We are here to support people with cancer and their whānau across Taranaki. We are part of the Central Districts Division of the Cancer Society.
Annual Report 2024
Available services
Clients and any other visitors will not need to wear a mask to use a Cancer Society shuttle or our Volunteer Driving Service or to visit our centre. Although, if you would like to wear one then you are welcome to.
Group sessions have now resumed. Massage and other therapy continues. Please check with us for details and availability.
What we do
The Taranaki Cancer Society has been open for the past 80 years. Our modern, eco-friendly centre in New Plymouth is nestled not too far from Mount Taranaki.
Cancer is now the leading cause of death in New Zealand. As we grow older, the likelihood of developing cancer increases.
Each year in Taranaki, there are over 600 people diagnosed with cancer.
Every day at the Cancer Society we help all people with any cancer, their families, whānau and friends to deal with a cancer diagnosis. We advocate for cancer patients, providing a voice on all kinds of issues, including cancer prevention, screening, early detection and treatment. We support people during treatment and get them well again.
We do this through the wide range of core services in supportive care, information and local support groups and connecting people online. We develop and run community health promotion and cancer prevention programmes to keep people well.
We provide a range of free support services for people with cancer and their family/caregivers. We help get people through their cancer diagnosis.
- General cancer support visiting service and carer relief.
- Women’s support service & support groups (North & South Taranaki).
- General men’s cancer support group.
- CanTALK lunches - (North & South Taranaki).
- Transport – including twice-weekly shuttle service to Palmerston North and volunteer drivers within Taranaki.
- Host and support “Look Good Feel Better” workshops.
- Support volunteer training.
- One-on-one support, patient advocacy and advice.
- Emergency financial assistance via grants
- Complementary therapy – reiki, oncology massage, and yoga.
- A listening ear for patients, caregivers, whānau and family members.
- Hat, books and wig library.
- Creative classes.
- Counselling.
Taranaki Cancer Support Group Information
Hawera CanTalk Group 2024
CanTalk Hawera is a lunchtime social group held at the South Taranaki Club. Come along and meet others who may have similar questions, concerns, or needs. Everyone is welcome.
Group facilitator: Carol Milford (06) 764 5323
Where: South Taranaki Club, 43 Caledonia Street. Hawera
When: Second Wednesday of every second month
Time: 11am arrive, lunch served at 12 noon
Cost: $13.50 – Roast of the Day, Christmas lunch cost TBC
2024 Dates: 14 February, 10 April, 12 June, 14 August, 9 October, 4 December
Registration is essential and RSVP is imperative for catering purposes (food is made to numbers registered).
For more information or to register please phone Carol directly on (06) 764 5323 or the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006
Hawera Women’s Group 2024
The South Taranaki Women’s group is a social group that meets bi-monthly. This group gives you a chance to make new friends and discuss your experiences and concerns with other women that have all had to deal with the physical, emotional, and social problems associated with Cancer. We extend a warm welcome to women of all ages and at any stage of their cancer journey.
Group Facilitator: Kaye Bird (06) 274 8429
Where: Upside Down Eatery, 54 Fantham Street, Hawera
When: Second Thursday of each alternate month
Time: 11.30am arrive, lunch served at 12 noon
Cost: $18 – Main and tea/coffee, $20 Main, dessert, tea/coffee
2024 Dates: 14 March, 9 May, 11 July, 12 September, 14 November
Registration is essential and RSVP is imperative for catering purposes (food is made to numbers registered).
For more information or to register please phone Kaye directly on (06) 274 8429 or the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006
New Plymouth Men CanTalk Support Group 2024
New Plymouth based support group “Men Can Talk” is where men who have cancer (from initial diagnosis, to any stage/time following) get together. This is in a private, informal, and relaxed atmosphere. No one is required to share or discuss their own issues. The opportunity exists to ask questions and learn from others in a similar situation. Wives, partners, or support people are welcome to attend. Meetings include informative and educational presentations. If you are interested in coming along please contact one of the shared group facilitators.
The group offers a wide range of events and activities for men with cancer other than the monthly meetings, e.g. walking group, exercise groups, meditation, etc.
Shared group facilitators: Paul Klenner 022 412 1994, Dennis Hardie 021 0843 0914, and Graham Clouston 027 495 7036
Where: Taranaki Cancer Society – Meeting Room, 71 Lorna Street, New Plymouth
When: Second (usually) Thursday of every month
Time: 7.30pm (for about 1 hour)
2024 Dates: 8 August, 12 September, 10 October, 14 November, 12 December (Christmas Dinner)
For more information or to register please phone Paul, Denis, or Graham, or call the Cancer Society directly on (06) 757 3006
North Taranaki Women’s Group 2024
North Taranaki Women’s support group meetings are a chance for you to make new friends and discuss your experiences and concerns with other women that have all had to deal with the physical, emotional, and social problems associated with cancer. We extend a warm welcome to women of all ages and at any stage of their cancer journey.
Group Facilitator: Colleen McLeod
Where: Tawa Glen Café, 452 Mountain Road, Lepperton
When: The fourth Monday of each month
Time: 12 Noon
Dates: 22 January, 26 February. 25 March, 22 April, 27 May, 24 June, 22 July, 26 August, 23 September, 28 October, 25 November, 23 December
For more information or to register please phone Coleen on 027 281 0177 or call the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006
Stratford Cancer Support Group 2024
Stratford Cancer Support group is a social group formed to provide encouragement, empathy, and optimism to people dealing with cancer. Come along and meet others who may have similar experiences, questions, concerns, or needs. A warm welcome is extended to everyone, your support/carer and family members.
Group facilitators: Murray Fawcett (06) 765 6259 and Deane Kelly (06) 765 5567
Where: Shakee Pear Café, Taranaki Pioneer Village, 3912 Mountain Road, Stratford
When: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: 10am – 12pm (Purchase your own refreshments, meet and socialise with everyone)
Dates: 13 February, 12 March, 9 April, 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September, 8 October, 12 November, 10 December
For more information or to register please phone Murray directly on (06) 765 6259 or contact the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006
Waitara Cancer Support Group 2024
Waitara Cancer Support group is a social group formed to provide encouragement, empathy, and optimism to people dealing with cancer. Come along and meet others who may have similar experiences, questions, concerns, or needs. A warm welcome is extended to everyone, your support/carer and family members.
Group Facilitator: Karen Lowe 027 366 3364
Where: Waitara Salvation Army, 21/23 McLean Street, Waitara
Time: 7pm
Dates: 7 February, 6 March, 3 April, 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 7 August, 4 September, 2 October, 6 November, 4 December
Meet and socialise with everyone. You are most welcome to arrive on the day and go from there. For more information or to register phone Karen directly on 027 366 3364 or contact the Cancer Society on (06) 757 3006
Accommodation
If you have to travel away from home for treatment, we can help you with a place to stay.
Find out more
Need transport to treatment?
We have a team of dedicated volunteers who can help you get to your hospital appointments.
Find out moreReferral form for Health Professionals
Our services are available to anyone diagnosed with cancer, family/whānau. Please use this form if you would like to use our services or refer someone else to our services.
If you or a member of your whānau have received a cancer diagnosis, you can just ring us on 0800 226 237. You don't need to be referred by a health professional.
Central Districts - referral form
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