News and stories
Read our latest updates and patient stories
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
A roadmap to tackle New Zealand’s skin cancer crisis
New Zealand has a new Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy aimed at tackling the significant, yet preventable, skin cancer crisis we’re facing.
Navigating his own script – A father’s positive mindset through family tragedy and melanoma
“I try not to get too far ahead of myself ever throughout this whole process. I’m trying to just get out of bed, deal with the day, feed the kids, give them a hug, tell them I love them, get them to bed, wake up and start again.”
‘Our time here is limited, and it matters what we do’ – Sam Gattsche Memorial Fundraiser
Sam Gattsche, a young Palmerston North builder, passed away from melanoma in September 2023 at just 28 years of age. He’d noticed a mole on his back in 2022 and despite Sam trusting his gut and persisting to get it checked, tragically it was later confirmed as melanoma, and went on to claim his life, far too early.
Summer 2024 Newsletter – Spot News
Welcome to the Summer 2024 edition of Spot News
We have a winner! Get Spotted competition 2024
8-year-old Lucy from Beachlands School in east Auckland was selected by judges as the winning entry in this year’s Melanoma New Zealand Get Spotted colouring competition.