A powerful new digital system is now helping women across New Zealand, including right here on the Hibiscus Coast, detect breast cancer earlier and more easily.

Called Te Puna, the platform rolled out nationally this month and is already changing how women engage with breast screening.

Instead of waiting for women to opt in, the system now automatically identifies those eligible and invites them to book a mammogram.

This proactive approach could make a huge difference, especially for the 135,000 eligible women who aren’t currently getting screened.

Health Minister Simeon Brown says the old system was overdue for replacement.

“Te Puna makes it easier for women to enrol, book, and manage appointments, helping more women get screened earlier,” he said.

Women can now book or change appointments using a personalised link or QR code sent by text, email, or letter.

Providers can also track data more accurately, helping reach those who’ve never screened or aren’t regular.

This matters to Coasties too.

Regular mammograms can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by about 34 percent.

The upgrade to Te Puna is part of a broader effort to save lives and improve outcomes.

Especially important as the government begins extending screening to women aged 70 to 74 later this year.

More efficient, more inclusive, and more local.

That’s a win for women’s health across New Zealand, and here on the Coast.

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