their coping strategies, experiences, and is a chance to establish social networks. Programs for people with Parkinson’s include exercise, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and art or music therapy sessions.
Testimonials
Testimonials
What Kathleen found out about Parkinson's:

“I remember the day my doctor told me I had Parkinson’s, very clearly. I was standing outside the hospital in the pouring rain – I don’t know which made me wetter, the tears or the rain!”

Kathleen’s husband was waiting outside the Hospital for her and all she could say was, “I’ve got Parkinson’s”.

Taking a positive approach to her diagnosis, Kathleen adopted healthy living, regular exercise and positive thinking.

She joined the Parkinson’s Society, went to their meetings and physiotherapy services and found out as much as she could about the condition.

The one thing she doesn’t feel she has found yet is emotional support.

“I think it is very important to be sensitive to their feelings about the losses they may be experiencing."

"For me, it was the loss of being able to china paint, play the piano, sing and travel.”

Kathleen finds how soft her voice has become a source of frustration.

“I used to sing with the choir and that is the thing I miss the most.”

Kathleen has adapted her life in other ways.

“Over the past 13 years, the tremors have got stronger, especially just before my medication is due."

Kathleen finds the tremors, mainly in her left hand, the most worrying thing.

“Thank goodness I am right-handed. I am active in many clubs and find it much worse when I am running meetings."

"I have found various ways of disguising this. I put my hand in my pocket a lot and I rest my notes and papers on a lectern when possible.”

After a number of falls, Kathleen has learnt to be very careful and take things much slower than she ever did in the past.

“And I have learnt to only ever ask for half a cup of coffee please when going out for refreshments!”
Updated: 8 Jun 2022
Service Description
Service Description
The management of Parkinson’s should be tailored to the individual and includes keeping well and active.

Whoever and wherever you are, we can help. Our Parkinson’s Nurses offer a vital range of free services throughout New Zealand. These services range from home visits, exercise sessions, social and support groups, advice, advocacy and referrals. Our Parkinson's Nurses work as part of our unique and interdisciplinary care service.

First established over 35 years ago, Parkinson’s New Zealand is the only NZ organization providing education, information and support services to people living with and affected by Parkinson’s and Parkinsonism conditions.

Parkinson’s NZ also runs networking support groups and exercise classes, while also offering physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, as well as art/music therapy sessions to members.
Updated: 8 Jun 2022
Suburbs/Districts/Towns Serviced
Suburbs/Districts/Towns Serviced
Parkinson’s New Zealand provides services in 20 different regional locations, with Parkinson's Action Groups in each area run by hard-working volunteers.

Each area provides clinical information, referral networks, and opportunities for social activities. Our local areas have Parkinson's Nurses who provide practical personalized assistance.

The regions also raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s and to keep our services free for all New Zealand families.

Please note: Some areas in the South Island are also under the Multiple Sclerosis foundations' support groups.

NORTH ISLAND
Parkinson's Auckland
Parkinson's Bay of Plenty
Parkinson's Central Plateau
Parkinson's Gisborne East Coast
Parkinson's Hawke's Bay
Parkinson's Kapiti Horowhenua
Parkinson's Manawatu
Parkinson's Northland
Parkinson's Taranaki
Parkinson's Waikato
Parkinson's Wairarapa
Parkinson's Wellington
Parkinson's Whanganui

SOUTH ISLAND
Parkinson's Canterbury
Parkinson's Marlborough
Parkinson's Nelson
Parkinson's Otago
Parkinson's South Canterbury
Parkinson's Southland
Parkinson's West Coast
Updated: 8 Jun 2022