Bowel screening champions

They come from all walks of life, yet are united by their shared belief in the importance of looking after our health through bowel screening. 

These inspirational champions help us raise public awareness of the importance of bowel screening, encouraging more people to take part in the National Bowel Screening Programme.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora - Southern sincerely thanks all of our champions. We are grateful for your courage and openness in sharing your stories, and we hope they will help save more lives in the future.

Lisa Tou-McNaughton, Southland resident

New Bowel Screening Champion Lisa Tou-McNaughton, left, with her niece Chantelle Perry, sister Melanie Tou and brother Mike Tou. Chantelle is holding a photo of their Nana/Mum Janice. The family has come together to raise awareness in the community about the important of participating in the bowel screening programme.

Learn more about Lisa's story here: Family supports Bowel Screening Programme | Southern Health | He hauora, he kuru pounamu

Terry Nicholas, executive co-ordinator of Hokonui Runanga

Joe Clarke, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whawhakia, Ngāti Mahuta and Ngāti Te Ata | Southlander

Tom Franklin, Highlanders lock

Peter Chin, former Dunedin Mayor

Reverend Tau Ben-Unu, Presbyterian Minister and bowel cancer survivor

Rachel Elder, Dunedin City Councillor

Leicester Rutledge, former All Black & Les Chisholm, former Southland rugby player

Matapura Ellison, Southern DHB kaumatua

Shona Fordyce, Colac Bay Marae kuia and former nurse

Ken Bowie, bowel cancer survivor

Cyril Gilroy, Murihiku Marae kaumatua

Mooney Ngatuere, Invercargill resident