Andrea Newland Chief Executive, Melanoma New Zealand
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 also provides hope and support to others who may be facing similar challenges. Thank you, Michele, for your strength, honesty, and commitment to making a difference. Your story reminds us why awareness and early detection matter so much.
We had a fantastic response to this year’s Get Spotted colouring-in competition. With 1,331 entries from early childhood education centres and primary schools all around the country, our judges certainly had their work cut out for them when it came to judging day! A huge congratulations to first place winner Riley and runner-up Fahreen for their outstanding creativity and effort. Sadly, St Patrick’s Primary School’s shade sail was damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle and later stolen, which makes their prize even more meaningful. Our partner Lidgard Shades will be working with St Patrick’s Primary School in Napier to install their brand-new shade sail, helping to keep students safe under the sun. This campaign is all about sharing life-saving information and practical tools for sun safety, and it was inspiring to see these messages come to life through the children’s artwork and imagination.
Registrations are now open for Burnsco’s Family Fish Off – a nationwide fishing competition for the whole family, in support of Melanoma New Zealand. We’re so grateful to Burnsco for their support and can’t wait to see this competition kick off on 1 January.
We’ve also been busy working with Lake Hāwea Station on New Zealand’s first-ever Stone Skimming Championship. We’ve had a great response so far with competitors and participants alike signing up to attend on the day. This event takes place on 16 May with a reserve date of 17 May for any potential weather disruption.
Another milestone moment just before the year wraps up is the announcement of our annual funding of a research project through the Melanoma New Zealand Research Fund. We’re proud to be funding research being undertaken by Dr Daniel Verdon from the University of Auckland. Dr Verdon’s research focuses on developing a personalised T-cell therapy for cancer – scroll down to read more about this exciting project.
Finally, I have a thank you message – to our partners, patrons, ambassadors, donors, patient community, fundraisers, grant providers and volunteers who have contributed, each in their own way, to our achievements over the last 12 months. In a time of significant challenge for many, good health still tops almost every wish list, and our work to champion melanoma prevention and detection, and provide patient support, quite simply wouldn’t be possible without you.
I wish you all a safe summer and a happy holiday season with your family and friends and look forward to another impactful year in 2026.