ICYMI, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You might already be acutely aware of breast cancer, because chances are you know someone who’s experienced it—and if not, there’s a high likelihood you will: in New Zealand, not only are more than 3500 women, and about 25 men, diagnosed with breast cancer every year, more than 650 women die every single year from the disease which is just straight-up unacceptable.
But the good news is the 10-year survival rate is 95% if the cancer is detected by a regular mammogram, and we’ve seen 34% fewer deaths since free screenings started. These gains are due to incredible breakthroughs in breast cancer research, ak. a. the best (and only) way to defeat this far-too-common disease once and for all.
Organisations like Breast Cancer Foundation NZ (BCFNZ), Sweet Louise and Breast Cancer Cure rely heavily on funding from the New Zealand public so it’s crucial they get the support to continue their research and reach their admirable goal of preventing New Zealanders from developing and dying from breast cancer and to improve the quality of life of those who have the disease.
It’s not too late to rally the troops, or just yourself, to raise a bit of cash for this totally worthy and far-too-close-to-home cause, and we’ve put together a few ways you can do it.
Here are 19 ways to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
Eat Treats, For Good
2 Oct | University Of Auckland Grafton Campus
Image credit: Fankery | Instagram
Fankery, the University of Auckland Student Association for Medical Sciences and Auckland University Population Health Students' Association have teamed up in a tastebud-tantalising pop-up this October. From 10am 'til 2pm you'll be able to get a haul of Fankery goodness (including mango purple rice mochi-filled cheesecake, crepe cakes, daifukus, tarts and cookies) with 10% of sales being donated to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
Don A Tee
From 2 Oct | Online
New Zealand designers have rallied together to launch Tees For A Cure, the Summer '24 edit. Buying a bespoke tee is an easy way to show your support, besides you'll score yourself some snazzy new threads with all proceeds funding Breast Cancer Research. Check out the full lineup of all 18 New Zealand designers here.
Make A Boob Mug
5 Oct | Heyday Beer
Wellington-based Nice Assets are partnering up with Heyday for Boobs and Brews, a fun night making boob mugs. With New Zealand clay donated by Potter’s Clay Nelson, you'll shape your boob mug guided by expert craftswoman Nicole Gaston, which will then be fired and glazed pink to pick up at a later date. Enter the raffle to win prizes on the night and help them reach their fundraising goal of $2,500.
Support The Dragon
Ongoing | Westhaven Marina
Busting with Life is a dragon boating team of breast cancer survivors based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Their goal is to give hope and inspiration for those with breast cancer, bring awareness to the disease, as well as encourage active living following diagnosis and treatment. They’re completely smashing it and training to compete in France in 2026. You can pop out to support them at Westhaven Marina all year round, or sign up with local team Pink Dragons who welcome anyone wanting to support the cause with dragon boating.
Walk This Way
13 & 20 Oct | Auckland Domain & Christchurch's Hagley Park
Image credit: Breast Cancer Foundation | Facebook
Grab the fam and join in on the annual Pink Ribbon Walks at two beautiful parks this month. Opt for a 5km or 10km walk, and kids under 5 can tag along for free. Your ticket helps cover the cost of the event but the fundraising is where it happens. The team will set you up with a fundraising page automatically when you sign up, so you can keep your mates updated as you walk to kick breast cancer to the kerb. There’s lots of treats on the walk so make sure you dress up in your pinkiest best for a chance to walk and win.
Shake A Bucket
18 & 19 Oct | Various Locations
The Pink Ribbon Street Appeal is back at various locations across the country and you can make a difference too by volunteering just two hours of your time (and at a shift location that suits you). Register the same time slot with a friend, don your pink outfits with collection buckets in tow, and make a day of it — knowing your contribution is going towards funding breast cancer education, research and supporting those who are going through the tough fight with breast cancer.
