Stroke Aotearoa NZ
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Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand is the national charity dedicated to stroke.
Our Mission
Our mission is to prevent stroke and improve lives.
Our Vision
Our vision is for a Stroke Free Aotearoa.
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Stroke helpline
Phone: 0800 STROKE (0800 78 76 53)
Email: help@stroke.org.nz
General enquiries
Phone: 0800 459 954
Email: strokenz@stroke.org.nz
Address: PO Box 12482, Wellington 6144
Level 1, Thorndon Rise Building, 95-99 Molesworth Street, Wellington 6011
Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand is here to lead the fight against stroke, helping all of New Zealand to prevent stroke and improve lives.
What is a stroke? - A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, causing it to stop working and eventually damaging brain cells.
Support available after stroke - You don’t have to go through stroke recovery alone. This page outlines the support and services available to you and your whānau after you have been discharged from the hospital.
High blood pressure - High blood pressure is the number one modifiable risk factor for stroke. Control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.
Community stroke navigators - Our Community Stroke Navigators (Kaiārahi) are specialists in providing support to people affected by stroke.
Understanding stroke
Understanding what a stroke is can help you reduce your risk of having a stroke and help you cope with your own or a loved one's stroke.
What is a stroke? - A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, causing it to stop working and eventually damaging brain cells.
Recognising stroke signs - It is vital to recognise when someone is having a stroke and get medical attention as soon as possible.
Reducing stroke risks - Over 9000 strokes and an unknown number of TIAs are experienced in New Zealand every year. But the good news is that up to 90% of strokes are preventable.
Statistics & data - Stroke affects thousands of people in Aotearoa New Zealand each year, but there is hope - both in prevention and in recovery.
Support your workplace
We offer various educational programs and toolkits to ensure your workplace is protected from stroke.
F.A.S.T. workplace toolkit - Build your own F.A.S.T. information training session by choosing and downloading the guides, factsheets, videos and meeting aids you need.
Stroke101 - Stroke101 education sessions support your workforce to confidently work with people affected by stroke, increase your team’s capability, and improve patient/client wellbeing and outcomes.
Affected by stroke
If you have had a stroke or are supporting someone who has, it is important to understand what has happened, and what you can do to ensure the best recovery.
Support available after stroke - You don’t have to go through stroke recovery alone. This page outlines the support and services available to you and your whānau after you have been discharged from the hospital.
Living with stroke - If you have had a stroke or are supporting someone who has, it is important to understand what has happened, and what you can do to ensure the best recovery.
Support groups and networks - If you would like to connect with other people affected by stroke, there are a number of in-person and online support groups available.
For caregivers - Caring for someone who has had a stroke is a journey filled with learning, challenges, and rewards. At Stroke Aotearoa, we’re here to provide you with the support, guidance, and resources you need.
Additional resources
Free helpline for people affected by stroke - Call 0800 STROKE (0800 78 76 53) for free support and guidance.
Resources for rangatahi and tamariki - Edna Swart, Stroke Aotearoa Ambassador, helps answer common questions that young people may have about stroke.
Advocacy
By raising awareness and engaging with decision-makers, we aim to drive positive change for the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
Stroke is a significant challenge for many in Aotearoa, but together, we can make a difference. Advocacy is one of our most powerful tools to increase understanding, inspire action, and bring meaningful improvements to the lives of those affected by stroke and their whānau.
Remarkably, most strokes are preventable. With the right policy changes and support, we can help reduce risk factors and ensure better care for stroke survivors. By actively engaging with politicians and stakeholders across the political spectrum, we are working to build a healthier, more resilient future for Aotearoa.
Through our advocacy efforts, we are focusing on:
Expanding access to the Take Charge After Stroke programme nationwide, empowering stroke survivors to reclaim their independence and thrive.
Improving access to community rehabilitation services, ensuring all stroke survivors receive the support they need to recover and lead fulfilling lives.
Encouraging government action to reduce sodium levels in packaged foods. By aligning with the World Health Organization’s sodium benchmarks and adopting mandatory Health Star Ratings, we can significantly lower the risk of high blood pressure, a key contributor to strokes. These measures have the potential to save lives, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.
Every step we take through advocacy brings us closer to a future where fewer people experience the life-altering effects of stroke. Together, we can create a healthier Aotearoa for everyone.
