About the National Cervical Screening Programme
The National Cervical Screening Programme was established in 1990 to reduce cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The programme aims to:
- detect human papillomavirus (HPV) and treat pre-cancerous cell changes early
- reduce the number of people who develop or die from cervical cancer
- support equity in access and outcomes along the cervical screening pathway
- work towards eliminating cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The programme includes:
- promotion
- screening
- laboratory testing
- supporting specialist follow-up care such as colposcopy.
Screening is available through:
- general practitioners
- community providers
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
- screening support services
- some outreach services.
In September 2023, HPV testing became the main screening test in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Legislation and regulations
The National Cervical Screening Programme is governed by Part 4A of the Health Act 1956, which sets out its purpose, operation, and review requirements.
The programme is independently reviewed every 3 years as legislated under Part 4 Section 1120 of the Health Act 1956.
Health Act 1956 – Part 4Aexternal link
Health (Cervical Screening (Kaitiaki)) Regulations 1995external link
Health (National Cervical Screening Programme) Amendment Act 2021external link
Statutory and advisory groups
Data and statistics
Cervical screening resources
About the National Cervical Screening Programme
The National Cervical Screening Programme was established in 1990 to reduce cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The programme aims to:
- detect human papillomavirus (HPV) and treat pre-cancerous cell changes early
- reduce the number of people who develop or die from cervical cancer
- support equity in access and outcomes along the cervical screening pathway
- work towards eliminating cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The programme includes:
- promotion
- screening
- laboratory testing
- supporting specialist follow-up care such as colposcopy.
Screening is available through:
- general practitioners
- community providers
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
- screening support services
- some outreach services.
In September 2023, HPV testing became the main screening test in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Legislation and regulations
The National Cervical Screening Programme is governed by Part 4A of the Health Act 1956, which sets out its purpose, operation, and review requirements.
The programme is independently reviewed every 3 years as legislated under Part 4 Section 1120 of the Health Act 1956.
Health Act 1956 – Part 4Aexternal link
Health (Cervical Screening (Kaitiaki)) Regulations 1995external link
Health (National Cervical Screening Programme) Amendment Act 2021external link