We are equity led
We strive for equity for all New Zealanders.
Mō Mātou
Te Aho o Te Kahu
The central thread that binds and unites the many strands of cancer control into one cloak, to warm and protect people and their whānau. Te Aho o Te Kahu (the Cancer Control Agency) is the leader in cancer control in Aotearoa.
Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency is a newly established independent departmental agency. It is hosted by the Ministry of Health but reports directly to the Minister of Health. These new arrangements were formalised in December 2019 when Te Aho o Te Kahu was established to better recognise the impact cancer has on the lives of New Zealanders, and provide a sharp focus on this important health issue.
Cancer presents some unique challenges to the health system:
- The number of people diagnosed with cancer is projected to double in the next two decades.
- The costs and complexity of care, and pace of change present major challenges for our systems and services.
- Māori and Pacific people have worse cancer survival rates than other New Zealanders.
Cancer survival is improving in NZ, but our rate of improvement is slower than other comparable countries, so we are at risk of falling behind.
The purpose of the Agency is to provide strong central leadership and oversight of cancer control. It is equity-led, knowledge-driven, person and whānau-centred and outcomes-focused, taking a whole-of-system approach to preventing and managing cancer.
Our Vision - Te kaupapa
We lead and unite efforts to deliver better cancer outcomes for Aotearoa.
Fewer cancers. Kia iti iho te mate pukupuku.
Better survival. Kia runga noa ake te mataora.
Equity for all. Kia taurite ngā huanga.
OUR VALUES - NGĀ UARATANGA
We are whānau centred
We put people at the heart of all our work.
We are knowledge driven
We are guided by the best information & insights.
We are outcomes focused
We relentlessly deliver better outcomes for all.
Our name – Te Aho o Te Kahu
On 18 June 2020 at a ceremony hosted at Parliament, Hei Āhuru Mōwai – the Māori Cancer Leadership Group – gifted the Cancer Control Agency with the name Te Aho o Te Kahu. In accepting the name, the Agency upholds its commitment to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles and intentions, and to uphold the mana and integrity of the name and its meaning.
Te Aho o Te Kahu means the central thread of the cloak, and speaks to our role as a connecting and unifying organisation that works with all the many strands relating to cancer control. The cloak represents the whole of the system working together to provide strength, protection and warmth to those affected by cancer.
In this video, Matua Gary Thompson, Deputy Chair of Hei Āhuru Mōwai, discusses the whakapapa of the name Te Aho o Te Kahu and the importance of protecting it.
Our People - Ngā kaimahi
Meet our leaders and learn about how we work and connect with others to better achieve cancer prevention and care.
Our Work - Mō mātou mahi
Understand the work we are doing and how this supports people with cancer.
Our Structure - To mātou hanga
Learn about the structure of Te Aho o Te Kahu, Cancer Control Agency.
Working with Us - Te mahi ngātahi
Join our team to help us achieve better cancer outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Contact Us - Whakapā mai
We are here to help. Find out how you can get in touch.
Latest news and Update - Pūrongo hou
Read our news and what we’re doing to improve cancer care.