Head & Neck Cancer Support Network Trust Community News July 2025

Written By Head and Neck Cancer Support Network

  • 27 July 2025 High Tea at the Zephyr Cafe Wellington

    27 July World Head and Neck Cancer Day

  • We know that you and your whānau and friends, who share your journey, want to have access to the latest reliable information on head and neck cancer treatment advances. We have created a catalogue of new developments for you to view. We will keep adding to these resources as time goes on. Please feel free to share; there is much advancement in treatments and hope.https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancements

    We have new articles from the international head and neck community.
    You can use the [SEARCH] button on our home page to find information.

  • Head and Neck Cancer Foundation

    Fund-raising High Tea

    Come along to a High Tea at the Zephyr Café in Wellington’s Tākina Convention Centre, on World Head & Neck Cancer Day (Sunday 27 July - 2 to 4 p.m.)

    Its aim is to raise funds for the Foundation’s work in reducing or preventing devastating and often traumatically disfiguring cancers of the head and neck, supporting research and education, and influencing public policies.

    Tickets ($70 per person) are on sale through https://www.zephyrcafe.co.nz/hncf

  • An introduction to our new Caregiver’s Tooklit. https://www.headandneck.org.nz/light-keepers

    Register here https://forms.gle/4by8ssrVRiwmq76q8

🎩✨ A seat awaits you at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party ✨🎩

A Head and Neck Cancer Awareness and Fundraising High Tea

Join us for a whimsical and meaningful afternoon in support of this under-profiled cause! 🫖💜

2pm, Sunday, 27th July 2025
Zephyr Café, located in Tākina, Wellington
$70 per person

What’s included:

  •       A curated Mad Hatter High Tea 🍰

  •       The Cheshire’s Curiosity welcome drink

  •       Guest speaker –  World-renowned researcher and plastic surgeon Dr. Swee Tan

  •       Capture the fun at our Down the Rabbit Hole photo station 📸🐇

  •       A Charity Auction and a Raffle with amazing items up for grabs 🛍️💖

  •       Crazy Hat Contest – Wear your wackiest creation and you could win a prize! 🎩🤪

Tickets are extremely limited, so book below now!

See you there in your most fantastical hat! 🎩💜

World Head and Neck Cancer Day and Aotearoa New Zealand

Why do we recognise World Head and Neck Cancer Day?

Every year on July 27, people around the world observe World Head and Neck Cancer Day. It’s a time to raise awareness, share stories, and remind one another that early detection saves lives. Yet here in Aotearoa New Zealand, this important day often goes unnoticed in the. wider community.

We believe it’s time for a change.

Head and neck cancers are life-altering. They affect how we speak, eat, breathe, and connect with others. And yet, public understanding remains low. Many people still struggle for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and access to the right support.

Recognising World Head and Neck Cancer Day signals to our community that we matter. It opens space for conversations—between patients, whānau, clinicians, health organisations and policymakers that lead to better care and outcomes. It would help reduce stigma and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms that could save a life.

At the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network, we see the strength, courage, and resilience of our community every day. On 27 July, let’s stand together with the global community. Let’s honour those we’ve lost and uplift those still fighting. It’s time for Aotearoa to put head and neck cancer on the map.

You can participate in events in person or online, share a ribbon or a brochure with your health professionals or make a donation to us and our work to support you. See our Upcoming Events for gatherings you can participate in on 27 July. If you would like ribbons or brochures, email us at EMAIL:

Introducing The Light Keepers: A Toolkit for Caregivers

Caring for someone with head and neck cancer is a tough, often unseen journey. That’s why we’ve created The Light Keepers—a free online toolkit designed to support and empower caregivers. Packed with practical advice, emotional support, and tips and tricks from our community, this resource shines a light on the people who hold everything together.

We are incredibly grateful to our community and volunteers for their wonderful support in creating this resource. Thank you to everyone who contributed—The Light Keepers is truly a collaborative effort.


If you're new to caregiving or have been walking this path a while, we invite you to explore the toolkit at headandneck.org.nz/light-keepers. You’re not alone—The Light Keepers is here for you.

🌟 From the Chair

Kia ora friends,

Many in our head and neck cancer community carry the deep impacts of treatment—physically, emotionally, and socially. We know all too well the challenges of accessing the care and support we need and deserve.

And yet, here we are.

Still showing up. Still reaching out. Still supporting one another.

That, to me, means everything. It speaks to the strength, compassion, and resilience that define our community. Thank you for standing together, even in the hardest of times. You make this space a lifeline for others—and a symbol of hope.

With aroha,

With aroha and admiration,
Diana Ayling
Chair, Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust



Head and Neck Cancer Support Network
Next

Head & Neck Cancer Support Network Trust Community News June 2025