Wellington will be hard to miss this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with 14 local landmarks set to light up in bright pink during October.
The Cable Car, Carter Fountain, Castlepoint Lighthouse, East Girls’ College, Frank Kitts Park pedestrian bridge, Inglewood toilet block on Taranaki Street, Kelburn Park Fountain, Majestic Centre, Michael Fowler Centre, Ngā Kina sculpture, Queens Wharf sails, Waterfront Promenade, Woman of Words, and Upper Hutt’s Fantail on Ring sculpture are taking part in the Global Illuminations campaign, joining a total of 114 landmarks and prominent buildings glowing pink all across Aotearoa.
The pink lights are more than an eye-catching display – they’re a show of support for New Zealanders affected by breast cancer. They’re also a powerful reminder that finding breast cancer early gives people the greatest chance of successful treatment and survival.
The campaign also shines a light on Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, happening on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October. Thousands of volunteers will be out with their pink buckets, raising money for that charity’s vital work in breast health education, research, specialist nursing support, and advocacy for faster and fairer diagnosis and care.
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Vanessa Sorenson says seeing communities turn pink shows what can happen when people come together: “Every year, more than 3,700 New Zealanders are diagnosed with breast cancer and around 650 die from it. Behind every number is someone who matters deeply to their whānau, friends and community – and we know more of those lives can be saved.
“When Wellington lights up in pink, we hope it gets people talking and reminds them to take care of their breast health. Know what is normal for your breasts, have any changes checked by a doctor and attend mammograms when you’re eligible.
“There are so many ways to play a part this October. You can volunteer for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, make a donation, share reliable breast health information or simply remind someone you care about to check their breasts. Every action takes us closer to a future where more people with breast cancer live – and live well.”
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ encourages women of all ages to get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts and regularly check for changes. Most breast changes won’t be cancer, but any new or unusual change should be checked by a doctor. From age 45, women can have a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
Volunteers are still needed for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal. To sign up or find other ways to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/bcam
A “thank you” to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.
29/09/26
