Cancer Society opens new office in Paraparaumu

KAPAI: Kapanui School pupils, front left, Dakoda Cootes, 10, and Iraia Papara, 10, were part of the school's kapa haka group which helped celebrate the opening of the Cancer Society's new Kapiti office.

The Cancer Society's new Kapiti office is now located in the Kapiti Lights business area in Paraparaumu.

An official celebration, involving a blessing led by kaumatua Don Te Maipi and kapa haka performances from Kapanui School, was held on Wednesday to mark the occasion.

The office used to be in the Kapiti Community Centre for a number of years until the society started looking recently for a new venue which offered more profile.

"Here at Kapiti Lights suits us well," Cancer Society chief executive Michael Smith said.

"It's a bright sunny space, close to transport, there's free parking, and it's ideal for members of the public to find us.

"We want to thank the community for all their support.

"A lot of people in businesses have given us huge discounts to set this office up."

The office provides information about a wide range of services provided by the society.

"One of the big services we provide is support for people going through cancer.

"If they've had a cancer diagnosis, or a loved one has had a cancer diagnosis, they can come in and find out how to deal with that.

"People can also get information about our health promotion activities including ways to reduce their risk of getting cancer.

"They can find out how to get involved with the society from a voluntary point of view, and can also look at how they can get involved in fundraising activities."

Two people, health promoter Mandy Savage and supportive care counsellor Kate Makarini, will be based at the office each week.

Some staff from Wellington will also use the office as well as volunteers to look after reception and other duties.

Mr Smith said one in three people will be affected by cancer at some stage during their life.

"It's by far one of the biggest illnesses in New Zealand.

"But the positive thing is a lot of people are getting through cancer as well.

"The survival rates are going up in most cancers, people are learning how they can reduce their risk, and the research being done into better treatments is making great improvements."

The office is open Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm.