We are here to support people with cancer and their whānau in Hastings, Napier, Havelock North and the wider Hawke's Bay community. We are part of the Central Districts Division of the Cancer Society.

Updated Cancer Society services ongoing

As we move into a world without the mandates and other Covid-19 restrictions, clients and any other visitors to our centres will not need to wear a mask.  Although, if you would like to wear one then you are welcome to.

We understand that those affected by cancer may still feel vulnerable and prefer to either wear a mask or have us wear a mask if our Supportive Care team visit them at home.  We understand this and our friendly team will check with clients which they would prefer before visiting. Masks are still required in a hospital or health provider setting. 

Our Supportive Care team will not need to be tested for Covid-19 if they come into contact with another person who has Covid-19, however, if they become unwell and show symptoms then they are required to do a test before they come into work and if they test positive isolate in line with the government guidelines.

As always, we are here for anyone with any cancer regardless of everything else, so please do connect with your local centre should you or a loved one need support.

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

Cancer is the leading cause of death in New Zealand. As we grow older, the likelihood of developing cancer increases.

  • Each year in Hawke's Bay there are more than 900 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 after, ensuring they are able to move on with their lives once again.


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 one on one support and carer relief.
  • Transport – including three times a week shuttle service to Palmerston North for treatment and volunteer drivers within Hawke's Bay.
  • Support groups in Wairoa, Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay.
  • Living well with cancer education – weekly workshops for people affected by cancer and their supporters, run by experienced Cancer Society staff and psychologists.
  • Support volunteer training.
  • Emergency financial assistance via grants.
  • Complementary therapy – oncology massage.
  • A listening ear for patients, caregivers, whānau and family members.
  • Hats, turbans, wigs.
  • Restorative yoga.
  • Counselling.

Go to our Cancer Society Hawkes Bay store

Tee shirts, bears, sunscreen and much more to support people with cancer and their whānau

Find out more

Need transport to treatment?

We have a dedicated team of volunteers to drive you to treatment when your whānau and friends aren't available.

Volunteer with us

You can make a difference. Visit our volunteer portal to see what roles are available in Hawkes Bay.

Find out more

Hastings Cancer Support Groups

Wednesday afternoons 1:30 to 2:30 p,

Get in touch to find out more (06) 876 7638

Sunscreen Pole Application - being SunSmart

Every year thousands of New Zealanders are exposed to dangerous levels of UV radiation while attending community events.

As the organiser of an outdoor event you can help protect your participants, staff and volunteers by adopting a few simple sun protection measures.

Fill out the Sunscreen pole application and send to enquiries.hb@cancercd.org.nz. Your application will be reviewed and we will contact you promptly. 

If you would like more guidance around Sunsmart whilst planning your event, have a read of our Sunsmart guide

We thank you for your support in the prevention of cancer in our region.

1,841
people supported over the phone
286,492
Kms driven by Cancer Society volunteers
1,169
supportive care programme attendees
Last updated: November 23, 2023