What We Do

 Parkinson's New Zealand provides: Education, Information, Field Officers and Support for all people with Parkinson's their caregivers, friends and families.

Who We Are

Founded in 1983, The Parkinsonism Society of New Zealand is a community based, non-profit organisation reliant on funding from grants, bequests and donations. There are 20 Regional divisions supported by a National Office in Wellington.

 We offer members:

• Information on Parkinson's

• Regular up-to date information through our national magazine The Parkinsonian

• Responsible reporting of recent research and international experiences

• Books and audio-visual material

• Local meetings and education programmes

• Activities such as exercise classes and speech therapy

• Advice on health and welfare assistance available

• Home visits from a Field Officer.

• A special interest group called UPBEAT for people with early-onset Parkinson’s and their loved ones

In addition, we can provide information and educational services to non-members. e.g. health professionals and the general public. We work closely with other neurological organisations, and in some remote areas, Field Officer services are supplied by the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The Divisions

The Society has 20 divisions. The Committee of each division is made up of volunteers. Each division provides information, education, and opportunities for mutual support and social activities. Divisions have Field Officers who provide practical, individual assistance and advise on local services.
The divisions also raise funds to keep the service available and in raising public awareness about the condition. Click here for contact details for you local division and Field Officer.

The Field Officer Service

The Field Officer Service can:

• Provide home visits to re-assure, motivate and advise people with Parkinson's, and others associated with them.
• Act as advocates for health services.
• Monitor medication management and help note any beneficial or adverse affects.
• Monitor progress of the condition and advise on ways to cope better.
• Link members for mutual support.
• Help get members in touch with social and support groups
• Advise on where and when members can access exercise classes and other therapies.
• Intervene to ease crisis situations.
• Empower members to regain social confidence.
• Refer to other agencies. e.g. for assessment for home support, and counseling to relieve stress.
• Organise educational courses.
• Assist social and support groups.
• Liaise with other community agencies to avoid duplication of services.

For our Field Officer pamphlet, click here.
 

The  Parkinson's New Zealand Charter

 
People with Parkinson's Disease have the right to:

• Be referred to a doctor with a specialist interest in Parkinson's,
• Receive an accurate diagnosis,
• Have access to support services,
• Receive continuous care, and
• Take part in managing the illness.

Declared this 11th day of April, 1997