I S S U E 5 - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9

TULIP TALKSParkinson’s Auckland’s

Local Newsletter

Subsidised Gym and Exercise Programmes Come to Auckland

By Tammy Ramsey-Evans, PNZ Director of Clinical Services

We have some exciting news for our Auckland members and clients. Parkinson’s Exercise Programmes in partnership with Auckland Council, launched on the 7th October at Lloyd Elsmore in Pakuranga and are now available Auckland-wide.

Over the past year Parkinson’s New Zealand has worked alongside Auckland Council Leisure to pilot a project that involves upskilling some of its exercise professionals around how to prescribe exercise for people living with Parkinson’s.

These Parkinson’s exercise programmes are being introduced to five Auckland Council Leisure Centres including Otara, Papatoetoe (Allan Brewster), Manurewa, Pakuranga (Lloyd Elsmore) and Mangere (Moana Moana-Nui-a Kiwa Leisure Centre) from October 2019.

The aim is to offer affordable exercise options that will make a difference to the lives of people with Parkinson’s. The right kind of exercise creates a protein called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which increases the brain’s plasticity. When the brain is in a receptive malleable state, it’s possible to make significant improvements to skills like amplitude (bigness), balance, coordination, agility, cognition, dual-tasking and power.

Therefore, having access to the right type of exercise at the right time can be life-changing for people with Parkinson’s, and we want to make sure all people living with Parkinson’s have access to Parkinson’s-specific exercise in a format that suits them, which is why we are so excited about this partnership with Auckland Council.

The Auckland Council Leisure team can provide a variety of services utilising their gym facilities, exercise and fitness equipment and other facilities. To be referred to the program means our clients and members have access to a variety of exercise options for a significantly reduced price to their standard class fees.

I know that many people will benefit hugely from this partnership and I encourage you to contact your local Community Educator for more information about options in your area.

Thanks to our recent funders

China Teacups are dusted off for Parkinson’s Tulip Cream Tea Events

Living Positively with Parkinson’s Events

Parkinson’s Auckland was fortunate to have the support of many businesses and individuals who hosted eleven Tulip Cream Tea “high tea” style events around the city during September and October. Our Community Educators attended, and we were lucky to have motivational guest speakers present at many of them.

Community Engagement Advisor Karen Schade explains “the inaugural Tulip Cream Tea events were very well received by hosts and guests - not only are they a great fundraising initiative for local Parkinson’s Action Groups around the country, but they also generate a high level of awareness to what services Parkinson’s NZ has available to our Parkinson’s community. They provide a simple but effective conduit for our staff and volunteers to interact with the public and that in turn strengthens relationships in the community.”

We extend our thanks to Summerset Heritage Park, Summerset Monteray Park and Summerset Karaka as well as Grace Joel, Bruce McLaren, Evelyn Page, Edmund Hillary, and Bert Sutcliffe Villages in the Ryman Group. Long-time supporter Margaret Griffiths raised $435 alone by inviting her friends to a Devonshire style cream tea in her home. In Auckland we estimate around 500 people participated in Tulip Cream Tea events that around the country jointly raised several thousand dollars. Please, put a note in your diaries for September 2020 and think ahead about how you may host or support a Parkinson’s Tulip Cream Tea event.

The North Shore and Rodney Action Group hosted two successful networking events at the Pupuke Golf Club in September and November. The inaugural event in September was attended by around 40 people with guest speaker Robyn Cotton talking about her inspirational book A Sky Lark Flies. To mark Parkinson’s Awareness Week, Mike Lloyd, the blind runner diagnosed with Parkinson’s spoke at the event on 3rd November. Mike provided an inspirational commentary about his positive attitude to life, living with Parkinson’s and what it took to complete 10 New York Marathons. The key message was that he refuses to let Parkinson’s or blindness define him and he puts effort into every day to live it positively. These events are an opportunity for people living with Parkinson’s, their carers, friends and family to gather as a social outlet. They run every 2 months, 3pm-5pm at the Pupuke Golf Club, 231 East Coast Road, Campbells Bay. They are positive, friendly and anyone is welcome. Entry is free, koha is appreciated.

