Help Us Advocate for Better CLL Treatment Options in New Zealand
My name is Rob Crozier. I’ve been living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) since 2001, and in October last year, I became a Trustee of CLL Advocates NZ.
I took on this role after years of correspondence with Hon Shane Reti regarding the urgent concerns of CLL patients. Unfortunately, despite his election campaign promise to fund additional blood cancer treatments, that commitment was abandoned following the formation of the Coalition Government.
This year’s Budget allocated an additional $604 million to Pharmac over four years. Yet, only 10–15 CLL patients are expected to benefit. New Zealand continues to rank at the bottom of the OECD for drug funding when adjusted for GDP per capita.
Around 250 New Zealanders are diagnosed with CLL each year. Most face chemoimmunotherapy (FCR or BR*) as their first-line treatment. While these regimens can be effective for some, they are physically taxing and carry a significant risk of secondary cancers, even for those fortunate enough to achieve long-term disease control. Access to newer, targeted therapies – now standard first-line treatments in many developed countries, is only available here after relapse.
We believe all CLL patients deserve better. Our goal is to ensure that New Zealanders have access to the same treatment options as those in Australia and other comparable nations. To achieve this, we need to amplify patient voices and bring our stories to the attention of politicians and the public.
Next year is an election year, and the time to act is now. We’re already working alongside Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, Patient Voice Aotearoa, and the Blood Cancer Alliance to drive this campaign forward.
How you can help:
🔹 1. We’re gathering insights from the CLL community to help advocate for better treatment options in New Zealand. If you’re a patient or caregiver, we’d love to hear about your experience and the area you call home.
You can choose to:
- Complete our patient survey here, to help us understand broader needs and trends
- Or simply email us with your personal story, thoughts, or concerns – whatever you feel comfortable sharing: clladvocates@outlook.co.nz
If you’re a patient, please include your year of birth, gender, and preferred contact method. This helps us build a clearer picture of our community while respecting your privacy.
🔹 2. Make a Donation: To participate fully in this campaign, we need financial support. If you’re able, please consider donating to CLL Advocates NZ: CLL Advocates Give a Little. All donations are tax-deductible.
Together, we can push for change and ensure that every CLL patient in New Zealand has access to the best possible care.
Warm regards,
Rob Crozier Trustee
CLL Advocates NZ
*FCR: Fludarabine/Cyclophosphamide/R