Bay of Plenty will be hard to miss this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with local landmarks in Tauranga and Rotorua set to light up in bright pink during October.
Beacon Wharf, Masonic Park, Tunks Reserve, Waterfront Park North & Playground, and Wharf Street Lights in Tauranga, and the Civic Admin Building Tower, Eat Street, Prince’s Gate Arch, Rotorua Clock Tower and Redwoods Tree Walk Horoeka Lantern in Rotorua are taking part in the Global Illuminations campaign, joining a total of 114 landmarks and prominent buildings glowing pink all across Aotearoa.
The pink lights are more than an eye-catching display – they’re a show of support for New Zealanders affected by breast cancer. They’re also a powerful reminder that finding breast cancer early gives people the greatest chance of successful treatment and survival.
The campaign also shines a light on Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, happening on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October. Thousands of volunteers will be out with their pink buckets, raising money for that charity’s vital work in breast health education, research, specialist nursing support, and advocacy for faster and fairer diagnosis and care.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Vanessa Sorenson says seeing communities turn pink shows what can happen when people come together: “Every year, more than 3,700 New Zealanders are diagnosed with breast cancer and around 650 die from it. Behind every number is someone who matters deeply to their whānau, friends and community – and we know more of those lives can be saved.
“When Bay of Plenty lights up in pink, we hope it gets people talking and reminds them to take care of their breast health. Know what is normal for your breasts, have any changes checked by a doctor and attend mammograms when you’re eligible.
“There are so many ways to play a part this October. You can volunteer for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, make a donation, share reliable breast health information or simply remind someone you care about to check their breasts. Every action takes us closer to a future where more people with breast cancer live – and live well.”
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ encourages women of all ages to get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts and regularly check for changes. Most breast changes won’t be cancer, but any new or unusual change should be checked by a doctor. From age 45, women can have a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
Volunteers are still needed for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal. To sign up or find other ways to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit the Breast Cancer Foundation website.
About Breast Cancer Foundation NZ:
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is a not-for-profit, non-government funded organisation with a bold and ambitious vision: zero deaths from breast cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. More than 3,700 New Zealanders are diagnosed each year and around 650 die from the disease. More lives can be saved when breast cancer is found earlier, diagnosis and treatment happen faster, and everyone can access the care they need. Breast cancer deaths have fallen by 40% since 1994, showing that progress is possible. As an independent, evidence-based charity, the Foundation brings together the experiences of people affected by breast cancer, clinical expertise and national data to improve education, research, support and care.
