The New Zealand Cancer Control Trust is committed to the development of a national cancer control strategy for New Zealand. The impetus to develop a NZCCS was provided by the 1999 Cancer Control Workshop. The widely representative workshop participants unanimously called for the development of a strategy by a network of relevant organisations with a commitment to cancer control. The New Zealand Cancer Control Trust was formed in February 2001 in response to this directive and with funding support from the Cancer Society of New Zealand and the Child Cancer Foundation. It has subsequently obtained further funding from its founder organisations and from the Genesis Oncology Trust and has also generated income through contract work for the Ministry of Health.

Objects of the Trust

The objects of the trust are:

• To reduce the burden of cancer on the people of New Zealand
• To oversee the development of a national cancer control strategy for New Zealand
• To develop a concept for a national cancer control agency
• To consult with, inform and educate consumer, professional and relevant Government and non-Government agencies about the need for a national cancer control strategy
• To monitor the implementation of a national cancer control strategy.

Trust Leadership

Professor John Gavin is Executive Director of the Trust. Professor Gavin is former Head of Pathology at the University of Auckland School of Medicine and has a background in university and research administration nationally and internationally. He is currently a member of the New Zealand Cancer Control Council.

Trustees

• Associate Professor Brian Cox, Public Health Physician, University of Otago (Chairperson)
• Professor Chris Cunningham, University Research Director, Massey University (Deputy Chairperson)
• Ms Betsy Marshall, Policy Advisor, Cancer Society of New Zealand
• Professor John Gavin, Executive Director

Click here for more information about the New Zealand Cancer Control Trustees.

Expert Advisory Panel

An Expert Advisory Panel chosen on the basis of their expertise and experience in fields relating to cancer control was appointed to provide advice to the trust on the development of a national strategy.

Publications

In 2001 the Ministry of Health contracted the trust to produce a comprehensive review and scoping plan. "Progress Towards a New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy" which defines the cancer burden in New Zealand and reviews strategies adopted in other countries. "The Development of a National Cancer Control Strategy" for New Zealand described how a cancer control strategy could be developed, building upon the considerable amount of work already undertaken in New Zealand on various components of cancer control.