Kia ora koutou

As we come to the end of 2023 it’s a chance to reflect on a year that has seen the delivery of some significant projects for the Cancer Society. These projects have allowed us to enhance the level of support and services we provide to families across the South Island and it could not have been achieved without the generosity of our volunteers and donors.   

After years of planning, fundraising, building and general hard work we were delighted to open the doors to the new Canterbury Cancer Centre in October this year. This central hub of cancer care (based in Langdons Road, Papanui), will provide 12,000 nights of FREE accommodation each year to those who need to travel throughout the South Island for their cancer treatment.

We have also launched a joint venture with St George’s Hospital under the name of Encompass Health, providing a range pre and post cancer rehabilitation services from the new Cancer Centre.  We also worked closely with H&J Smith in Invercargill to transition their renowned prosthesis service over to us and we are now supporting people through Southland with their prosthesis needs.

For some of you the name of this newsletter will also be new. This is the first update we are sending as a newly aligned entity that includes both the Canterbury-West Coast Division and the Otago-Southand Division. The operational alignment of these two organisations allows us to better respond to families and ensure a more seamless experience as people navigate their cancer journey.  It also allows us to extend our reach into rural and remote communities and reduce duplication.  We are always looking for new ways to provide more services and ensure the donations that people entrust us with are well invested and distributed.  

Looking ahead to 2024, we have several exciting plans that we look forward to sharing with you.  Recently families told us that they would like more online options to connect with us and they would like to be able to book their own appointments with our Cancer Navigators and join online workshops and webinars.  So, this is on it’s way!  

We’ve also heard from our donors that they are passionate about cancer research, and we know that this is important to families, so we are making a concerted effort to increase our investment in this space and have an exciting announcement to make early in 2024.

If you are looking for a challenge over the holiday period then check out the Longest Day Golf Challenge and Relay for Life. You can find more information on these events at longestday.org.nz and relayforlife.org.nz

None of this could be achieved without your support and I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for enabling us to continue our efforts in reducing the impact and instance of cancer in our community.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday period,

Nicola Coom

There will be some changes in operational hours for some of our services over the holiday period. If you have any questions or concerns  please get in touch with your local support services as listed below.

Canterbury Cancer Centre (including shuttle service): Open throughout Christmas and New Year 

Christchurch Cancer Navigators: Available throughout Christmas and New Year on 0800 226 237

Daffodil House Dunedin: Operating throughout Christmas and New Year call 021 241 9660 or 03 477 7447 for assistance

Otago and Southland Cancer Navigators: Closed 25th, 26th December, 1st, 2nd January.

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has dedicated time, energy, and passion to support our cause. Your commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer has not gone unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for your unwavering support.

Whether you've been behind the wheel, providing invaluable support to our clients, organising fundraising events, lending a helping hand in our offices, contributing to our accommodation services or in so many other ways, your efforts have made a significant impact. It's not just the tasks you've completed, but the compassion and care you've shown that make our Cancer Society community so special. 

As we reflect on the past year, we recognise the countless hours you've devoted to helping us in our mission. Your dedication has touched the lives of many, and we want you to know how much your contributions mean to us and to those we serve.

As the holiday season approaches, we wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. To those who will continue to support us during the holiday season, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing commitment.

Together, we look forward to another year of making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.

Thank you for being the heart of the Cancer Society.

This year we’ve partnered with the Otago Polytechnic School of Occupational Therapy on a community project to shape a new art programme for Queenstown.

There is strong evidence to suggest that art therapy has the following benefits:

The Cancer Society has an art therapy programme in Christchurch which recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary and is aiming to launch a new group in Queenstown in early 2024.  The resources developed from this project will be shared and put into practice.  The collaboration has been an enriching experience and we extend our thanks to Otago Polytechnic students Annie and Wyn for the work they have done. 

The new coalition Government is promising to repeal the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act 2022 to remove the requirements for denicotinisation, the reduction in retail outlets, and the generation ban by March 2024.

This promise is distressing, as it would roll back decades of hard work and leadership in creating this world-leading legislation that supports the goal for Aotearoa to be smokefree by 2025.

