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Whangārei, it’s time to stand up for one of our own.Juanita Bassett (known affectionately as "Neetz") is a dedicated local registered nurse, a wonderful mother, and the lead singer of the Kurfew Band. She is currently fighting a rare, aggressive form of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST).
Recently, her family received the devastating news that her cancer has spread. Despite urgent applications from her oncologist, Pharmac has declined government funding for her critical, life-extending medication, Ripretinib. With international care pathways to Australia suddenly closed, her family has been forced to make their very first commercial purchase of the drug entirely out-of-pocket.
**Juanita relies on ongoing treatment for her condition.
Juanita has spent her life on the front lines caring for our community. Now, it is our turn to stand with her. We refuse to let her and her family fight this impossible battle alone.
🎸 What’s Happening on the Day:
• Hours of Live Local Music: An incredible lineup of crowd favorites playing from midday until evening, curated by Matt Baker (featuring Pump Up The Jam and more!). We are welcoming expressions of interest from anyone who would like to perform.
• Monster Raffles & Live Auctions: Outstanding prize displays and high-value items donated by generous Whangārei businesses.
• The Pharmac Petition Hub: A dedicated station where you can physically sign the official parliamentary petition to demand urgent health policy funding reform.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Hosted at a safe, central, and highly accessible venue with a midday kick-off designed specifically so local families and children can attend together.
📋 Key Details:
• 📅 Date: Saturday, 21 November 2026
• ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM onwards (Doors open at 11:30 AM)
• 📍 Venue: The Bunker Bar , 16 Hannah Street, Whangārei CBD
• 🎟️ Entry: Family-friendly / Entry details and koha structure to be finalized.
📲 How You Can Help Right Now:
1. Click 'Going' and invite every local contact on your friend list to this page.
2. Sign & Share the Online Petition: If you aren't able to sign on paper on the day, lock in your digital signature right now: https://c.org/ztYDJT5h6P
3. Donate Directly: Help ease the financial burden via her verified Givealittle page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/its-time-for-us-to-help-keep-juanita-fighting
4. Raffle Donations: If you are a business owner wanting to donate a product or service voucher, please send a message to us.
Times are tough for everyone right now, but we want to show Warren, Neetz, and their whānau the true power of community.
Let’s pack out The Bunker Bar on the 21st of November! 🚀🔥
#ThePillToLive #StandWithNeetz #SaveNeetz #WhangareiCommunity #SupportOurNurses
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Event venue
The Bunker Bar Restaurant, 16 Hannah St, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand, Whangarei
Tickets
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