New Breast Screening Facility Opens in Waikanae, Expanding Access for Women
The facility marks a major milestone in improving women’s health services in the region, replacing the mobile screening unit that has long served the area.
- Country:
- New Zealand
Women on the Kāpiti Coast will now have easier access to life-saving breast screening services following the official opening of a new fixed breast screening site in Waikanae, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg announced today.
The facility marks a major milestone in improving women’s health services in the region, replacing the mobile screening unit that has long served the area. It forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand and modernise the national breast screening programme, ensuring earlier detection and better outcomes for women across New Zealand.
“This is a significant step forward for women in Kāpiti,” said Minister Brown. “Now, women can book appointments and be screened closer to home in a purpose-built facility. The new fixed site will provide more consistent access and greater capacity to support the increased number of women eligible under the Government’s expanded national breast screening programme.”
From Mobile Unit to Permanent Hub
Until now, the Kāpiti Coast region relied on a mobile breast screening unit that travelled across the greater Wellington area, the Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa. While the mobile service has been valuable, demand has increased sharply following the Government’s age extension of the free screening programme.
The new Waikanae centre offers a permanent, spacious, and modern environment, providing women with a more comfortable and predictable experience.
The facility includes:
-
A state-of-the-art mammography machine capable of high-resolution imaging.
-
A lead-lined X-ray room for maximum patient safety.
-
Upgraded furnishings, fittings, and IT systems designed to streamline operations.
All improvements have been funded through the Government’s breast screening age extension project, part of a multi-year initiative to enhance cancer prevention infrastructure nationwide.
Improved Access, Comfort, and Early Detection
Minister Grigg said the new centre represents a meaningful step toward making health services more accessible and equitable for women, particularly those living in semi-rural and regional areas.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this new site is a timely reminder of how important early detection is,” she said. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women, affecting one in nine over their lifetime, with around 3,400 new cases each year. Sadly, around 650 mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends die from breast cancer every year.”
Ms Grigg emphasised that mammograms can detect breast cancer well before symptoms appear, offering the best chance of successful treatment.
“The good news is that 95 percent of women with breast cancer survive 10 years or more when detected through screening. With nine women learning today that they have breast cancer, making screening more accessible and convenient has never been more important.”
Supporting the Expanded National Programme
The Waikanae site aligns with the Government’s phased expansion of the National Breast Screening Programme, which recently extended eligibility to include women aged 70 to 74.
This change—implemented in 2024—is expected to make tens of thousands of additional women eligible for free biennial mammograms. The Ministry of Health estimates that up to 20,000 women nationwide could benefit from the expanded age bracket in the first phase alone.
Minister Brown said the Waikanae site will help accommodate this growing demand, while reducing waiting times and travel burdens for Kāpiti residents.
“This new site means women in Kāpiti can access the healthcare they need close to home,” he said. “Early detection saves lives, and easy, reliable access to screening is a vital part of that.”
Strengthening Cancer Prevention Infrastructure
The establishment of the Waikanae site is part of a broader investment in women’s health infrastructure. The Government’s plan includes:
-
Upgrading or establishing fixed screening facilities in growing regional centres.
-
Expanding mobile coverage to reach more remote communities.
-
Enhancing workforce capacity, including training more radiographers and technicians.
-
Integrating digital systems to support faster image sharing and diagnosis through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) has also been tasked with improving equity of access, particularly for Māori and Pacific women, who historically have had lower screening rates and higher mortality from breast cancer.
According to the latest data from Te Aho o Te Kahu (the Cancer Control Agency), breast cancer survival rates are improving but disparities remain. Officials hope that more localised facilities like the one in Waikanae will help close that gap.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Local health advocates have welcomed the opening, calling it a “game changer” for the region. Previously, many women faced long travel times or limited appointment availability with the mobile unit. The new facility provides consistent scheduling, enabling women to plan appointments more easily and access follow-up services sooner if required.
The new centre is expected to handle hundreds of screenings per month, contributing to the national goal of increasing overall participation in breast screening to at least 70 percent of eligible women.
Minister Brown noted that the Kāpiti initiative is one of several facility upgrades planned for 2025, with new or refurbished sites also scheduled for regions such as Northland, Bay of Plenty, and South Canterbury.
“This investment demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to accessible, preventive healthcare,” Brown said. “We’re working to ensure that no matter where you live, you have access to the same quality of care.”
A Life-Saving Message
Both Ministers used the announcement to encourage women to book their mammograms, whether through the new Waikanae site or their nearest screening provider.
“Early detection is the most powerful tool we have,” Ms Grigg said. “It’s quick, it’s safe, and it saves lives. We want every woman who’s eligible to take advantage of the free breast screening service.”
Appointments can be made through BreastScreen Aotearoa by calling 0800 270 200 or visiting www.timetoscreen.nz.
The opening of the Waikanae breast screening facility marks a milestone in the Government’s broader mission to improve preventive health services and empower women to take charge of their wellbeing.
By combining modern medical technology with community accessibility, the initiative stands as a model for future regional healthcare investments — ensuring that every woman in New Zealand has the opportunity for early detection, effective treatment, and long-term survival.
Google News