Jan Tinetti Labour MP

Several months ago I met with a group of local women who are part of a group called Metavivors which was set up in 2014. As well as providing support, information and friendship they advocate for better treatment and care for people living with metastatic breast cancer.

A recent report revealed that women in New Zealand who develop stage 4 breast cancer receive fewer medicines and far less treatment than those living in countries like Australia and as a consequence their life expectancy is far shorter.

Metavivors want access to life extending drugs and they took action organising a petition calling on the Minister for Health and the Government's drug-buying agency Pharmac to work with the petition signatories to fund medicines like Ibrance and Kadcyla.

At the time they met with me over 25,000 people had signed the petition and they wanted my help in getting the petition presented to Parliament which I was happy to do and on Tuesday women from all over NZ joined our Tauranga women and marched on Parliament to present the petition which at last count had 29,000 signatures, what an achievement.

Remember all of these women have cancer, some couldn't attend because they were too sick or had just started their treatment, what courage and determination they showed on that day.

All the women I met with talk about wanting more time, more time to spend with their partners, children and families and I will continue to support them in achieving this.