Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand

07/10/2026

Liver cancer - The most common type of Liver Cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

This is usually seen in people who have had underlying liver disease for many years that has led to liver scarring (cirrhosis). In New Zealand, common underlying liver diseases include hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Find out more about liver cancer risks, symptoms and support here: www.hepatitisfoundation.org.nz/liver-cancer/

06/10/2026

A Warm Welcome to Stasia Jackson! 🌟

We are so excited to introduce our new Community Health Nurse for Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, and Manawatū, Stasia Jackson!

Stasia is taking over the reins from our wonderful nurse, Lynnaire Matthews, who is retiring after a remarkable number of years of dedicated service. Thank you, Lynnaire, for everything you’ve done for our community!

Stasia brings a wealth of experience to The Hepatitis Foundation, having worked extensively in community support, emergency triage, and occupational health across the Wellington region. Community nursing is Stasia’s true passion; she loves the privilege of meeting patients in their own homes, breaking down barriers, and treating every single person with the exact same care she would want for her own whānau.

Keep an eye out for Stasia as she settles into her new role across Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, and Manawatū. Drop a comment below to help us give her a massive community welcome! 👋💙

05/10/2026

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month 💚

Did you know… ?
👉 Every year, more than 360 people in NZ are diagnosed with liver cancer
👉 Unfortunately, just 21% of liver cancer patients are expected to survive beyond 5 years.
👉 Māori populations are 3 times more likely to develop liver cancer than NZ European communities and Pacific Peoples are 4 times more likely.
👉 The leading risk factor is infection with Hepatitis B or C

Find out more about liver cancer risks, symptoms and support here: www.hepatitisfoundation.org.nz/liver-cancer/

Or check out this short video from the Gut Cancer Foundation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF3i6Q2PXnQ

(Available with English and Te Reo Māori subtitles. Please note: contains visual representations of digestive organs).

Kia ora, we are the Gut Cancer Foundation. We provide information ...

01/10/2026

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand? An estimated 94,000 New Zealanders are living with chronic hepatitis B, but less than 21% are actively monitored and most have no symptoms until advanced liver disease develops.

The Hepatitis Foundation is here to support you with free national monitoring, clinical advice, and patient care.

Find out more visit our website www.HFNZ.nz or call us on 0800 33 20 10

19/08/2026

What does living with Hepatitis B actually look like?

A huge thank you to Helen and Rāwiri for sharing their lived experience in our latest video. They shed light on how Hep B affects whole whānau, and how continuous support from the Hepatitis Foundation and specialised health professionals makes all the difference.

Key takeaways from Helen & Rāwiri:
🔹 Hep B often runs in families—getting checked is an act of care for your whole whānau.
🔹 With the right monitoring and care, you can live a long, healthy life.
🔹 You don't have to navigate it alone.

📽️ Watch their story below.
(Prefer a deeper dive? Check the comments for the full 8-minute version!)

28/07/2026

💙 Remember • Celebrate • Hope 💙

Today, the team at The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand gathered to mark World Hepatitis Day with a special morning inspired by Matariki and our shared vision for the future.

We took time to pause and reflect in three special ways:

🕯️ Remember: We lit a candle and held a moment of silence for the patients who passed away this year. Their journeys remind us why the work we do matters so deeply.

⭐ Celebrate: Each team member wrote down an achievement from the past year on a blue star. We celebrated so much - from patient advocacy videos and research studies to nurse-led pilots, health webinars, and simply working together to build meaningful connections with our patients.

✨ Hope: On a second blue star, we wrote our hopes for the year ahead - advocating for a National Hep B Action Plan, better patient resources, stronger political action, and continuing the push toward a cure.

To all our patients, supporters, and healthcare partners: thank you for being part of our journey. Together, a hepatitis-free future is within reach.

17/06/2026

The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand (HFNZ) was proud to attend and exhibit at Rotorua GPCME 2026, held last week at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua.

Our Hepatitis Nurses were on hand to share the latest hepatitis B (HBV) updates and resources, engaging with GP’s, nurses, practice managers, and the many other healthcare professionals from across the country.

It was a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen connections, and raise awareness about Hepatitis B and the work of HFNZ.

Congratulations to the winners of our HFNZ giveaway:

Dr Anne Dibley – Ruatahi Medical Centre, Rotorua.
Dr Sophie Fargher – Mt Eden Medical Centre, Auckland.

Thank-you everyone who stopped by our stand. We look forward to continuing to work together to improve hepatitis B, awareness, education, and care throughout New Zealand.

17/06/2026

🇳🇿 A New Era of Hepatitis B: Eliminating HBV in Aotearoa New Zealand

As we edge closer to the 2030 global elimination goals, the landscape for managing chronic hepatitis B is shifting rapidly. Are we ready for what's next?

Join the Goodfellow Unit on July 21st at 7:30 PM for a vital webinar hosted by Professor Ed Gane, exploring how science, clinical insights, and public health strategy intersect to reshape the future of hepatitis B care in New Zealand.

We will dive deep into three critical pillars of modern management:

🔬 1. The Science of a Cure An update on the latest clinical advancements, including highly anticipated regulatory progress for bepirovirsen—a potential first-in-class treatment aimed at achieving a functional cure.

🏥 2. Delivering Excellence in Primary Care A look at optimising the Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand (HFNZ) model. We'll discuss how primary care providers can seamlessly integrate monitoring and patient management to ensure no one falls through the cracks.

🗺️ 3. The Case for a National Action Plan A collaborative look at the urgent need for a cohesive, nationally funded Hepatitis B Action Plan to streamline diagnosis, improve treatment access, and reduce the burden of liver disease across Aotearoa.

If you are a primary care provider, specialist, or public health advocate, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Discover how these developments intersect to improve patient outcomes and why a coordinated national strategy is essential for the next chapter of viral hepatitis elimination.

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, 21 July
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM NZST
🔗 Register here: https://auckland.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cLMf5QvSQaSH6sjRf--hzA #/registration

11/05/2026

Happy Nurses Day to our Community Heroes!

On May 12th, we celebrate International Nurses Day, and at The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand, we're especially grateful for our amazing community nurses!

They are the backbone of our support system, providing vital care and education to those living with chronic hepatitis B. From in-home visits to clinic coordination, their dedication ensures our patients receive the best possible care.

We can't thank them enough for their hard work, and compassion, and for being a friendly face for many.

Join us in celebrating! Share your appreciation on social media using and

15/04/2026

Welcome to the team, Nancy Carey! 💙

We are thrilled to introduce our newest Community Hepatitis Nurse, Nancy! 🩺

Many of you in the Waikato region might already recognise Nancy. She’s been a champion for liver health for over 20 years, from running clinical trials to coordinating regional Hep C services. After a short stint in surgical nursing, she’s "returned home" to hepatology to help us support our patients across Aotearoa.

Nancy is a firm believer that every role is an opportunity to meet inspiring people and hone her clinical skills. When she isn’t helping our community, she’s likely in her Hamilton kitchen baking fresh sourdough or spending quality time with her husband, Steve, and their two beloved grandchildren. 🥖👵

Join us in giving Nancy a warm welcome in the comments! 👇