A new national genomic testing pilot will be delivered from Christchurch, aiming to give New Zealanders with cancer and rare disorders faster answers without needing to send samples overseas.

The two year programme will be based at Canterbury Health Laboratories and is part of a wider rollout by Health New Zealand to improve access to advanced testing.

Health Minister Simeon Brown said “Today is a significant day for people needing genomic sequencing for certain cancers and rare disorders.”

He said delays caused by overseas testing had been a major issue for patients.

“Too many Kiwis are left waiting for answers because their genomic tests are sent overseas – delays that can affect treatment decisions or prolong years of uncertainty.

“This two-year pilot will bring testing home, reducing wait times at one of the most stressful points in a patient’s life and supporting our health targets so cancer patients can receive treatment sooner and people spend less time waiting for specialist care.

“It will also strengthen local expertise in genomic medicine and improve diagnostic capability, helping clinicians deliver the right care at the right time.”

Christchurch will play a central role in the pilot, with the city’s laboratory leading testing for patients across the country.

Health New Zealand is partnering with global genomics company Illumina to run the programme, which will trial advanced technologies while building local expertise.

The pilot will use whole genome sequencing to help diagnose rare and inherited disorders, alongside comprehensive genomic profiling to guide cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Currently, more than 4000 genomic tests are sent overseas each year at a cost of over $4 million.

Under the pilot, more than 6000 samples will be processed over two years, with around half of those tests expected to be completed within New Zealand by the end of the trial.

If expanded nationwide, the approach could save about $5 million over five years while keeping sensitive genetic data within New Zealand.

Testing will cover a range of rare conditions including metabolic, connective tissue, eye, hearing and kidney disorders, while work continues to determine the focus for cancer testing.

The programme will also assess workforce readiness, system performance and how genomic data is managed, helping inform the development of a national genomics service.

“Today’s announcement comes during Rare Disorders Month, which highlights the importance of timely diagnosis for the thousands of New Zealanders living with rare conditions. I want to acknowledge everyone living with, and supporting those affected by, a rare disorder.

“Our Government is focused on putting patients at the centre of the health system. This pilot is about getting Kiwis answers faster and building a genomics testing service New Zealand can be proud of,” he said.