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 impacting so many New Zealanders.
Our team recently had the pleasure of meeting Martin Ball. Martin’s story of resilience – both physically and mentally – is truly inspiring. It’s been a long journey for Martin, but he has never given up, and he’s surrounded himself with people who have been by his side every step of the way. Thank you, Martin, for opening up about your experience and for selflessly wanting to help others who might be going through a similar journey.
We were deeply saddened by the passing of Victoria Hudson-Craig earlier this year. Vickie was a much-valued inaugural member of our Patient Advisory Group, which was set up to ensure the patient’s voice is at the centre of our strategic decision-making. Vickie showed immense bravery and positivity during her melanoma journey – she faced everything head-on with a determined outlook to make the most out of life. Vickie was extremely generous and selfless in the way she supported Melanoma New Zealand, including when she joined me at Parliament to share her story and advocate for increased funding of melanoma medicines, and when she organised the 2024 Ruby & Black fundraising and awareness event. We will never forget Vickie, and we will carry her story with us as we continue our work to champion melanoma prevention, detection, and patient care for all.
In March, we saw the Burnsco Family Fish Off come to a close. This nationwide competition was not just about fishing – it was about families and friends spending time together, getting outdoors, enjoying our beautiful coastline, and making memories. At the same time, vital funds were raised to help power our work – from education and awareness initiatives to free skin cancer spot checks, to being there for melanoma patients and their families. A huge thank you to Burnsco for its extraordinary support running this inaugural competition and congratulations to this year’s winners.
Melanoma New Zealand welcomed progress for advanced melanoma patients, following Pharmac’s April announcement expanding medicines for people with stage 3B and stage 4 melanoma, effective from 1 May 2026. The medicines that will become more widely available are: Nivolumab and Ipilimumab together for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma that can be removed with surgery, and Nivolumab for people who require further treatment after surgery. The impact this will have on advanced stage melanoma patients is significant. It provides new treatment options, reduces financial strain, and allows patients and their families to focus on what matters: their health and wellbeing. It also brings New Zealand more in line with international standards of care. We acknowledge those who have been affected by limited access to medicines, including the patients and families of those who are no longer with us. Melanoma New Zealand remains committed to advocating for wider and timely access to lifesaving medicines for all melanoma patients in New Zealand.
We recently reached another milestone moment, which we’re very proud of – 30,000+ spot checks since we launched our free skin cancer spot check service in 2021. Thank you to everyone who has come along to get checked over the years, and to our diligent and skilled nurses sharing lifesaving melanoma advice and education with every single person they meet. We couldn’t do this without the generosity of our supporters who help fund Melanoma New Zealand to deliver this critical mahi. Find out where our van is heading to next here.
On Saturday, 16 May, the Aotearoa Stone Skimming Championship, Presented by NOVUS Glass, was held at Lāke Hawea Station and what a magnificent day it was! Melanoma New Zealand was honoured to be the chosen charity partner for this epic event. Competitors thrashed it out in the Open Male and Open Female categories, with Abbey McDonald and Jay Reeve crowned the champions who will be heading to Scotland in September to compete in the world championships. Congratulations to Abbey and Jay! Events like this help put melanoma in the spotlight and raise awareness. On the day, we were able to see 90 people on our spot check van for free spot checks, and our nurses gave them lifesaving education about melanoma, what to look for, and how to prevent it. A big thank you to the awesome team at Lāke Hawea Station and to NOVUS Glass for their commitment and generous support.
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome some recent appointments to the Melanoma New Zealand team. Dr Angela Beaton has joined the Melanoma New Zealand Board as a Trustee. Angela is an accomplished leader with executive and governance experience spanning education, health, workforce development and research, both in New Zealand and internationally. In the Melanoma New Zealand office, I’m also pleased to welcome Alison Wheatley-Mahon as our new Head of Fundraising, Vanessa Newport as our new Clinical Events Manager, and our two new Counsellors, Geraldine Tennant and Nicola Clark, both of whom bring a wealth of experience with them in helping and supporting patients and their families with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Finally, with the arrival of winter it’s important to continue protecting and checking your skin, as skin cancer doesn’t take a seasonal break. The main risk factor for skin cancer is repeated, unprotected sun exposure, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can still be high in the winter months. If you’re heading up the mountains, remember, snow can strongly reflect UV and cause damage to your skin or eyes. So, make it part of your daily routine to protect yourself and then you’re covered wherever you go.
As always, thank you to everyone – our partners, sponsors, volunteers, donors and communities for your ongoing support and commitment to our cause. With your support, we’re able to provide our life-saving services in early detection, prevention, and patient care for so many New Zealanders. I’m incredibly grateful. Here’s to reaching a new milestone together and delivering on our mission: zero deaths from melanoma.
Click here to make a lifesaving donation to Melanoma New Zealand