Go Pink For A Day
All Month | Your Workplace
Organisations wanting to tautoko (support) Breast Cancer Awareness Month might just love to Go Pink For A Day. Sign up and receive all the fundraising tips, merch and resources you need to make a difference and help save lives this October. Plus, the first 200 organisations that sign up will receive a pack of goodies including posters, pink ribbons and donation stickers to make your event a breeze.
Get Your Giggle On
11, 18 & 19 Oct | The Playhouse Theatre & The Classic: Comedy Club
Let’s be real, breast cancer awareness can get dark and scary pretty quickly, but it doesn’t have to. If you’re looking for a more upbeat way of doing your part to support breast cancer research and awareness, snag yourself a ticket to The Breast Comedy Show at the Playhouse Theatre (with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ).
Support Dunedin’s local comedians on the stage, including entertainment OG’s Harriet Moir, Elisa Rubin, and the youngest comedian at 17, Moe Stebbings. Those in the North Island are in for a laugh with Sicko’s (where they say the best way to deal with an illness is to make a show about it). $5 from each ticket is going towards the fundraising campaign. Note that the event is strictly R18.
Sealy x Wallace Cotton Designer Bed Campaign
21-30 October | Online
Image credit: Sealy x Wallace Cotton | supplied
This year Sealy NZ are collaborating with iconic NZ lifestyle and homewares brand Wallace Cotton to create two one-of-a-kind Sealy Posturepedic beds to be auctioned on TradeMe from 21-30 October, with all proceeds donated to BCFNZ.
Fronting this year’s campaign is New Zealand broadcaster Melissa Chan-Green, who has personally had family and friends affected by breast cancer. Having interviewed BCFNZ many times, she knows just how hard they advocate for women, and rely on donations to continue their mahi. Show your support through sleep, and choose from the ‘Rosewood’ bed—a classic yet modern pink gingham-check, or the floral and fauna (complete with beautiful pink bee detailing) on the ‘Keepsake’ bed. The winning bid at the auction will also receive a custom designed headboard, and a special Wallace Cotton bed linen package to create the comfiest sleep ever with this bed collab of dreams.
Take Part In A Conversation For A Cure
24 Oct | Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill
Join iconic NZ designer Karen Walker for lunch at Conversation For A Cure. At $65 per person, your ticket includes a glass of SOHO Pink Sheep Noir Rosé, a signature two-course lunch by Head Chef Kenji Yoshitsuka, plus a Q&A session with Breast Cancer cure Ambassador Karen Walker about her fashion journey and creative vision. Hosted by stand-up comedian, writer, actor, event MC, and Breast Cancer Cure Ambassador Michèle A’Court (ONZM).
Snack On Pink
All Month | Participating Supermarkets
Image credit: Breast Cancer Foundation NZ | Facebook
Pop to the shop and grab your choc bikkies and crisps, because Griffin's and RUBY have teamed up to support Breast Cancer Foundation NZ this month with their limited-edition Griffin's Pink Peppermint Treats biscuits and Eta Uppercuts Sweet Vinaigrette & Pink Shallot chips. For every pack sold, they'll donate 20 cents to help fund research and provide resources for those affected by breast cancer. Pop into Ruby to check out the jacket that inspired the pack design, and get a free packet of Griffin’s Pink Peppermint Treats with any purchase in-store (or online). We’ll snack to that.
D.I.Y Fundraiser
All Month | Anywhere
Got a fundraising idea that’s totally out of the box? Flex your imagination and throw together your own totally bespoke event then donate the proceeds. From giving up coffee, booze, social media or Tinder to bake sales, cooking competitions, selling your own clothes or shaving your head (or beard), every dollar helps.
Register and apply for BCFNZ promotional materials like pink ribbons, balloons and boob bead keyrings to get the ball rolling. Check out the current leaderboard for some incredibly inspiring individuals and groups across Aotearoa supporting the cause and donate to them too.
