On Saturday 26 July 2025, cann Charitable Trust attended the first Pacific Parkinson’s Awareness Day at the Mangere Tongan Methodist Church. Organised by the Pasifika Parkinson's Support Group with support from Parkinson's NZ and Christina Buchanan, neurogenetics researcher, Auckland City Hospital, to engage Pacific communities impacted by Parkinson’s, the event brought together local health providers, researchers, and support organisations.
The day began with a blessing from Minister Moi Kaufononga, followed by a moving personal story from Toa Fraser, a person living with Parkinson’s. Speaking alongside his wife, Toa shared openly about the challenges he has faced — moving many in the audience to tears.
A Shared Stand, A Shared Purpose
cann Charitable Trust (then Duncan Foundation) and Rope Neuro Rehabilitation hosted a joint information stand, providing resources about Parkinson’s-specific services — including free, funded intervention packages for eligible individuals.
Belle, from the cann team, attended alongside clinician Josh. Both engaged directly with attendees and shared information about accessing support through cann. Belle described the day as a valuable opportunity to connect with specialists, researchers, and people living with Parkinson’s — as well as their families and whānau.
“It was really important for people to know that there are organisations out there to support them in their journey.”
Together, the team shared information on:
- Our funded C.O.R.E. Package for assessment and short-term therapy
- Parkinson's resources
- Parkinson’s-specific in-person and online exercise classes
- How to access support
Josh also demonstrated simple Parkinson’s movements during the event, inviting attendees to join in. His interactive sessions created a relaxed, engaging space for learning.
“This awareness day proved to be a vital point of outreach for, and invaluable opportunity to provide education to, a community who is at increased risk of developing Parkinson’s due to the PINK1 gene mutation.”
Connected Community
Information stands covered key topics such as symptoms, nutrition, medication, genetics, and exercise. Participating organisations included: Etu Pasifika, Mapu Maia, Pasifika Parkinson's Support Group, Parkinson’s NZ, St John Ambulance, Dementia Awareness, Rope Neuro Rehabilitation and of course cann.
Dr Joseph Donnelly, neurologist and researcher, also spoke about the PINK1 gene and the challenges families may face when a diagnosis has genetic implications.
Looking Ahead
The hope is that this will be the first of many Pacific Parkinson’s events. It was a strong beginning — helping to share knowledge and connect people with services.
For more information about Parkinson’s support through cann, visit cann.org.nz/parkinsons
