Rare Disease Day is a Global Day of Solidarity for people living with a rare disorder. Since 2019, significant buildings and landmarks around the world have been illuminated on the last day of February to create a global chain of lights in support of all those affected by rare disorders and their families.

Buildings/Monuments that will be lighting up for rare on Rare Disease Day (28 February 2025)

North Island

  • Auckland - Eden park
  • Auckland - New Zealand Maritime NZ
  • New Plymouth - Airport and Terminal Artwork
  • Rotorua - Tree Top walk
  • Stratford - Clock tower & town sign
  • Te Aroha - Clock tower
  • Wellington - Michael Fowler Centre
  • Whanganui - War Memorial Centre & Royal Whanganui Opera House (3rd March)
  • Whangarei - Victoria Canopy Bridge and Laurie Park

South Island

  • Ashburton - clock tower
  • Christchurch - Airport control tower & airport
  • Christchurch - art gallery
  • Cromwell - welcome sign
  • Dunedin - St Paul's Church
  • Dunedin - TŪHURA Otago Museum
  • Invercargill - gates, fountain and Queen's Park rotunda
  • Oamaru - Opera House

Contact engagement@raredisorders.org.nz if you would like to get involved in this initiative.


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Our Collective

Rare Disorders NZ is the collective voice of all people living with a rare disorder and their whānau. Our rare collective is made up of more than 150 disorder-specific support groups. Our work is informed by the issues important to our collective, and we work together to improve healthcare and wellbeing for everyone living with a rare health condition in New Zealand.

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