Thanks for supporting World Alzheimers Month 2025
A big thank you to everybody who showed their support for World Alzheimers Month this September.
The theme was ‘Ask about dementia’ to encourage people to help break down the stigma surrounding a diagnosis, so people living with dementia mate wareware and their whānau reach out for the help and support they desperately need.
“Almost 83,000 Kiwis are living with dementia mate wareware in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025 and this will only increase! Simply asking about dementia can help break down the barriers and we’re pleased we could help encourage these important conversations,” says Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall.
We were delighted so many of you joined us for Summit 2025 in Auckland and online and it was great to facilitate this exciting kōrero – thank you to all the people who played a role in the success of this event.
At the Summit, we launched exciting new infographics and presented the refreshed Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan to Associate Minister of Health Hon Casey Costello.
We released Alzheimer’s Disease International’s World Alzheimer Report 2025: Reimagining life with dementia – the power of rehabilitation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Local Managers Renee Clark and Trudi Bridges shared their insights on the frontline in this podcast.
Nationally, thousands of radio ads played on radio and our social media videos – including our Lived Experience Advisory Group answering some of the most common questions they get about dementia mate wareware.
News and media
We were delighted with the media interest in World Alzheimers Month this year, following the release of the new infographics, refreshed Action Plan and World Alzheimer Report.
Catherine has appeared on Newstalk ZB, RNZ National, The Post, The Platform and this morning on Breakfast.
Local organisations around the country were out spreading awareness through their local media including a new radio show and podcast in Otago and the Memory Walk in Eastern Bay of Plenty. Other local initiatives included Alzheimers Marlborough holding an event with their local library and the Artful Mind Exhibition opening in Tauranga.
We continued with our ‘What’s our point’ advocacy campaign on social media which highlights what we’re asking government for in the lead up to the 2026 General Election. You can find out more in our advocacy toolkit and follow us on social media.
As well as attending the Summit, the Associate Minister also gave us a shout out on Facebook.
“It’s been great to hear the kōrero around Alzheimers and dementia this World Alzheimers Month, but we’re not done yet! We’ll continue to urge Government to support people and their whānau living with dementia mate wareware in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Catherine.
The priority areas identified by the organisation are progressively implement and fund the Dementia Mate Wareware Action Plan. Secondly, properly fund New Zealand’s 17 community-based dementia support services. Thirdly, create a bespoke health strategy to provide quality, integrated and accessible services with an integrated continuum of care.
CAPTION: Marge McNeill presents the refreshed Action Plan to Associate Minister of Health Hon Casey Costello at Summit 2025
