Cancer Society finds new home in Queenstown
The Cancer Society is set to celebrate the official opening of its new Queenstown–Tāhuna Centre on Thursday, 19 February, marking a major step forward in making cancer support more visible and accessible for the local community.
The centre’s new home in Remarkables Park – below the Queenstown Medical Centre, neighbouring a pharmacy and just around the corner from the charity’s second hand CanShop – places the organisation at the heart of a growing health hub, where people can more easily find help when they need it.
Central Otago Community Manager Tara Strahan describes the move as a “game changer” for the region, noting that the new space offers significantly more room to welcome individuals and whānau seeking guidance, connection and care.
“This new centre means we can be more easily found, better connected to the community, and more available to anyone who needs support. It’s warm, welcoming and designed to make seeking help as easy as possible,” says Tara.
The Queenstown team previously operated from Terrace Junction in Frankton. The expanded premises now opens the door to greater community engagement and future collaboration with health and social services across the district.
To mark the official opening, a blessing, ribbon-cutting and welcome will take place on the morning of Thursday 19 February. The wider community is then invited to drop in during the afternoon to meet the team, explore the facility, and enjoy drinks and kai.
Generous local fundraising has played a key role in creating the inviting new space, including a $4,000 contribution courtesy of Naylor Love and Cook Brothers via the Southern Swing golf series held at the Arrowtown Golf Club in January, which has helped furnish the centre with cosy pieces to create a homely atmosphere.
The team is looking forward to creating a warm, welcoming environment where people can “drop in for a cuppa and chat” with someone who understands the challenges of a cancer diagnosis – because, as the team puts it, “cancer is hard, but finding help doesn’t need to be.”
The Cancer Society offers a wider range of supportive care services to help people navigate the challenges of cancer. This includes emotional support, practical guidance, transport to treatment, accommodation during care, and access to trusted information. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, recovering, or supporting a loved one, the Cancer Society is there to walk alongside them and tailor that support locally to meet individual needs.
