News and stories
Read our latest updates and patient stories
Message from our Chief Executive
Andrea Newland, Chief Executive I can’t believe how quickly 2026 is flying by. I’m delighted to share we've made excellent progress on some key milestones so early in 2026. Please make yourself a cuppa and read all about what we've been up to and what's...
Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championship – The Results
IT’S THE FINESSE OF A FEMALE THROW THAT CREATES THE LONGEST SKIM IN THE COUNTRY Last weekend’s inaugural Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championship at Lake Hāwea Station, presented by NOVUS Glass and in support of Melanoma New Zealand, saw Abbey MacDonald of Queenstown step...
Q&A with Dr Daniel Verdon
We had a quick catch up with Dr Verdon about his current melanoma research project, “Clinical-Grade Development of Personalised T-Cell Immunotherapy for Melanoma", and here's what he had to say... Q: What inspired you to focus your research on melanoma? A: "I’ve...
Standing Up To Cancer: Martin’s Story of Resilience
Martin describes his life as “pretty average” until 2019. He was married with one son, living in their family home in Auckland, excelling in his engineering career, and generally living a healthy lifestyle. “There was no history of skin cancer in my family. I’d had...
Increased funding for melanoma medicines confirmed from 1 May 2026
Melanoma New Zealand recently provided feedback supporting Pharmac’s proposal to widen access to two medicines for advanced stage melanoma patients in New Zealand, while also asking Pharmac to consider several implementation issues. Pharmac has confirmed that funding...
Progress towards more melanoma medicines funding
Melanoma New Zealand welcomes progress for advanced melanoma patients, following today’s announcement by Pharmac of a proposal to widen access to two medicines. New Zealand has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the world, and the highest mortality...
Burnsco Family Fish Off
Burnsco, New Zealand’s leading marine and outdoor retailer, and official supporter of Melanoma New Zealand, launched a new, nationwide fishing competition, Burnsco Family Fish Off, designed to bring Kiwis together, with all entry fee proceeds being donated to Melanoma...
University of Auckland’s Dr Daniel Verdon Secures Melanoma New Zealand Research Funding
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr Daniel Verdon, from the University of Auckland, has been awarded funding through the Melanoma New Zealand Research Fund. This fund was created to support innovative, high-impact research aimed at improving melanoma outcomes and...
Get Spotted 2025
We were blown away by the creativity and effort shown by children across Aotearoa for this year’s Get Spotted colouring-in competition. Their colourful designs help spread an important message: protect your skin from the sun! Following our review of 1,331 entries,...
Message from our Chief Executive
I’d like to start by acknowledging Michele Daly for sharing her ocular melanoma journey with us. By generously opening up about her experience, Michele is helping to shine a light on this rare form of cancer. Her willingness to speak out not only raises awareness but...