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 about 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 buildings being lit up on Rare Disease Day, 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. See below for ideas and resources.


Ways to get involved...

Man running for rare

For individuals

Ways individuals can #GlowUpShowUp for rare this March

Learn more

Hands displaying tattoos supporting rare

For support groups

Ideas and resources for support groups to get behind Rare Disorders Month

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New Plymouth Sterile Team showing support for rare

For work places

Get your work place to show support for the rare community

Learn more

school kids glowing up for rare

For schools 

There are so many ways schools can show support for rare families in their community

Learn more

hands up for rare

Tattoo campaign

Show your support with our temporary tattoos

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man in frame

Social media campaign

Find tiles and suggested captions

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#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.


Rare News

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.

Learn more