Last month, Channel Magazine shared the personal story of Aidan Bennett, founder and MD of Benefitz, and his commitment to Climb For Parkinson’s following his diagnosis. Now, registrations are live, and even before the campaign’s major promotional push, businesses, organisations and teams across New Zealand are already signing up.
For Cure Parkinson’s NZ, a small charity with a big ambition, that early enthusiasm is hugely encouraging. But turning a national idea into reality takes the backing of extraordinary people and businesses - including Aidan and the Benefitz team, whose generous support has been invaluable.
AFT Pharmaceuticals – local support, national impact
Takapuna-based AFT Pharmaceuticals has also committed at least $50,000 to the campaign, alongside support designed to bring thousands more New Zealanders into the movement. Through its partnership with Green Cross Health, $1 from each purchase of selected AFT products at Unichem and Life Pharmacy stores nationwide will support Climb For Parkinson’s.
The involvement doesn't stop at the checkout. Pharmacy teams are being encouraged to take on their own workplace challenges, with some friendly competition between stores. AFT is also rallying its own staff, including brand teams competing against one another.
There's a special North Shore connection behind this support. AFT was founded by husband-and-wife team Dr Hartley and Marree Atkinson, while Aidan and Michelle Bennett are the founders of Benefitz, another long-established local business. Both families have deep roots on the Shore, and the companies share a longstanding business relationship.
Their local involvement is taking shape on the hills, too: AFT has sponsored Rangitoto Island as a featured peak, while Aidan has chosen Takarunga/Mount Victoria and North Head for his challenge. For AFT, whose work centres on pharmaceutical innovation and improving health, the partnership is a natural fit.
A small charity tackling a global challenge
Parkinson’s disease is the world's fastest-growing neurological condition. More than 13,000 New Zealanders live with it, and one in 37 Kiwis is predicted to receive a diagnosis during their lifetime. Cure Parkinson’s NZ supports world-class research contributing to the global search for a cure, with a long-term ambition to help bring clinical trial opportunities to New Zealand. Finding a cure matters not only for those affected today, but for our children and grandchildren.
Cure Parkinson’s NZ CEO Daniel McGowan explains, “New Zealand has an extraordinary backyard, and Climb For Parkinson’s is about bringing Kiwis together to explore it, challenge themselves and make a real difference. For someone living with Parkinson’s disease, everyday life can feel like climbing a mountain, so we’re asking New Zealanders to climb for them. Whether it’s a local hill or a challenging peak, our ambition is to get thousands of Kiwis moving, raise $1 million for Parkinson’s research and create a national movement that brings communities together for something bigger than themselves.”
Could your business join the climb?
The 37-day challenge runs from 15 January to 20 February 2027. Climb a local hill, tackle a featured peak, match its vertical metres from elsewhere, or set your own goal.
Businesses can get involved in many ways – sponsor one of the campaign's 137 peaks nationwide and have your brand associated with it, register workplace teams, or share the campaign through your networks.
Cure Parkinson’s NZ are also building an exciting national prize pool, with climbers earning entries as they climb. We'd love donations ranging from technology, fishing gear and outdoor adventures to groceries, fuel, appliances, barbecues or even a boat!
Everyone has their own Everest. Together, we can climb towards a cure.
For a pack outlining the opportunities for your business, contact lizzie@cureparkinsonsnz.org.nz
