Parkinson’s is currently the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and New Zealand is feeling the weight of that trend. According to Parkinson’s New Zealand, approximately 13,000 people are living with the condition across the country—a figure expected to double within the next 20 years.
For many, the disease is associated with old age, but the reality is more complex. While the average age for diagnosis is 59, some face the condition much earlier. Sonia Park, a Tauranga resident, was only 42 and training for a marathon when she first noticed muscle tightness and cramping in her legs and feet. Over time, the symptoms progressed to affect her speech and the muscles in her throat.
The diagnostic rollercoaster
The path to a diagnosis is rarely linear. Park describes a two-year “rollercoaster ride” spent visiting various specialists and attempting holistic medicines before receiving a definitive Parkinson’s diagnosis. This period of uncertainty is a common hurdle for patients, particularly those with early-onset symptoms that may not immediately align with typical clinical expectations.
Now 55, Park lives with the daily restrictions the disease imposes. She has lost her ability to work, lost significant independence, and has struggled with feelings of isolation. To manage her symptoms, she underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy in Auckland in 2019.
Deep Brain Stimulation is a surgical treatment used to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. It involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain, which are connected to a generator (similar to a pacemaker) implanted under the skin of the chest. The device sends electrical impulses to the brain to help regulate abnormal signals that cause tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement.
Beyond medical intervention, Park emphasizes the role of pacing, exercise, and peer support. Joining the local Red Tulip Group in the Bay of Plenty provided a vital connection, offering a space to speak with others who understand the specific challenges of living with the condition. “Being young with the onset of the disease can often be hard for other people to understand,” Park says. “I have learnt, Parkinson’s doesn’t control me, it is not paramount to my life!”
Community action and the Red Tulip Walk
To combat isolation and increase public awareness, Parkinson’s New Zealand organizes Red Tulip Walks across various regions. These events serve as both fundraisers and visible markers of support for those living with the progressive neurodegenerative condition.
In the Bay of Plenty, the Red Tulip Walk will take place on April 18, starting at 10 a.m. This year’s event has moved to a new location: the meeting point on the boardwalk beachfront pathway opposite Tay St Cafe. Participation costs $25 for adults, while those under 16 can join for free. The first 50 entries will receive a free T-shirt. Registration is available via events.humanitix.com/red-tulip-walk-bay-of-plenty-2026.
The movement extends beyond the Bay of Plenty. To mark World Parkinson’s Day on April 11, a separate Red Tulip Walk is scheduled for the Manawatu region. This event will begin at 10 a.m. At The Square in Palmerston North, with registrations opening at 9 a.m. All funds raised in the Manawatu will go back into local Parkinson’s services.
For those seeking more information on managing Parkinson’s or finding local support, Parkinson’s New Zealand provides resources and guidance at www.parkinsons.org.nz.
As the population of New Zealanders living with Parkinson’s continues to grow, the emphasis is shifting toward earlier detection and more robust community-based support systems to prevent the isolation often felt by patients.
Common Questions About Parkinson’s Support
- Who can participate in the Red Tulip Walks? Anyone is welcome to join, including friends and family. In the Bay of Plenty, adults pay a $25 fee, and children under 16 attend for free.
- What is the purpose of these events? The walks aim to raise funds for regional Parkinson’s services and increase public awareness of the condition.
- When is World Parkinson’s Day? It is observed annually on April 11.
How can communities better support individuals facing an early-onset diagnosis of a progressive neurological condition?
