Volunteer Drivers
The Cancer Society of New Zealand runs a national volunteer driver service. Their dedicated team of volunteers can help with driving you to treatments when your whānau and friends aren't available.
The volunteer driving service is delivered by registered volunteer drivers who gift their time and use their own vehicle to provide transport for cancer patients to cancer related appointments. Drivers undergo a recruitment process which includes interviews, advanced driving assessments, police checks, orientation and ongoing training.
This service is for people undergoing cancer treatment who are unable to drive, do not have their own transport, or do not have family, whānau or friends to take them.
Accessing the service varies by region, as each local branch of the Cancer Society operates slightly differently.
For example, in Auckland you need a healthcare professional to make a referral using this form
In many other regions there is a local phone number that patients can call to arrange travel support.
Full details of the service are available on the Cancer Society website:
National Travel Assistance Service
The National Travel Assistance service supports eligible people who need to travel long distances or travel frequently for specialist treatment. This service is run by the Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora.
You need to be registered in advance to access this service. Hospital travel co-ordinators and social workers can assist with registration. More information is available on the criteria and process for claiming on the Health NZ website