ARO North Shore Officially Opens

ARO’s state-of-the-art facility is the first radiation therapy service north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge – increasing access to critical care and reducing travel burden for patients.

Cancer patients in North and West Auckland now have faster, closer access to treatment with the official opening of Auckland Radiation Oncology’s (ARO) new North Shore clinic - the first dedicated radiation therapy facility north of the Harbour Bridge.

The milestone opening follows the first patient beginning treatment at the new facility in August, marking a significant step forward in providing accessible, timely care for patients in North and West Auckland and beyond.

ARO Chair Andrew Wong said the new facility is a major step forward in supporting both patients and the health system. Since establishing its Epsom clinic in 2008, ARO has treated more than 13,000 patients and pioneered new treatment technologies in New Zealand such as CyberKnife® robotic radiotherapy.

“This new clinic extends that commitment by delivering world-class treatment closer to home and helping ensure more New Zealanders receive timely cancer care.”

He added that the second site also demonstrates ARO’s long-term vision. “Opening a second clinic expands ARO’s footprint and our ability to support the health system. It shows we are planning not just for today’s patients, but for the growing needs of the Northern Region into the future.”

ARO Chief Executive Dr Kate McLellan said the design reflects ARO’s focus on people as well as technology. She noted that radiation therapy can involve 5 to 30 visits over several weeks, making proximity to home critical.

“Our patients range from those who are unwell to others who are able to keep working, caring for their families and living their day to day lives.

“For patients, being able to access treatment closer to home means less time on the road, less disruption to family and work, and less stress at what can already be a very difficult time. It allows people to stay in their own homes, remain connected to their support networks, and keep more of their normal routines, which makes a real difference to their overall wellbeing,” she said.

The first patient to be treated at ARO North Shore, Claire Webster from Snells Beach, said the difference was immediate.

“Cancer treatment is stressful enough without adding hours of travel. I started my radiation therapy at ARO in Epsom, but when the North Shore clinic opened 10 days later, I was able to transfer. For three days in a row, I could have my treatment and then go home to my own bed, instead of needing to stay in the city. It made the whole process so much easier - for me and for my partner who insisted on driving me.

“I feel fortunate my breast cancer was found early and my treatment has gone smoothly. Having the North Shore clinic available made the end of my treatment journey far less stressful, and I know for people living even further north this will make a big difference. It takes away a major barrier at what is already a stressful time.”

Consultant (Specialist) Radiation Oncologist, Dr Maria Pearse added that will make a tangible difference for the communities she cares for.

“The opening of ARO North Shore is a real milestone for patients in the North Shore, West Auckland, and Northland. Commuting across Auckland can be exhausting, so bringing radiation therapy closer to home eases that burden and makes daily treatment more manageable. The centre has clearly been designed with patients in mind, creating a calming environment at what is often an anxious time. I’m excited to be able to support my patients here.”

The North Shore facility includes two treatment bunkers, one operational from opening and a second ready to be commissioned when demand requires it. At full capacity, the facility will treat more than 1,000 patients a year, strengthening the region’s ability to meet growing demand for cancer care.

Notes

• ARO is a joint venture between Allevia Hospitals and Southern Cross Healthcare.
• Established in 2008, ARO was New Zealand’s first private radiation therapy provider.
• ARO is the only private provider of radiation oncology in Auckland and operates New Zealand’s only CyberKnife® robotic radiation therapy system.
• From 2025, ARO will also be among the first in the world to install the Elekta Evo, a next-generation system with AI-enhanced imaging for exceptional precision.
• The opening of the North Shore clinic aligns with the Government’s Faster Cancer Treatment target, which aims for 90% of patients to start treatment within 31 days of the decision to treat (current performance is 84.6%).fficially opens

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