The Taranaki Health Foundation has received a remarkable $100,000 gift from the iTaranaki Trust to support the development of the recently opened Taranaki Cancer Centre | Te Hōpua Whakahauora at Taranaki Base Hospital.
The donation will fund key information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure for the new facility. This includes software systems that power the cutting-edge linear accelerator (LINAC) radiation machine and a state-of-the-art videoconferencing suite. These technologies will allow for seamless virtual consultations with oncology specialists in Palmerston North and other centres, further reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care.
iTaranaki Trustee Antony Stening says the Trust is proud to help ensure world-class cancer treatment stays close to home. "By funding the ICT components of the new Taranaki Cancer Centre, we're investing in our community's health and future. Our contribution is helping to equip the LINAC machine with state-of-the-art software and to set up a virtual consultation room with high-quality video links. We’re proud to play a part in making that possible – using technology to remove barriers and keep our community connected when it matters most”
iTaranaki Trust is a community-focused charitable trust dedicated to advancing technology and connectivity in the Taranaki region. Over the years, iTaranaki has played a pivotal role in several local tech initiatives. In the early 2000s, it spearheaded efforts to expand broadband internet access across Taranaki.
iTaranaki Trust Chairperson Michael Freeman says the Trust has always believed in the power of technology to uplift our community. "Years ago, iTaranaki helped roll out broadband across Taranaki to get our people better connected, and we’ve supported local startups for a decade to spur innovation." Freeman said. "Being able to support the Cancer Centre’s technology is incredibly special for us. It's all about making sure our whānau in Taranaki have the best tools and connections available."
For the past decade, iTaranaki has sponsored entrepreneurship programs and events that foster innovation in the community. Notably, iTaranaki has been a long-time sponsor of Startup Weekend Taranaki, the region’s flagship startup event. This sustained support has contributed significantly to cultivating a strong, inclusive startup scene in Taranaki.
Trustee Stephen Corkill says supporting the Cancer Centre is a meaningful way to give back. "Though I no longer live in Taranaki, my roots are firmly planted there – and so is my heart. Supporting the Taranaki Cancer Centre through iTaranaki allows me to give back to the community that gave much to me and my family."
Taranaki Health Foundation General Manager Grant Carter says they are deeply grateful for iTaranaki's generosity and its alignment with the Foundation's mission to bring the best healthcare closer to home.
"This is an incredibly generous and impactful gift," said Carter. "iTaranaki's support demonstrates the power of local organisations supporting local people. By funding technology that connects patients with specialists and supports precision treatment, they're helping ensure that the best cancer care is delivered right here in Taranaki."
Taranaki Cancer Centre | Te Hōpua Whakahauora was officially opened by Health Minister Simeon Brown earlier this month. The first patients will start receiving treatment by the end of November. The unit has 10 chairs for chemotherapy treatment, plus two additional treatment rooms for people who need to be isolated as part of their treatment. There are also eight consultation rooms, and the state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator (LINAC) which will provide radiation therapy to at least 80% of local patients that require it.