Queens Park’s fountain and band rotunda will be awash in pink this October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Around the world, landmarks and prominent buildings turn pink for the Global Illuminations campaign to raise awareness and honour those touched by breast cancer.

In New Zealand, the month culminates with the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on 29 and 30 October, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s major fundraising event. Money raised from the appeal will go towards cutting-edge research, education programmes and support for Kiwis affected by breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Kiwi women, with around 235 women diagnosed in the Southern District Health Board area every year. 

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This is the first time Invercargill's Queens Park has been involved. The pink illuminations will take place at the fountain and band rotunda from 1 October to 8 October. 

Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ: "We’re very grateful to have the support of Invercargill City Council this October.

"By turning Queens Park pink, they are helping to spread the life-saving message about the importance of early detection. 

"More than 3,300 Kiwi women are told every year that they have breast cancer. The good news is the earlier it’s caught, the better the outcome.

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"But we’re worried about every woman who has missed their mammogram during the Covid-19 lockdowns this and last year, when breast screening was put on hold.

"We’re urging anyone who had an appointment cancelled to get rebooked as soon as possible. And if you’ve felt a lump or noticed any other changes, please see your GP straight away. 

The foundation is working towards its vision of zero deaths from breast cancer a year.

To help, people can donate to the street appeal in late October, or online at pinkribbonappeal.co.nz.

"Without the generosity of New Zealanders, we wouldn’t be able to carry out our vital work.”

More than 30 landmarks across Aotearoa New Zealand are also participating in the campaign, including the Majestic Centre in Wellington, the Christchurch Airport Terminal and Airways Tower and Dunedin’s Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.