Kia ora koutou fellow Zontians
We are delighted to introduce ourselves to you as the D16 Project Team for this biennium. We are delighted to introduce ourselves to you as the D16 Project Team for this biennium.
Ovarian cancer remains one of the most under-recognised and under-funded cancers affecting women in New Zealand. Nearly half of diagnoses are made in emergency situations — double the rate seen in Australia — and outcomes for Māori and Pacific wāhine are significantly worse. Despite this, there is no dedicated government funding for ovarian cancer awareness.
That’s why organisations like the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ) are so important. They provide information, support and advocacy for women and their whānau, while also funding research and working to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms and improve outcomes for women across New Zealand.
Meet the Committee
Project Chair and member of
Zonta Club of Oamaru
President of Zonta Club of
Hatea Whangarei
Member of Zonta Club of
Metropolitan Dunedin
A word from Liz Pennington, CEO of OCFNZ
The Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ are delighted to be partnering with Zonta in its Biennium project and looking forward to working together closely over the next two years. We are heartened to be working closely with an established organisation who has at its centre the empowerment of women through advocacy and service.
The Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ had its beginnings in 2018 when Jane Ludemann, our Founder, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Like many women in Aotearoa, Jane was diagnosed in an emergency department of a hospital. Recognising the need for change and the importance of connection amongst women, the research community and the opportunity to build international networks she established the organisation.
Now, eight years later, we’re focused on improving cancer care today while funding transformational research to find tomorrow’s cure. Our work focuses across four pillars of advocacy, awareness , support and research. We have advisory committees supporting us in this work – with women with lived experience on one committee, family members with lived experience on another committee and a Medical Scientific Advisory Panel also working to support us.
Women sit at the centre of all we do and what they say matters. Our State of Ovarian Cancer in Aotearoa report launched in Parliament in February this year and summarises that work and women’s voices well, with women involved directly in the report and the launch in Parliament.
You can read the report here: https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/state-of-ovarian-cancer-in-aotearoa/
We are excited by the opportunity to walk with Zonta clubs and make a difference in the lives of women and their families together. We look forward to connecting with clubs and members and building a special relationship with you. To support that we look forward to connecting on Zoom with you all on the 10th November at 7 pm. We will have our team joining the call and value this opportunity for connection early on.
Wishing you all well in the important work that you are doing
Ngā mihi nui
Liz Pennington
Chief Executive Officer and Lived Experience Lead Facilitator
Tumuaki Mataamua/Tumuaki Whiriwhakaaro