Dear John --

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote in an email to you that work was underway to deliver a crucial part of our plan to improve cancer care – delivering 13 new cancer medicines in our first term.

Well today, I’m proud to tell you we’re delivering on even more than what we committed to, with an unprecedented and transformative investment in up to 26 cancer treatments as part of an overall package of up to 54 new medicines.

Whether it’s a family member, a friend, a neighbour, a colleague or even yourself, we all know someone affected by cancer, and investments like these are some of the most important actions we can take as a Government to improve the lives of Kiwis.

In the first year alone, this change – worth $604 million over four years – is estimated to benefit around 175,000 people. For them and their loved ones, it could be life-changing.

This package is on top of our record $16.7 billion health investment through Budget 2024, to support the frontline services you rely on like emergency departments, primary care and public health.

Last year, National promised more cancer treatments once we reached government. Seven months later, we’re making that happen.

Thank you,
Christopher