Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ

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Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ

We’re dedicated to transforming the ovarian cancer space in New Zealand.

13/06/2026

We are onto our final day at Field Days, and what a wonderful time it has been.

It's been a pleasure meeting so many new people, and we feel incredibly heartened by the interest you all showed!

Our CEO Liz Pennington shared a special thanks "It has been so special to have connected with people affected by ovarian caner, thank you to everyone who came to share their stories, and hopes for the future, you are why we do what we do."

We also wanted to say a special thank you to Liz Mitchell who donated a gorgeous wool hi-vis vest which will go to one of the visitors to our stall/ Liz will be in touch with the winner in the coming days.

12/06/2026

“I want to scream and pull my hair out about how unfair that is”

Sarah was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer at just 34 years old. Now, she’s speaking up for better treatment options, more research, and a healthcare system that gives women access to the care they need — without impossible financial barriers.

Her hope is simple: that the next woman is diagnosed earlier, treated sooner, and given more options.

Our State of Ovarian Cancer Report outlines eight key actions to improve outcomes for women in Aotearoa New Zealand — because ovarian cancer deserves more attention, more investment, and more urgency.

This video includes discussion of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and loss.

11/06/2026

We have a stellar team set up at Fieldays this week led by our Patron Ele Ludemann, and CEO Liz Pennington.

They have already had conversations with more than 150 people about ovarian cancer!

Many people have shared their own experiences, asked thoughtful questions, and want to understand how they can support themselves and their whānau. There is a real appetite to learn more and to be part of change.

A common misconception we have been hearing is that cervical screening tests for all gynaecological cancers. Many were surprised to learn that this isn’t the case, and that ovarian cancer currently has no effective early screening test.

Every conversation has brought us hope. It is incredible to be surrounded by a community with a desire to be informed, to protect loved ones, and to help raise awareness.

We still have two and a half days left and can’t wait to see what they bring!

10/06/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our State of Ovarian Cancer Advocacy webinars last week. 💙

It was incredibly powerful to come together to discuss the realities women with ovarian cancer face in Aotearoa, the changes we are calling for, and how we can advocate for better outcomes together.

If you missed the webinars, there is still time to get involved.

To help you get started you can access
- Webinar recording
- The State of Ovarian Cancer in Aotearoa report
- Advocacy resources
- Information about how to connect with your MP

Whether you are living with ovarian cancer, supporting someone you love, or passionate about creating change, your voice matters.

Together, we can ensure the voices of wāhine and whānau are heard.

https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/state-of-ovarian-cancer-advocacy-campaign/

09/06/2026

You may have wondered why our logo includes a heart.

We have always been inspired by the ovarian cancer community. The heart draws on the advocacy of Ashley Luther, an amazing young woman who had low-grade serous ovarian cancer, the same type of ovarian cancer as our founder, Jane.

Ashley had a scar on her abdomen from her surgery that she proudly displayed with her hands around it, creating a heart. She shared it to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and to show other women with the same scar that they are not alone. We have always been inspired by this message, and we are proud to have it be part of our identity.

We hope you love it as much as we do 💙

08/06/2026

Last year, more than 170 people came together for the inaugural OCFNZ Long Lunch and together we raised over $90,000 for ovarian cancer research in Aotearoa. 💙

That support is already making a real difference in the amount of research that we are able to fund!

Now, we’re doing it all again.

The 2026 OCFNZ Long Lunch will take place on Friday 16 October at the JW Marriott Auckland for an afternoon of connection, conversation and contribution, featuring inspiring speakers, a live and silent auction, and the opportunity to directly support life-changing ovarian cancer research.

🎟 Tickets are available now: https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/long-lunch/

05/06/2026

“You’re too young, it won’t be cancer.”

Ruby was 32, pregnant, and repeatedly reassured what she was experiencing was nothing serious. By the time her ovarian cancer was discovered, it had already spread. Her story is a powerful reminder that ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages.

Through our State of Ovarian Cancer Report, we are calling for improved access to treatments and medicines, and the establishment of a national ovarian cancer registry, so we can better understand what works, improve care pathways, and help more women benefit from the experiences of those who came before them.
Because women with ovarian cancer deserve better outcomes, better options, and to be taken seriously from the start.

Ruby passed away just months after filming this video. We are so grateful she shared her story with such honesty and courage, and we will continue to honour her by fighting for the changes she believed were possible.

This video includes discussion of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and loss.

03/06/2026

Join us in sharing a huge congratulations with the incredible women from Soroptimist International Aotearoa New Zealand.

Last week they received a Health Best Practice award from their international body, celebrating the work they have done to raise awareness of ovarian cancer in Aotearoa.

We are thrilled to have such passionate women giving their all to improve the visibility of ovarian cancer, and know how deserving they are of this recognition.

Congratulations 💙

02/06/2026

A huge thank you to Anna Thompson for sharing an insightful webinar on pelvic health with our community.

With over 20 years’ experience in women’s health physiotherapy, Anna shared valuable information around the impact treatment can have on the bladder, bowels and va**na.

From understanding the pelvic floor as a “hammock” of 12 muscles working together, to practical tips for improving symptoms, the session was packed with knowledge you can use in everyday life.

One simple but powerful takeaway?
5 x 10-second pelvic floor holds daily, alongside 10 quick squeezes can help strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce symptoms related to cancer treatment.

If you’d like to learn more about the pelvic holds, and other pelvic health tips, head to our website to tune in to the webinar.

https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/webinar-pelvic-health/

29/05/2026

In February, we launched the State of Ovarian Cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand report at Parliament, sharing the realities faced by women with ovarian cancer across Aotearoa and the urgent changes needed to improve outcomes.

We have been attending meetings with ministers, ministries, Pharmac and more. Now, we are inviting you to help turn the findings of this report into action.

Join us for our upcoming webinar to learn more about:
💙 Key findings from the report
💙 The changes we are calling for
💙 How to connect with your MP and become an advocate
💙 Resources and support available to help you advocate with confidence
💙 Opportunities to ask questions and share what support you need

Whether you are living with ovarian cancer, supporting someone you love, or passionate about improving outcomes for future generations, there is a place for you in this campaign.

📍 Via Zoom
🗓 Thursday 4 June
🕦 11:30am – 12:30pm
🌙 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Together, we can ensure the voices of wāhine and whānau are heard loudly and clearly.

Register for a webinar.

11:30am https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g_JzxqkTRDCev84voyoP2A
7:00pm https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2Z8En_kcQl6i1Xja7AjCQw

Address

Level 2, 123 Vogel Street
Dunedin
9016

Website

http://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/

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