News and stories
Read our latest updates and patient stories
Spring 2025 Newsletter – Spot News
Welcome to the Winter 2025 edition of Spot News
Winter 2025 Newsletter – Spot News
Welcome to the Winter 2025 edition of Spot News
Dr Andrea Gu – Combating Drug Resistance in Melanoma
Starting September 2025 New Zealand melanoma researcher Dr Andrea Gu will spend 18 months working alongside Dr David Adams, Head of Experimental Cancer Genetics at the high-profile Wellcome Sanger Institute in the UK.
Patient perspective – Kendall Takuta’s story
“I want to make memories with my kids and be there for them as they grow up. I’m determined to do everything I can to make that happen,” she says. “The funding could not only give me peace of mind but also mean more time to create those lasting memories.”
Patient perspective – 28-year-old Finlay Bergin’s story
“This is amazing. Because the biggest stress since my melanoma diagnosis has been money related”
Good news for many advanced melanoma patients in New Zealand
Good news for many advanced melanoma patients in New Zealand. Melanoma New Zealand welcomes today’s news from Pharmac for increased and new access to funded medicines because it’s long-awaited good news for many New Zealand patients with advanced melanoma.
Couple’s shared melanoma diagnoses after spot checks
“I’ve always been a very outdoorsy person,” Kathy says. “But sun protection was never something in the forefront of my mind. I guess I’m paying the price of not having been that careful about it.”
Progress towards melanoma drug funding
Today Pharmac has released consultation on a proposal which means that from 1 June 2025 many advanced melanoma patients in New Zealand could have access to some melanoma drugs for which they were previously ineligible.
How one haircut changed a life and could save more
“Now I don’t go outside without putting on sunscreen and sun protection. My message would be to wear the sunscreen, wear a hat, put that layer of protection on and at least give yourself a chance.”
Autumn 2025 Newsletter – Spot News
Welcome to the Autumn 2025 edition of Spot News