By repealing this legislation, we will NOT reach our smokefree 2025 target of having less than 5% of all populations smoking.

Currently, 5,000 New Zealanders die from the harms of tobacco-related illnesses every year with Māori and Pacific peoples inequitably affected. Māori, Pacific, and low socio-economic neighbourhoods are saturated with tobacco sale points and have the highest smoking rates.

If we repeal the Smokefree Act, loved ones will die, and tobacco companies will continue to profit. We simply cannot afford to go backwards, while our whānau continue to die at the hands of this product.

The Cancer Society is united with our health sector allies and community, and calls on the new Government to stop the repeal of our world-leading smokefree laws.

We recognise the importance of improving the health of Māori and eliminating the unacceptable disparities in smoking across Aotearoa. We remain dedicated to playing our part in keeping the next generation Auahi Kore (smokefree and healthy).

What can you do to help?

1. Email Parliament Email your MP and/or Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and/or Prime Minister Christopher Luxon asking them to stop the repeal.

2. Spread the word Tell others in your community to do the same and share the action links above.

Our Cancer Society West Coast team recently ran a seminar in collaboration with our Cancer Prevention crew. 

The West Coast is one of the Government’s locality pilots for Takiwā Poutini, which will focus on helping whānau stay well; give iwi and communities a strong voice in deciding what’s needed in their local area; and get different health and wellbeing organisations working together better to improve people’s healthcare experience.

The seminar was an opportunity for our team to learn more about the pilot  and to help us understand how we can best contribute around cancer awareness and community advocacy. 

Drawing on our recent work with local authorities, we hope that one initial outcome will be a combined Smokefree Vapefree policy for all three council in 2024.  It also represents an opportunity for the Cancer Society to help build health literacy around cancer risk – an issue identified as part of the community consultation undertaken by the pilot.

The Cancer Prevention team continued our support of the NZ Merino Shearing Society by helping to sponsor the 62nd NZ Merino Shearing & Wool Handling Championships for being a Smokefree event. It was another successful competition, as Tahu News was there and there was a wonderful Kapa Haka performance from the children of Terrace Primary School.

Check out NZ Merino Shearing's Facebook page for details and updates:

In an exciting new and meaningful collaboration, Allow Yourself has partnered with the Cancer Society by offering a range of New Zealand natural products providing a unique opportunity for you to contribute to the Cancer Society while enhancing your wellbeing.

This partnership, exemplified by Brigetta Anselmi’s inspiring cancer journey, highlights the deep interconnection of personal growth, community support, and the transformative impact of cherishing life's moments. 

This aid is instrumental in assisting the 1 in 3 people affected by cancer, making a significant difference in their lives. We express our heartfelt thanks to Brigetta for her dedicated partnership with the Cancer Society, embodying the positive change and making a difference. 

Visit allowyourself.co.nz today to make a positive impact.

The Longest Day golf marathon is happening now! Do you have what it takes to complete 72 holes in 1 day?

You choose the team, the course, and the day. The longest day of the year is Friday 22 December 2023, but you can play any day in December or January that suits you.

Relay For Life 2024 📣 Save the Dates!

Each of our 2024 Relays will be held from 10am to 10pm on a Saturday:

Put your mark on Relay For Life

Otago and Southland, we need passionate individuals like YOU to join your local volunteer committee. Help us create remarkable Relay For Life events next March and April 2024.

There's a spot just for you, and together, we'll help our community Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back!

For more details on committee meetups and available roles, contact donna.milne@cansoc.org.nz

We would like to thank the following grant funders who approved valuable funding for the Cancer Society in November:

Aoraki Foundation, Kiwi Gaming Foundation, Foodstuffs Community Trust, AD Hally Trust,  The Trusts Community Foundation, Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust, Ballantyne Charitable Trust, Lion Foundation, Pub Charity, Callis Charitable Trust, and John Lemon Charitable Trust.

We are deeply appreciative of your financial support so we can ensure no one faces cancer alone.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Otago & Southland Team

Living with cancer can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, for people with cancer and whānau.

If you would like to talk with someone about what support is available in your community, call our Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (226237) to speak with one of our health professionals.