News and stories
Read our latest updates and patient stories
Karen’s story – A Donor Perspective
Karen Kemsley started donating to Melanoma New Zealand about ten years ago after the death of her husband Bruce.
Danielle’s story – Your Future Self Will Thank You
Having regular skin checks has been a lifesaver for 28 year-old Danielle King from Auckland.
Spring 2024 Newsletter – Spot News
Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of Spot News
Free skin cancer spot checks and education for Melanoma Awareness Month
People living in regional centres around New Zealand can have a free skin cancer spot check by a Melanoma New Zealand Nurse Educator as part of Melanoma Awareness Month this October.
Pink Spot More Sinister Than It First Seemed
If you get melanoma, it’s not just about getting the mole or spot cut out; it’s all the stuff you have to go through afterwards. It’s a journey.
Winter 2024 Newsletter – Spot News
Welcome to the Winter 2024 edition of Spot News
Pharmac Funding Boost Announcement
Although yesterday’s announcement of a Pharmac funding boost is a significant and positive step for medicines access in New Zealand, uncertainty and concern remain for many melanoma patients in New Zealand.
Melanoma New Zealand is one of 16 cancer organisations to sign today’s following open letter to Prime Minister Chistopher Luxon, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis, and the Associate Minister of Health (Pharmac) David Seymour:
Dear Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis, and Associate Minister of Health (Pharmac) David Seymour, In August last year a promise was made to fund 13 new cancer medicines via a $280 million ring-fenced fund to Pharmac. According to the...
A Legacy of Awareness
Wellingtonian businesswoman Julie Vaughan will be forever grateful to her late friend Polly who, after she was diagnosed with melanoma, insisted all her friends get their skin checked. Sadly, Polly passed away in 2020, but it was Polly's insistence that led to Julie's...
Melanoma Mythbusting
As a young Māori woman, Briar Avatea never thought melanoma was something she had to worry about, especially because her mother always made her wear sunscreen as a child, and she recalled getting sunburnt only once or twice in her 20s. So, when the 33-year-old got a...