October newsletter 2025

However you choose to participate, we have three important activities we'd love you to be a part of.

Of course, there's our special montage we're creating where everyone affected by stroke can submit their photos and stories to let stroke survivors and their loved ones know they are not alone. A massive thank you to everyone who has submitted already.

We also have a special World Stroke Day quiz that we encourage all to participate in. We are very grateful to Noel Leeming Nelson and The Grand Millenium Hotel Auckland for supplying a prize that one lucky person will win after completing the quiz. Please read on and good luck!

Last but by no means least, we'd like to invite you to a special event on World Stroke Day at Wellington's National Library with Professor Anna Ranta.

This month, we are taking action as we recognise World Stroke Day.

This year's theme, set by the World Stroke Organization (WSO), is #EveryMinuteCounts, highlighting the life-saving importance of knowing the signs of stroke and acting fast. The F.A.S.T. message encourages everyone to learn the signs of stroke and get immediate help: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Take action - call 111. For more on World Stroke Day and F.A.S.T. click here. 

Do you think you've got what it takes to know F.A.S.T and win some very cool prizes this month? 

Thanks to the kindness of Noel Leemings Nelson and The Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland, every person who enters the quiz will be in to win one NINJA Blast Max Blender AND one night's luxury accommodation for two. Winner announced November 1st.

Educate yourself, your friends, and whānau on reducing the risk of stroke and make it known that #EveryMinuteCounts.

Take the quiz here.

In a show of solidarity, the team at Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand are creating a special mural on our website showing portraits of the many Kiwis who have survived stroke.

If you are a stroke survivor and would like to see yourself represented in the mural, please submit your photo below.

Stroke also impacts upon loved ones and the wider community. You don't have to be a survivor of stroke to be impacted by it. If that's you and you would like to submit your photo, in solidarity of stroke survivors, you are most welcome to do so.

We encourage you to be brave. You can bring hope to other Kiwis affected by stroke and show they are not alone.

Submit your photo here.

Noho ora mai, stay well, and enjoy your World Stroke Day 2025 activities!

Jess Winchester

General Manager Marketing and Fundraising | Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand