Bone Marrow Cancer Trust

15/03/2026

We had the privilege hosting the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa and the AYA Rangatahi Advisory Group at Rānui House recently.

Over three special days, our House was filled with connection, kōrero, laughter, learning and truly meaningful moments. Hearing how much the environment at Rānui helped their rangatahi feel safe, calm, supported and welcomed means so much to us.

Their words touched our hearts:
“Your warmth, hospitality and the care you put into creating such a welcoming environment did not go unnoticed…it allowed our rangatahi to connect, laugh, learn, and brainstorm possible service improvements in a way that simply wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

They also shared a whakataukī that captures the essence of the weekend:
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.”
What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.

We felt that deeply. ❤️

To the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa and the AYA Rangatahi Advisory Group - ngā mihi nui for your kindness, your mahi and the aroha you bring to supporting young people across Aotearoa. It was a privilege to host you, and we look forward to staying connected.❤❤❤

26/08/2025

The 2025 World Transplant Games marked BMCT Ambassador Josh Komen's dream of representing New Zealand on the track. ​ The greatest victories are not always measured in medals, but in moments of meaning, courage and connection. ​

We’re so proud of Josh and grateful for him being part of our whānau.​

With love from us all at Rānui

01/07/2025

After 35 years of extraordinary service, we farewell our Patron, June Leeming.

June’s journey with the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust began in 1990 and has been marked by tireless fundraising, unwavering leadership, and a deep personal commitment to helping patients and families. What began as her husband Noel’s vision quickly became June’s passion—and her impact has been truly transformational.

From hosting record-breaking charity auctions to securing countless auction items and championing our cause at every turn, June has been at the heart of our story.
June, thank you for your wisdom, generosity, and for helping shape the Trust into what it is today. Your legacy will live on in every family we support.

Read more about June’s incredible journey ❤❤❤

After 35 years of exceptional service, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our beloved Patron, June Leeming, as she steps down from her formal role with the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust. June’s journey with the Trust began in the most unexpected of ways – on the sidelines of a children’s soccer game. H...

25/06/2025

Sustainability in action! Thanks to a generous grant from Meridian Energy Decarbonisation Fund, we installed 111 solar panels at Rānui Apartments. In just five months, we've already seen a 13% reduction in electricity costs - savings that help us support even more families.

Big thanks to Meridian Energy for helping us build a more sustainable future❤❤❤

25/06/2025

At the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust, strong governance sits at the heart of everything we do. We are governed by a volunteer Board of ten Trustees who provide strategic leadership, ensuring we stay true to our mission and that our policies remain relevant and effective.

This dedicated group generously contributes their time, expertise and guidance each month, helping us support patients and families facing the challenges of their medical journeys.

Our Board also includes two seats dedicated to representatives from the the Department of Haematology at Christchurch Hospital and a local Community Service group. These perspectives ensure that our work is well-informed, collaborative and community-led.

The BMCT Trustees also serve on the Bone Marrow Cancer Research Trust Board, working alongside our Haematology Research Group, which provides expert advice to guide investment in impactful, patient-focused research.

We are also proud to work with the First Steps in Governance Programme providing a seat at our Board table to an Intern – supporting the next generation of governance leaders.

As we mark # NationalVolunteerWeek, we extend our deepest thanks to our volunteer Trustees and advisors. Your leadership and service are central to our ability to deliver hope, care and accommodation to families when they need it most.

25/06/2025

Today we celebrated a truly special milestone – the official opening of Rānui Apartments. This incredible facility represents 15 years of vision, determination and heart and now allows us to support more families than ever before as they travel to Christchurch for what is often life-saving medical treatment.

Since opening its doors in November 2024, Rānui Apartments has already provided over 4,600 bed nights to 1,200+ patients and whānau, ensuring families can stay close when it matters most.

We were honoured to be joined by Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Minister of Health Hon Simeon Brown MP, our Mayor Phil Mauger for Mayor and many other distinguished guests along with our wonderful team, volunteers, supporters and donors who helped bring this dream to life.

From our CEO, Mandy:
“Today marks a significant milestone for our organisation – one that allows us to support more families than ever before. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped us on the journey to opening this wonderful facility.”

As always, we celebrated in true Rānui style – with cake, cuppas, and heartfelt connection.❤

Thank you to everyone who stands with us in this mission. Because of you, families facing tough times can find strength, support, and a place to call home.❤❤❤

11/02/2025

Happy 32nd Birthday, Rānui House!

Today, we’re celebrating 32 incredible years of providing a home-away-from-home for patients and their families. From humble beginnings to becoming a lifeline for thousands, Rānui House has been a place of comfort, care, and connection.

A trip down memory lane:
❤1990 - The Trust was established to fundraise for New Zealand's first Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and and to build accommodation for patients and their families
❤1991 - The Bone Marrow Transplant unit opened in Christchurch Hospital (we raised over $1m!)
❤1993 – Rānui House opened its doors at #1 Cambridge Terrace opposite Christchurch Hospital with just 6 apartments welcoming families needing a place to stay while receiving medical treatment.
❤1995 - Rānui House grew to 9 apartments to accommodate demand for patient and family accommodation
❤2008 - Another major expansion brought us to 26 apartments - Big Rānui opened adding another 18 apartments - we now had Little Rānui (the original House) and Big Rānui enabling us to accept patients of all treatment types and all ages (not just Bone Marrow Transplant patients)
❤2024 - Rānui Apartments opened adding 43 more apartments and ensuring we never have to turn a family away again! We now have 69 apartments available every night for patients and their whānau

And yes, we will of course be having a birthday party this afternoon and cake to celebrate! Stay tuned - we’ll share photos of all the fun later today!

Thank you to our incredible supporters, volunteers, and donors who make this all possible. Here’s to many more years of providing a place to call home!

28/11/2024

Exciting news! TVNZ's Breakfast Show featured a story on the brand-new Rānui Apartments!
Catch a glimpse of how these apartments will make a difference for families. Watch it here: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/breakfast/episodes/s2024-e214❤❤❤

26/11/2024

Our grateful thanks to the team at The Press for the coverage in this morning's edition, and to Georgia and Shay for sharing their story ❤❤❤❤❤

Georgia Williams slept on the hospital floor for a week when her husband was first admitted.

26/11/2024

It's official - Rānui Apartments is open and welcoming patients and families❤❤❤

13/11/2024

Exciting News! Rānui Apartments will open on 25 November! We’ll now be able to welcome even more patients and their families who need a home-away-from-home when they must travel to Christchurch for what is often life-saving medical treatment. This milestone means that, together, we’ll never have to turn a family away again. Thank you to everyone who is supporting us on this journey! ❤❤❤

11/11/2024

We’re thrilled to introduce two wonderful additions to the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust family! As we prepare to open the doors of Rānui Apartments, we’re excited to welcome Abhi, our new House Manager, and Darin, who joins us in Housekeeping and Maintenance.

Abhi and Darin bring warmth, dedication, and a wealth of experience to our mission of supporting families and patients in their times of need. Their roles are essential as we expand to accommodate even more families, ensuring each stay at Rānui House and Apartments feels like a home-away-from-home.

Please join us in giving Abhi and Darin a big warm welcome as we embark on this new chapter together! ❤❤❤