Taranaki

Download the Taranaki Annual Report 2024

The Taranaki Cancer Society has been open for the past 80 years. Our modern, eco-friendly centre in New Plymouth is nestled not too far from Mount Taranaki.

Cancer is now the leading cause of death in New Zealand. As we grow older, the likelihood of developing cancer increases.

Each year in Taranaki, there are over 600 people diagnosed with cancer. 

Every day at the Cancer Society we help all people with any cancer, their families, whānau and friends to deal with a cancer diagnosis. We advocate for cancer patients, providing a voice on all kinds of issues, including cancer prevention, screening, early detection and treatment. We support people during treatment and get them well again. 

We do this through the wide range of core services in supportive care, information and local support groups and connecting people online. We develop and run community health promotion and cancer prevention programmes to keep people well.

We provide a range of free support services for people with cancer and their family/caregivers. We help get people through their cancer diagnosis.

• General cancer support visiting service and carer relief.
• Women’s support service & support groups (North & South Taranaki).
• General men’s cancer support group.
• CanTALK lunches - (North & South Taranaki).
• Transport  – including twice-weekly shuttle service to Palmerston North and volunteer drivers within Taranaki.
• Host and support “Look Good Feel Better” workshops.
•  Support volunteer training.
• One-on-one support, patient advocacy and advice.
• Emergency financial assistance via grants
• Complementary therapy – reiki, oncology massage, and yoga.
• A listening ear for patients, caregivers, whānau and family members.
• Hat, books and wig library.
• Creative classes.
• Counselling.

Hawera Women’s Group 2025

The South Taranaki Women’s group is a social group that meets bi-monthly. This group gives you a chance to make new friends and discuss your experiences and concerns with other women that have all had to deal with the physical, emotional, and social problems associated with Cancer. We extend a warm welcome to women of all ages and at any stage of their cancer journey.

Group Facilitator: Kaye Bird (06) 274 8429

Where: TBC

When: Second Thursday of each alternate month

Time: 11.30am arrive, lunch served at 12 noon

Cost: $18 – Main and tea/coffee, $20 Main, dessert, tea/coffee

Registration is essential and RSVP is imperative for catering purposes (food is made to numbers registered).

For more information or to register please phone Kaye directly on (06) 274 8429 or the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006

New Plymouth Men CanTalk Support Group 2025

New Plymouth based support group “Men Can Talk” is where men who have cancer (from initial diagnosis, to any stage/time following) get together. This is in a private, informal, and relaxed atmosphere. No one is required to share or discuss their own issues. The opportunity exists to ask questions and learn from others in a similar situation. Wives, partners, or support people are welcome to attend. Meetings include informative and educational presentations. If you are interested in coming along please contact one of the shared group facilitators.

The group offers a wide range of events and activities for men with cancer other than the monthly meetings, e.g. walking group, exercise groups, meditation, etc.

Shared group facilitators: Paul Klenner 022 412 1994, Dennis Hardie 021 0843 0914, and Graham Clouston 027 495 7036

Where: Taranaki Cancer Society – Meeting Room, 71 Lorna Street, New Plymouth

When: Second (usually) Thursday of every month

Time: 7.30pm (for about 1 hour)

For more information or to register please phone Paul, Denis, or Graham, or call the Cancer Society directly on (06) 757 3006

North Taranaki Women’s Group 2025

North Taranaki Women’s support group meetings are a chance for you to make new friends and discuss your experiences and concerns with other women that have all had to deal with the physical, emotional, and social problems associated with cancer. We extend a warm welcome to women of all ages and at any stage of their cancer journey.

Group Facilitator: Colleen McLeod

Where: Simply Devine Cafe, 1281 Egmont Road, Egmont Village.

When: The fourth Monday of each month

Time: 12 Noon

For more information or to register please phone Coleen on 027 281 0177 or call the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006

Stratford Cancer Support Group 2025

Stratford Cancer Support group is a social group formed to provide encouragement, empathy, and optimism to people dealing with cancer. Come along and meet others who may have similar experiences, questions, concerns, or needs. A warm welcome is extended to everyone, your support/carer and family members.

Group facilitators: Murray Fawcett (06) 765 6259 and Deane Kelly (06) 765 5567

Where: Shakee Pear Café, Taranaki Pioneer Village, 3912 Mountain Road, Stratford

When: Second Tuesday of the month

Time: 10am – 12pm (Purchase your own refreshments, meet and socialise with everyone)

Dates: 11 February, 11 March, 8 April, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July, 12 August, 9 September, 14 October, 11 November, 9 December

For more information or to register please phone Murray directly on (06) 765 6259 or contact the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006

Waitara Cancer Support Group 2025

Waitara Cancer Support group is a social group formed to provide encouragement, empathy, and optimism to people dealing with cancer. Come along and meet others who may have similar experiences, questions, concerns, or needs. A warm welcome is extended to everyone, your support/carer and family members.

Group Facilitator: Karen Lowe 027 366 3364

Where:  Waitara Salvation Army, 21/23 McLean Street, Waitara

Time: 7pm

Meet and socialise with everyone. You are most welcome to arrive on the day and go from there. For more information or to register phone Karen directly on 027 366 3364 or contact the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006