The Cancer Society welcomes the Government's commitment to make cervical screening free from March 2027 and the release of New Zealand's Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan, describing the announcement as a major step towards eliminating one of the country’s most preventable cancers.
The Cancer Society has long advocated for stronger action on cervical cancer elimination, including fully funded cervical screening and a national elimination plan, both of which were identified as priorities in its 2026 Election Manifesto released in April.
The Society also acknowledges the many organisations, clinicians, researchers, advocates and community groups who have worked over many years to improve access to cervical screening and champion the elimination of cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. Today's announcement reflects a collective effort across the sector to reduce the impact of this largely preventable disease.
Chief Executive Nicola Coom said today's announcement marks a significant step forward for women's health in New Zealand.
"This is a significant day for women in New Zealand. Cervical cancer is a cancer we have the tools to eliminate. Making screening free removes a very real barrier, and having a national elimination plan gives us a pathway to make sure women don't continue to die from a largely preventable cancer.”
New Zealand has made important progress in recent years through the introduction of HPV primary screening and self-testing, helping make screening more accessible and improving participation.
Ms Coom said the release of a national elimination plan provides an opportunity to bring together the key elements needed to eliminate cervical cancer.
"Cervical cancer is a cancer we can eliminate. We have the HPV vaccine, we have highly effective screening, and we know how to treat pre-cancerous changes before they become cancer. What we've needed is a national plan and Government commitment to bring all of those pieces together. We welcome the commitment that has been made today."
The Society said making cervical screening free is particularly significant because cost remains a barrier for some women accessing a service that can detect changes before cancer develops.
"Introducing self-testing in 2023 was a game changer, but for many women cost has remained a barrier, with screening sometimes costing upwards of $60. Today's announcement removes that financial barrier and makes cervical screening more accessible to all women who are eligible – this is a significant step towards eliminating cervical cancer in New Zealand."
The Cancer Society looks forward to reviewing the Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan in detail and working alongside partners across the health and cancer sectors to support its implementation and help achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.