Rare Disorders Month
Join us in celebrating our rare community
March is Rare Disorders Month
Every year on Rare Disease Day (the last day of February) we kick off a month-long campaign to raise awareness of rare disorders and to celebrate our rare community in Aotearoa. We do this by calling on Aotearoa to 'Glow up and Show up for Rare' to show support for the 300,000 Kiwis living with a rare disorder.
From landmarks being lit up, to schools, kura and workplaces having 'glow up' days during March, to individuals showing their support through social media - there are so many ways to support the rare community.
You too can get involved to help bring rare disorders out of the darkness and into the light.
Ideas to get involved...
Fundraising ideas
Help us drive awareness and raise funds to continue to advocate for people living with rare disorders.
There are so many ways you can #GlowUpShowUp this March.
Awareness Kit
We have a range of free resources available to support you with raising awareness this March.
Rare Beer Challenge
From 20 March come along to 16 Tun in Auckland or The Malthouse in Wellington to see which weird and wacky brews are in the running for the title of Best Rare Beer of 2026.
Rare Regatta 2026
Gather your colleagues, family, clients or mates and sign up for an unforgettable afternoon on the water to raise vital funds for Rare Disorders NZ.
Essay competition
An essay writing competition on rare disorders during March for health professional students
Visit your MP
2026 is election year! Contact your local MP and tell them why their party needs to #DoRightByRare.
Organise a school event
There are so many ways schools can show support for rare families in their community
Organise a support group event
Ideas and resources for support groups to get behind Rare Disorders Month
#GlowUpShowUp
#DoRightByRare
#RareDisordersMonth
Did you know...?
While many countries in the Northern Hemisphere consider February 'Rare Disease Month', February is a busy time for New Zealanders and the Government alike, as we settle back into business after summer. This is why we have chosen March to mark our Rare Disorders Month, kicking off on the last day of February - Rare Disease Day, to ensure rare is seen EVERYWHERE.
