Extending the age for breast screening across New Zealand in year one will only apply to 2 age groups: 70 and 74-year-olds (except for the pilot district of Nelson and Marlborough which started 1 October 2024)*

As of 1 October 2025 the below table details what this means for women across New Zealand (excluding women living in Nelson the Marlborough district*):

Women who turn 70 on or after 1 October 2025

Are eligible for free mammograms every 2 years (from their last screen) until aged 75.

Note: some women may have screened at 69 and won’t be due again at 70.
Women who are 70 to 74 before 1 October 2025

Are eligible for one final screen at age 74, if booked before turning 75.

Extending the age (to include all women up to the age of 74) will be fully in place by the end of 2029. This phased approach will enable breast screening and cancer treatment services to progressively meet the additional demand.

Women aged 70 and 74 will be automatically identified through the new online breast screening system called Te Puna.

Te Puna

A BreastScreen Aotearoa provider will then send them a personalised link to enrol/re-enrol and to book a mammogram. This is a shift away from an opt-in to an opt-out enrolment approach.

Design and construction work for three additional fixed locations is expected to be ready in time for the age extension national rollout, and another two in 2026. Mammography, ultrasound machines and three additional mammography semi-trailers are also on order. Additional funding for treatment costs related to the age extension are planned.

* Age extension started as a pilot in Nelson and Marlborough on 1 October 2024. This means for women living in this district:

Women who turned 70 after 1 October 2024

Are eligible for free mammograms every 2 years (from their last screen) until aged 75.

Note: some women may have screened at 69 and will not be due again at 70.
Women who are 70 to 74
before 1 October 2024

Are eligible for one final screen at age 74, if booked before turning 75.