Parkinson’s New Zealand – Bay of Plenty

About Parkinson’s

With nearly 2,700 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in New Zealand every year, this incurable neurodegenerative condition affects about 11,500 people in NZ. With the population ageing, that number is due to double in New Zealand within the next 20 years. Parkinson’s affects the nervous system in a manner that impacts movement, and while it cannot currently be cured, it can be treated.

Parkinson’s New Zealand

First established over 35 years ago, Parkinson’s New Zealand is the only NZ organisation providing education, information and support services to people living with and affected by Parkinson’s, as well as their whānau. For more information and links to other useful sites, go to the Parkinsons New Zealand website – www.parkinsons.org.nz

The Bay of Plenty Division

Our division covers the area from Waihi Beach to East Cape in the Bay of Plenty. We provide support for people with Parkinson’s, their spouses, carers and whanau including:

Home visits in a person’s own home of choice by registered Parkinson’s Nurses
Assisting people to access services to which they are entitled within the community
Total mobility assessment
Education, support, encouragement
Regular meetings and support groups including exercise classes

Parkinson’s New Zealand holds regular meetings and support groups in the BOP. Please contact the division for further details.

Tauranga / Western BoP Parkinson’s Nurse

(021) 840 808

glennis.best@parkinsons.org.nz

Northwestern BoP Parkinson’s Nurse

(021) 844 566

liz.rapley-jones@parkinsons.org.nz

Whakatane / Eastern BoP Parkinson’s Nurse

(027) 262 3232

philippa.fergusson@parkinsons.org.nz

Meetings

CARERS SUPPORT MEETINGS
All carers are welcome to attend these meetings. The meetings give a valuable chance to share and learn about living Parkinson's and to learn about caring for the carer in a safe and caring environment.

TAURANGA meetings are held on the first Friday of the month, 10:30 am, at the Citizens Club, corner Cameron Rd and Thirteenth Ave, Tauranga while the exercise class is on.

PAPAMOA meetings are held on the third of the month, 10:30 am, at Pacifica Garden Centre while the exercise class is on.

UPBEAT UNDER 65’s MEETING
For those who have Parkinsonism and their spouse/partner who are under 65 years. Meetings are held every two months for all attendees with separate meetings for spouse/partner and Parkinsonians at advertised times.

BRAINWAVES GROUP - TAURANGA SPEECH CLASSES
Held on most Wednesdays of the month. Some are not available as per the specific calendar. For further information please phone Dr Robin Matthews on 07 579 8783 or 027 326 1464.

BRAINWAVES GROUP – KATIKATI
Commence at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, 22 January 2019, and held every fortnight, at Summerset by the Sea, Park Road, Katikati.

KATIKATI RED TULIP EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS
Educational seminars are held 10:00 am every two months, Summerset by the Sea, Park Road, Katikati, for all members, carers, and interested persons.

TAURANGA RED TULIP EDUCATION SEMINAR
Educational Seminar for all people living with Parkinson's daily. Held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Greerton Senior Citizen’s Club, Maitland St, Greerton.

Parkinson's Exercise Classes

TAURANGA EXERCISE CLASSES
Every Friday 10:30 am, at the Citizens Club, corner of Cameron Rd and Thirteenth Ave, Tauranga. The class is run by a registered physiotherapist. These classes generally run from late January until early December.

PAPAMOA EXERCISE CLASS
Every Monday (except school holidays), 10:30 am at Papamoa Recreational Centre, Alice Lane off Parton Rd. The class is run by a registered physiotherapist.

KATIKATI EXERCISE CLASS
Every Thursday, 10:00 am, at Summerset by the Sea, Park Rd, Katikati. The class is run by a personal trainer. This class generally runs from late January until late November.

WHAKATANE EXERCISE CLASS
Every Wednesday, 10:00 am (except school holidays), at Knox Presbyterian Church Hall, Domain Road, Whakatane, in liaison with Occupational Therapy Department, Whakatane Hospital.