A new mobile BreastScreen Aotearoa unit, inspired by Papatūānuku, will make breast screening more accessible for the 70,820 women aged between 45 and 69 in our area.
Papatūānuku is the kaitiaki encouraging wāhine to get screened. She is shown watching over the whenua with a Huia and Tuatara perched on her shoulders which enhance her mana, her age and presence.
“Papatūānuku in te ao Māori is the earth mother,” says designer Bridgette Keil, Ngāti Tamaterā. “[She’s] the connection between the physical and the spiritual, representing sustenance, strength and unit.”
“Having Papatūānuku depicted within the design, creates an immediate sense of care and aroha. It is a safe and private space where you will be treated with manaaki and respect.
“If you’re a woman aged 45 to 69, especially Māori, we encourage you to take advantage of the new mobile unit, but more importantly have a mammogram every two years to ensure that any changes are picked up early.”
The areas the unit will be visiting include: Avondale, Onehunga, Lynfield, Mt Albert, Otāhuhu, Mt Wellington, Glen Innes, Waiheke and Mt Roskill. Book by phoning 0800 270 200 or visiting timetoscreen.nz().
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