Consultation now closed

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the DRAFT New Zealand Melanoma Clinical Guidelines. 

The National Melanoma Working Group (NMWG), with support from MelNet, is now reviewing the feedback received.

An updated version is expected to be published early next year.  

A copy of the draft Guidelines released for consultation, along with a change log outlining proposed amendments is available to download below. 

 

 

Download the Guidelines

DRAFT for consultation - October 2025

   DRAFT Guidelines for consultation (PDF)      

  Change log of proposed amendments (PDF) 

About the Melanoma Clinical Guidelines

 

The New Zealand Melanoma Clinical Guidelines define what quality care for melanoma should look like in New Zealand. 

Grounded in the latest international evidence and best practice, the statements aim to:

  • Guide clinical decision-making
  • Promote consistent, high-quality care
  • Reduce variation in diagnosis and treatment across the country
  • Improve outcomes for people with melanoma and their families
  • Inform efforts to reduce melanoma incidence

These statements have been developed by the National Melanoma Working Group (NMWG) and MelNet in partnership with a wide range of sector experts and stakeholders. 

Te Aho o Te Kahu – Cancer Control Agency supports the use of these statements as a tool to guide clinical decision-making and promote best practice melanoma management in New Zealand.

History of the Melanoma Quality Statements

 

The Quality Statements evolved from the Standards of Service Provision for Melanoma Patients in New Zealand – Provisional, originally drafted in 2013 by the National Melanoma Tumour Standards Working Group for the Ministry of Health. 

Key milestones:

  • November 2021 – First edition soft launched to the MelNet website.
  • February 2022 – First edition formally launched at the 2022 (virtual) New Zealand Melanoma Summit.
  • September 2022 - Second edition published
  • September 2023 - Third edition published
  • October 2025 - Name changed from Quality Statements to Guide Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment in New Zealand to support easier online searching and implementation

Major updates to clinical content are outlined in Appendix 5 of the document.

Want to get involved?

 

Are you passionate about improving melanoma care?

Expressions of interest are welcome from health professionals who would like to contribute to future reviews as part of the National Melanoma Working Group.

Contact the MelNet Chief Executive. 

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