Dr Myra Ruka to co-lead new cancer clinical network

Written By Rata Campbell

Hei Āhuru Mōwai is proud to announce the appointment of māngai, clinical hematologist, Māori health equity expert, and researcher Dr Myra Ruka (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kuri, Raukawa) as one of two Co-leads for the newly-established Cancer National Clinical Network over the coming two years. The first network meeting is planned for early 2025, once 20 network members are appointed by the end of this year.

Myra will be joined in the Co-lead role by medical oncologist, Professor of Oncology and cancer researcher, Professor Chris Jackson. Chris was also recently elected as one of 12 Directors to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Aotearoa New Zealand, with more than 10,000 people diagnosed with this disease each year. This network will play a key role collaborating across the health sector on a range of actions to improve access to quality cancer services, designed around the needs of people and whānau.

Te Whatu Ora Health NZ and Te Aho o Te Kahu Cancer Control Agency now invites people from across the motu (country) to apply to be a member of the Cancer National Clinical Network (the network).

What becoming a network member involves

Network members will be guided by the two new Co-leads to deliver an agreed annual work programme. You will need to commit to a minimum of two to three hours per month. This may fluctuate based on the type of work involved. Meetings will largely be held online.

They are seeking to appoint a representative group of up to twenty people from across the motu and all aspects of cancer from prevention, screening, diagnosis to care, including palliative and end-of-life care. This includes:

  • Registered (or ex-registered) health professionals, including medical, nursing, allied health, or primary/secondary/tertiary care.

  • Health professionals with Māori or Pacific backgrounds

  • Regions across the motu, including rural and urban areas

  • People with experience across all aspects of cancer care, from prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment to palliative or end-of-life care, and survivorship

  • Ability to:

    • apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the planning and delivery of health services

    • identify and implement innovative improvements to services

    • actively seek information and/or advice to ensure a range of voices for our work.

By joining the network, you will:

  • Help make a difference in the lives of people and whānau affected by cancer.

  • Collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to reducing health inequities and the impact of cancer.

  • Share your expertise to shape cancer care across Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Work with other healthcare professionals and share best practices.

How to apply

Please complete this online form before 5pm, Friday 8 November.

The Co-leads and a panel agreed by Health New Zealand and Te Aho o Te Kahu will review all applications and confirm membership by early December 2024. The first network meeting is planned for early 2025.

For more information: 

Rata Campbell
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