Bowel Cancer New Zealand has announced a new partnership with Cancer Research Trust NZ (CRTNZ), marking a significant step forward in its commitment to bowel cancer research in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As part of this partnership, Bowel Cancer New Zealand will invest $80,000 in the 2026 CRTNZ research grant funding round, with a longer-term ambition to invest up to $500,000 in high-impact research over the next five years.

This partnership has been made possible through the generous support of Bowel Cancer New Zealand’s community, including the record-breaking response to Move Your Butt, the charity’s annual February fundraising and awareness campaign.

The partnership enables Bowel Cancer New Zealand to work alongside a highly regarded national research funding organisation to identify and support high-quality, high-impact research projects.

Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer New Zealand, Peter Huskinson, says the move signals a new era in the charity’s contribution to research, and reflects a more structured and strategic approach to research investment.

Research is one of the most important ways we can improve outcomes for people with bowel cancer – but it needs to be focused, consistent, and targeted to where it can make the biggest difference, complementing the investment of other research agencies and companies.

This partnership allows us to do that, by working with experts who can rigorously assess research proposals, while we prioritise investment in the projects that best align with the needs of people facing bowel cancer across Aotearoa.

Dr Michelle Sullivan, General Manager of CRTNZ, says the partnership brings together complementary strengths.

Cancer Research Trust NZ has more than 20 years’ experience in research investment. By combining our expertise in independent peer review with Bowel Cancer New Zealand’s focus on impact, we can help identify high-quality research and increase funding for bowel cancer in Aotearoa – without adding duplication for researchers.

Cancer Research Trust NZ (CRTNZ) is a leading national research funder with a strong track record of supporting high-quality cancer research through independent expert review.

Researchers apply through CRTNZ’s national grant funding round, with projects independently assessed through international peer review and an expert committee process.

Every dollar invested through this partnership goes directly to the institutions undertaking the research.

Bowel cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, with around 3,300 people diagnosed each year and more than 1,200 deaths. Rates of early-onset bowel cancer are increasing, and significant inequities in outcomes remain for Māori, Pasifika and other underserved communities.

Bowel Cancer New Zealand will prioritise research that supports earlier detection, improves screening and care-seeking behaviour, reduces delayed diagnoses, addresses inequities in outcomes, and strengthens recovery for patients.

Huskinson says the partnership reflects the growing importance of research for Bowel Cancer New Zealand and its supporters.

Research has always been a critical part of improving outcomes, and we’re seeing increasing interest from our community in how this work is progressing. This is about ensuring we continue to invest in the future, while supporting people today.

Applications are now open for the 2026 CRTNZ funding round and will close on Wednesday 5 August at 5pm. Funding decisions will be confirmed later in the year.

To apply or find out more, visit grants.cancerresearchtrustnz.org.nz