New Cancer Treatment Centre Set to Transform Care in Northland

For many Northlanders, receiving radiation therapy has meant travelling long distances to Auckland, often while coping with the physical and emotional demands of cancer treatment.

A major milestone has been reached for healthcare in Northland with the completion of the new radiation oncology service at Whangārei Hospital, bringing life-changing cancer treatment much closer to home for hundreds of patients each year.

For many Northlanders, receiving radiation therapy has meant travelling long distances to Auckland, often while coping with the physical and emotional demands of cancer treatment. Depending on where patients live, return journeys can range from 320 kilometres to more than 620 kilometres, creating additional stress during an already difficult time. Health Minister Simeon Brown said the new facility will allow most patients to receive treatment in Whangārei, helping them stay closer to family, friends and support networks throughout their care.

Advanced Technology Strengthens Local Cancer Services

At the centre of the $60.9 million project is Northland's first Linear Accelerator, commonly known as a LINAC. The advanced machine delivers highly targeted radiation therapy, allowing doctors to focus treatment on cancer cells while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Around 450 Northlanders currently travel to Auckland each year for radiation treatment. Once the service becomes operational, about 80 per cent of those patients will be able to receive care locally. The facility is expected to treat approximately 370 patients annually during its early years, with room to expand as demand grows.

The new service has been designed with future needs in mind. Alongside the LINAC treatment bunker, a second bunker has already been built to accommodate another machine in the future. The development also includes a specialised CT scanner used for treatment planning and an expansion of the Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre, adding four new chemotherapy chairs.

Building a Stronger Future for Cancer Care

The facility will be supported by a team of around 35 staff members, including 26 newly created positions. From 2027, Whangārei Hospital will also serve as a training site for radiation therapists, helping develop a skilled local workforce and supporting long-term healthcare needs across the region. Health leaders believe the project will not only improve access to treatment but also reduce pressure on Auckland's cancer services by allowing more patients to receive care closer to where they live.

The new radiation oncology centre forms a key part of the wider Whangārei Hospital Master Plan and represents one of the most significant investments in cancer care ever made in Northland. For patients and their families, it means less time spent travelling and more time focusing on treatment, recovery and the support of loved ones.