MORE THAN PINK – STARTING IMPORTANT KŌRERO ACROSS THE COAST!
Article
November 2026
Throughout October, Ngāti Porou Oranga's Cancer Care Coordination team brought East Coast community clinics together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging important conversations about breast health, raising awareness and supporting the wellbeing of whānau.
As part of a clinic-wide awareness competition organised by the Cancer Care Coordination team, five participating clinics — Matakaoa, Ruatōria, Ūawa, Tokomaru Bay and Tawhiti — transformed their spaces with pink-themed displays, educational resources and interactive activities.
While there was a friendly competitive element, the real success was the meaningful kōrero taking place within our clinics.
Across the participating clinics, kaimahi reported positive engagement from whānau, with displays and activities encouraging conversations about breast cancer, screening and recognising changes in breast health.
At Matakaoa Community Health Centre, an interactive breast model gave whānau an opportunity to practise identifying lumps. The activity encouraged participation from both wāhine and tāne, reinforcing the importance of being familiar with what is normal for their bodies.
At Tokomaru Bay Health Centre, kaimahi highlighted the positive response from men in the community, many of whom were surprised to learn that breast cancer can also affect males.
Ruatōria Clinic created an information corner and feature wall that encouraged whānau to ask questions, while Ūawa Clinic received support from the Pink Van team, who provided breast health resources and educational materials.
Tawhiti Clinic also joined the initiative, contributing to the collective effort to raise breast cancer awareness across our communities.
The campaign was an opportunity for kaimahi to come together, decorating their clinics, sharing educational resources and creating welcoming spaces where whānau felt comfortable engaging in conversations about their health.
One kaimahi reflected:
"The main focus has been having kōrero, sharing awareness, and getting the whole team involved."
From colourful displays and shared pink-themed lunches to interactive learning opportunities, each clinic contributed to making breast health awareness more visible and approachable.
Throughout October, the participating clinics recorded 2,445 visits and appointments, including in-person and phone appointments, providing opportunities to promote health awareness across their communities.
Feedback from participating clinics highlighted:
The initiative demonstrated how simple activities, shared knowledge and collective participation can help create meaningful conversations about health and wellbeing.
Ngāti Porou Oranga acknowledges the efforts of our Cancer Care Coordination team, who organised and coordinated this initiative, along with all five participating clinic teams and the whānau who engaged with the campaign.
A special mihi also goes to Kora Floral Boutique and the Gisborne East Coast Cancer Society for their support.
While Breast Cancer Awareness Month has come to an end, the importance of breast health awareness and having these conversations continues.
Together, we can keep the kōrero going and support healthier whānau and communities.