Get On Your Bike And Ride
13 Oct | Auckland Netball Centre
Motorheads, grab your bike, trike or scooter and sign up for the annual Pink Ribbon Ride. In its 21st year, this popular event draws seasoned riders and beginners alike to a sea of pink riding from St Johns to Kingsland. Register here or sign up on the day.
Buy Pink Products
All Month | Online & IRL
Every month a bunch of businesses create opportunities for people to use their spending power to support breast cancer awareness and research. Upgrade your old straightener to a limited-edition pink ghd, buy a specially bred "Pink Ribbon" rose bush, or treat yourself to a limited-edition cosmetics range from Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Estée Lauder and La Mer (100% of their specially created La Mer lip balm will be donated to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ).
Auckland fashion designer Adrian Hailwood has also released a “love & kisses” jewellery range, with all proceeds from this campaign donated to breast cancer research (for Breast Cancer Cure). If you haven’t thought about your Christmas shopping, now’s the time to do it.
Get Beach-Ready With A Towelie
All Month | Online
Image credit: Stoked NZ x Di Foster | Instagram
Speaking of using your purchase power for pink goodness, if you didn't leap onto the beach in a towel poncho (or "towelie"), was it even summer? Besides, who couldn't do with their very own portable changing room? Get sorted for summer szn with a limited-edition pink towelie from Stoked NZ and 100% of profits will be donated to BCFNZ. The brand has already raised over $30,000. Now that's impressive.
Host A Sweet October High Tea
All Month | Anywhere
Sweet Louise is holding Sweet October to support incurable breast cancer this month. Sign up and host a Sweet October high tea and win rewards and prizes, like their limited edition Sweet Louise tea towel and apron. Stuck for ideas? Jump on their resources websites for printable bunting, quiz questions, host booklet and even their specially created Sweet Louise recipe.
Turn Your Activewear Pink
All Month | Online
Image credit: LSKD | website
Speaking of buying pink, Aussie-based activewear label LSKD (a.k.a Loose Kid) will again be releasing a limited edition 36 piece collection of their favourite (and new) styles in pink for National Breast Cancer Foundation (Australia). With 5% of all sales going towards breast cancer research, the collection for guys and gals is dropping right in time on 1st October. Sign up now for first dibs on pink threads for your next run.
Find the Pink Campervan
Ongoing | Around The Motu
The Pink Campervan is currently touring across the country with specialist breast nurses this Spring— pop in for free breast health advice. They’ve been visiting towns and cities across the country, and especially to smaller communities that don’t have access to the health services that the bigger cities do. No appointment is needed, and it’s free. Follow the website to find out where they will be parked next.
Get Amongst Fashion In The Vines
23 Nov | Peregrine Vineyard
Peregrine presents Fashion in the Vines, the biggest black tie event of the year in Queenstown. Although not in October, this event's still a great way to show your support. The ultimate fashion getaway you'll revel in Kathryn Wilson and Trelise Cooper's 24 Resort and Summer collections while getting your glam on with bubbles in hand and a Sweet Mix Kids-fuelled dance floor.
Take Care Of Your Breasts
Always | Anywhere
Early detection is your best protection against breast cancer and while breast cancer is most likely to occur in people with breasts over the age of 50, young people, and men, including transgender men, can get it too.
Being breast aware—knowing how your breasts normally look and feel and checking your breasts regularly for any unusual changes—is a great place to start. For more ways to take care of your breasts, check out BCFNZ’s great tool.
Donate
At the end of the day, sometimes the simplest methods are the most effective. Whether you pass around an envelope in the office or set aside something from your own next pay cheque, it’s the cash money from people like you that keeps organisations like BCFNZ and others doing what they do.
Giving a donation in lieu of a gift is also a nice way to round up those dollars—think a colleague’s farewell, your birthday, or your parent’s wedding anniversary. You can donate to a friend's fundraiser or directly right here, or you can join the Zero Club and help BCFNZ achieve zero deaths from breast cancer as a regular giver.
Lift your spirits with a visit to one of Auckland's prettiest flower walks.
Image credit: Chandler Walters.