After two decades of groundbreaking research that has transformed women's health in Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, the National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa, marks its 20th anniversary this month with a call for the Government to make cervical screening free for all.
The Māori-led research centre, based at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, has been at the forefront of improving women's health outcomes and health equity for women across Aotearoa for 20 years. Its work has fundamentally changed how cervical screening, the key tool in preventing cervical cancer, is delivered, making it more accessible, accurate and empowering for women.
Currently, the National Cervical Screening Programme is the only national screening programme that is not free for all New Zealanders. This programme includes the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-test, which has been available from September 2023.
Centre founder Professor Bev Lawton ONZM (Ngāti Porou) says this funding gap runs counter to the country's commitment to health equity.
"HPV screening saves lives, it's that simple. But cost is still a barrier for too many women," she says. "Every other major health screen in New Zealand is free, and there's no reason cervical screening shouldn't be. If we made HPV testing free, thousands more women would take part and we could prevent almost every case of cervical cancer. The science is clear, the system is ready, and the time is now."
Since its establishment in 2005, Te Tātai Hauora o Hine has led research that directly shaped national policy, including the introduction of HPV self-testing as the universal offer in the National Cervical Screening Programme.
That policy change has transformed cervical cancer prevention in New Zealand, with more than 700,000 people screened and 82% choosing to self-test, a shift that's saving lives and putting power back in women's hands.
"Our goal is to achieve something the world has never done, eliminate cervical cancer entirely," says Centre founder Professor Bev Lawton ONZM (Ngāti Porou). "But we can't reach every woman while cost remains a barrier. Free screening would make a measurable difference in preventing cervical cancer and saving lives."
The Centre's kaupapa Māori and translational research approach, working alongside iwi, clinicians and policymakers, has been internationally recognised as a model for effective, equitable health reform.
What began as a small team of researchers in 2005 has grown into a nationwide network of more than 40 staff and advisors, working from Kaitaia to Invercargill. Their work extends far beyond cervical screening. Projects have included:
"Research alone doesn't create change, translating it into systems and policy does," says Professor Lawton. "That's what we do best. With the right support, we can keep making generational change," she says.
Over 20 years, Te Tātai Hauora o Hine has published over 240 papers (a third in the world's top 10% of journals), and influenced countless clinical guidelines and policy frameworks. The work has also been cited by many organisations worldwide and has international reach.
Earlier this year, Professor Lawton was named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2025 for her lifelong commitment to improving women's health, but she says the credit belongs to the collective.
"This is the legacy of many hands. Our researchers, community partners and whānau have all helped build a future where fewer women die from preventable causes. That's worth celebrating, but we're not done yet," she says.
As Te Tātai Hauora o Hine celebrates 20 years of impact, its message to the Government is clear.
"Make HPV screening free and give every woman the chance to live without fear of cervical cancer," says Lawton.