Consultation now open

The National Melanoma Working Group (NMWG), with support from MelNet, is reviewing the Quality Statements to Guide Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment in New Zealand to ensure they continue to reflect the latest research and best practice.

As part of this review, the Quality Statements have been renamed the New Zealand Melanoma Clinical Guidelines to support easier online searching and implementation.

A comprehensive literature search has been undertaken and suggested updates drafted, with particular focus on neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment which is now funded in New Zealand. 

A copy of the updated Guidelines and a change log of proposed amendments are available to download below. 

How to provide feedback

Please submit your feedback in writing by 5.00 pm Friday 24 October 2025 to melnet@melnet.org.nz .

When submitting, please:

• clearly identify the relevant section(s), page number(s), and Good Practice Point(s) your feedback relates to
• provide references to support your feedback (where relevant)
• include a contact name, phone number, and email address in case further information is required.

About the Melanoma Quality Statements

The Quality Statements to Guide Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment in New Zealand 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, including Te Aho o Te Kahu – Cancer Control Agency.

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 (current) published.

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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