A baby is considered premature when born before 37 weeks in gestation, some coming as early as 23 weeks.
"It's just to highlight what families go through, and to just thank the teams, the medical teams, through the units in New Zealand."
She said most people would know someone who had been affected by premature birth.
"As for support, I think it's about being guided by the family, because everybody reacts differently to their neonatal journey."
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For Hawke's Bay Today photographer, Ian Cooper, the day is particularly close to his heart.
His twins, Etta and Lachlan were born around three months early, in 2015, spending months in the Wellington NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and SCBU (special care baby unit) in Hastings.
"The Neonatal Trust were an invaluable resource for us as we were going through our journey, and to other parents."
He said the organisation were always there if they needed something, even if it was just coffee and a catch-up.
"They were very happy to help out and just be there."
"We were the lucky ones to be honest, we've still got our children."
The twins are now set of happy, healthy 4 and a half year olds, with Cooper saying it can be strange to hit "regular" milestones, like preparing for school next year.
Other New Zealand landmarks to be lit up include the Wellington Cable Car tunnels, Civic Theatre in Auckland, and Christchurch Airport.
Internationally, landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building and the Trevi Fountain have been lit up.