Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency is a departmental agency reporting directly to the Minister of Health and hosted by the Ministry of Health.

The Agency was created in recognition of the impact cancer has on the lives of New Zealanders and provides a sharp focus on this important health issue. Te Aho o Te Kahu provides strong central leadership and oversight of cancer control.

The Agency leads and unites efforts to deliver better cancer outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand and is accountable for ensuring transparency of progress towards the goals and outcomes in the National Cancer Action Plan 2019-2029.

In practice, this is delivered through:

  • providing advice to Government about the future design and function of cancer services and options for resolving operational issues
  • bringing stakeholders together to progress and achieve shared objectives
  • developing national initiatives to improve cancer outcomes for New Zealanders
  • sharing cancer data and information to inform decision-making and service delivery
  • providing support for cancer service providers when service is, or is likely to be, disrupted or is not meeting demand or expectations.

The Agency’s vision is to achieve fewer cancers, better survival, and equity for all and they are guided by the values of being equity-led, knowledge-driven, outcomes-focused and whānau-centred.

Find out more about Te Aho o Te Kahu