Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Cancer Society
Today the Cancer Society of New Zealand heralds two historic firsts – the appointment of our first female and first Māori Medical Director. Dr George Laking (Te Whakatōhea) and Dr Kate Gregory have been jointly appointed as Co-Medical Directors of the Cancer Society of New Zealand. Dr Gregory will join the board on 1 September and Dr Laking will follow in the first half of 2022.
The role of Medical Director is integral to the Cancer Society providing oversight of our research programme, and medical and clinical policies.
Cancer Society of New Zealand CEO Lucy Elwood says: “This is a significant and exciting moment for us as an organisation and demonstrates our Equity Charter in action. In addition, this is a huge step towards further aligning with Te Tiriti through jointly appointing a Māori and non-Māori Medical Director.”
Through our Equity Charter, Cancer Society is committed to improving outcomes and support for those experiencing cancer. That includes recognising that some population groups in Aotearoa carry a disproportionate burden of cancer, including higher incidence levels, mortality and impact.
Dr Laking says: “I am very excited to be joining the Cancer Society at this time of renewal especially in regards to matters Māori.”
Dr Kate Gregory says: “I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to work with the Cancer Society to improve the lives of patients and whānau affected by cancer in New Zealand and am looking forward to a new challenge.”
As we extend a warm welcome to our new Co-Directors, we also want to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our outgoing Medical Director Dr Chris Jackson. Dr Jackson has served as Medical Director for 5 years contributing immensely to Cancer Society. His achievements during his term are many including the establishment of Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency.
Dr Chris Jackson says: “The Cancer Society is New Zealand’s only cancer charity focused on all people and all cancers. The Medical Director is one of the most important voices in the cancer sector; a voice heard by many affected by cancer, and needs to be authoritative, evidence based, reliable, and bring strong patient and sector perspectives to many different cancer-related discussions.
Drs Gregory and Laking are nationally recognised and respected cancer specialists and will be both enormous assets to the Cancer Society and to patients and whānau affected by cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Dr Jackson will remain as Medical Director until the end of August, seeing through Daffodil Day which is taking place on 27 August.