September was “Good in the Hood” for Parkinson’s Auckland Charity Golf Tournament

March 2020Thanks to Z Energy Greville Road and Z Energy Harris Road for nominating Parkinson’s Auckland to be a recipient of this year’s campaign that raised $1,834.00 for our cause. These funds will contribute to our ongoing services in the Auckland region.

Upcoming EventsSunday 23rd February 2020, 3pm to 5pm, Pupuke Golf Club, North Shore Peter Surman is the Chief Scientific Officer at Douglas Pharmaceuticals Limited. Peter will speak on drug development process and clinical trials.

The annual Summerset Villages Play for Parkinson’s Charity Golf Day is coming up again in March 2020 at Wainui Golf Club. Funds raised support Auckland-wide Community Educator Services. If you wish to get involved, can help with donating team prizes, are a golfer who would like to enter a team or your business can sponsor a hole then please get in touch with Ann Cambie on 09 4266 483, 021 12 56 099, anniez5@xtra.co.nz

Round the Bays Teams for Auckland – 8th March 2020We have a team running and walking Round the Bays 2020 in support of people living with Parkinson’s in the Auckland region. We all know that exercise is an important part of the formula to living a healthy and balanced life. This is your chance to set some new goals for 2020 and start walking regularly in preparation for this event. To join our Parkinson’s Auckland Round the Bays team contact karen.schade@parkinsons.org.nz or go to www.roundthebays.co.nz for more information.

National Hui Several members of the Auckland wide Action Groups joined other representatives from around the country at this year’s Parkinson’s National Hui in Wellington on 22nd and 23rd October. Along with our regional Community Engagement Advisor, Karen Schade - Robyn Cotton, Sandie Jennins, Stephen Goodman and Jo van Kan participated in the two-day event. The forum prompted some healthy discussion with a focus on how Parkinson’s New Zealand is working to strengthen its services to people living with Parkinson’s and how we work together as a strong national entity. Thank you to the Parkinson’s New Zealand Senior Leadership Team for providing a positive forum for us all to meet, share and learn from one another. Discussions and ideas generated from the Hui will provide the basis for the Parkinson’s New Zealand board to develop future strategies.

Auckland Action Group member is welcomed to the Board of Trustees

Stephen Goodman was welcomed to the PNZ Board of Trustees in October. Stephen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009 and has sat on the Auckland Action Group for the past six years. Stephen hopes his role as a trustee will make a positive impact on how Parkinson’s New Zealand continues to deliver services to its members. He also remains committed to the Auckland Action Group and Parkinson’s activities in Auckland.

Parkinson’s Awareness WeekThank you to our fantastic volunteer collectors who stepped out at supermarkets and malls across Auckland to raise funds and awareness for our cause during Parkinson’s Awareness Week 1-7 November. Your efforts are very much appreciated. From next year, Awareness Week moves to April in line with World Parkinson’s Day and we look forward to sharing more on that in the future.

Email Communications and Updates to Members

To ensure members receive updates on regional activities and events, from January 2020 we will be sending a once monthly email out to our Auckland database. Email is a much faster and cost-effective way of communicating with you all. If you are not currently receiving emails from us but would like to then please email info@parkinsons.org.nz to ensure your details are updated on our database.

Tulip Bulbs Fundraiser – Coordinators needed

Every year, we sell hundreds of Tulip Bulb packets and raise much needed funds. In 2020, we need some helpful individuals who will work with our Community Engagement Advisor to be a local co-ordinator for the sale and distribution of the Tulips. Please contact karen.schade@parkinsons.org.nz if you are able to help make the 2020 our best Tulip Bulb fundraiser yet.

Community Educators

Parkinson’s Support Groups

Carers Groups

Rhonda Thorn, South Auckland & Franklin Phone: 09 299 6607 The Parkinson’s Auckland Council Exercise program for people living with Parkinson’s will be rolled out in South Auckland in the next few months. I will be informing people as the classes begin so watch this space. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and happy holidays. Rhonda

Margaret McNab, Central Auckland Phone: 09 827 1447 Kohimarama Xmas meeting will be at St Thomas Church Hall on 6th December 2019 and the Mt Eden Xmas meeting at St Barnabas Church Hall on 13th December 2019. Further details will be emailed to Central Auckland clients. There are no further meetings for 2019 after 13 December 2019. We will start again in February 2020. I wish you all a very happy and safe holiday period. Margaret

Yvonne Glassborow, East Auckland Phone: 09 533 1105 The Parkinson’s Auckland Council Exercise Program started on Monday 7 October at Lloyd Elsmore Leisure Centre. Ten people participated in this subsidised class just $5.00 a session. It was designed to cater for mobile Parkinson’s people who could stand for 60 minutes or more without assistance. This class focused on some of the challenges

Parkinson’s presents including balance, coordination, amplitude (bigness), power and agility, all in a fun and stimulating environment. Please contact me directly if you are interested in learning more. Yvonne

Caroline Yandall, North Shore Phone: 09 818 2793 The Northshore Christmas Party will take place Thursday 12th December. Looking into 2020 I will be sending you all an activities email in January. However, to start the year off well, Counterpunch Parkinson’s classes will resume on 7th January, Monday to Fridays at the Shane Cameron Gym 2-3pm. Support Group meetings will start again in February and you will receive an email a few days prior. There is a lot on offer for next year, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the new year. I wish you all a safe and merry festive season. Caroline

Rachel Turner, West Auckland & Rodney Phone: 027 520 6260 A reminder that Christmas Functions are – North Rodney (bring a plate) 3rd December meet, West Auckland (Te Atatu RSA) 4th December and South Rodney (bring a plate) 9th December meet. I will be in touch with everyone via email as needed. Have a safe and festive holiday season. Rachel

West Support Group 4th Wednesday of each month at 1pm Pinesong Village, 66 Avonleigh Road, Green Bay

West Men’s Coffee Group Cancelled due to low turnout

West Women’s Coffee Group 4th Tuesday of each month at 10am Kreem Café, 231 Universal Drive, Henderson

North Rodney 1st Tuesday of each month at 10am Totara Park Retirement Village, 5 Melwood Drive, Warkworth

South Rodney 2nd Monday of each month at 10am Maygrove Retirement Village, 65 Tauranga Place, Orewa

Rodney Early onset/young person’s group Cancelled due to low turnout

North Shore Young Persons 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11.30am Northcote Tavern, 37 Queen Street, Northcote

North Shore Group 2nd Thursday of each month at 10am Windsor Park Baptist Church

Central Auckland 2nd Friday of each month at 10am St Barnabas Church Hall, Cnr Bellevue & Mt Eden Roads, Mt Eden

Kohimarama 1st Friday of each month at 10am St Thomas’ Church Hall, cnr Kohimarama & St Heliers Bay Roads, Kohimarama

Howick 4th Wednesday of each month at 10am St Andrews Church Hall, Cnr Vincent & Ridge Roads, Howick

Franklin 1st Thursday of each month at 10am Baptist Church lounge, 128 Victoria Street West, Pukekohe

Manukau 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10am Manurewa Cosmopolitan Club, Manurewa

Waiuku 2nd Monday of each month at 10am-12pm St Andrews Centre, 85 Queen Street, Waiuku

South Rodney 4th Monday of each month at 10am Contact Rachel for venue

North Rodney 3rd Thursday of each month at 10am Contact Rachel for venue

North Shore 1st Thursday of each month at 10am Altura Café, 25 Anzac Road, Browns Bay

North Shore 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am Settlers Retirement Village, 550 Albany Highway, Albany

West Auckland 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10am Dawn Kitchen, Kelston Mall, main entrance (South/Central)

Central Auckland 4th Thursday of each month at 1:30pm

Circus Café, 447 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden Village

Waiuku 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am Porter Brothers Café, Kitchener Road, Waiuku

South Auckland 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10am Café Miko, Botanic Gardens, 102 Hill Road, Manurewa

East Auckland 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10am Hawthorn Dene Café, 280 Botany Rd, Botany Downs

Franklin 4th Thursday of each month at 10am Petals ‘n’ Pots Café, 25 Paerata Road, Pukekohe

North West Auckland Cancelled due to low turnout