Do you know that Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world? And it is estimated that 13,000 people are living with the condition in New Zealand right now? Moreover, this number is expected to double within the next 20 years, according to national charitable trust Parkinson’s New Zealand.

As a result, building public awareness of the disease is the reason behind the trust’s Red Tulip Walk in the Bay of Plenty, on April 18, commencing at 10am.

While the average age for diagnosis is 59, Sonia Park, who lives in Tauranga, was only 42 and training for a marathon when she noticed symptoms such as muscle tightness, as well as leg and foot cramping.

Over time, she also noticed changes affecting the muscles in her throat and her speech.

Sonia Park wants others to support Parkinson’s New Zealand by participating in the BOP Tulip Walk on April 18. Photo / Supplied

For two years, she felt like she was on a rollercoaster ride, visiting specialists, including trying holistic forms of medicine until she was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Now aged 55, Park is adapting to the changes this has brought to her life – including receiving Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy in Auckland in 2019 to help with symptoms.

“Parkinson’s has restricted my everyday activities,” Park said.

“I can no longer work, have lost a lot of my independence, and sometimes I feel very isolated.”

However, she has learnt to slow down and pace herself, discovered the importance of exercise, and found Parkinson’s New Zealand in the Bay of Plenty. The local Red Tulip Group caters for a wide range of people with Parkinson’s, Park said.

“Just being able to talk to someone else with this condition is so helpful.

“Being young with the onset of the disease can often be hard for other people to understand. I have learnt, Parkinson’s doesn’t control me, it is not paramount to my life!”

Park hoped that fellow Bay of Plenty residents would get behind the BOP Red Tulip Walk on April 18 at 10am, with this year’s event being held at a new location – the meeting point in the boardwalk beachfront pathway opposite Tay St Cafe.

Event participation costs $25 per adult, under-16s are free – and the first 50 entries will receive a free T-shirt. To sign up for the event, visit: events.humanitix.com/red-tulip-walk-bay-of-plenty-2026

For more information on Parkinson’s disease, visit: www.parkinsons.org.nz