Every year, thousands of New Zealanders are diagnosed with breast cancer, touching the lives of families, friends and communities across the country. Now, Kiwi stars Petra Bagust, Antonia Prebble and Ben Barrington are lending their voices to Breast Cancer Cure (BCC), sharing the personal reasons behind their support and why funding research matters.
From losing loved ones to supporting friends through treatment, each ambassador has their own story – but they’re united by the same hope: a future where breast cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively and fewer families have to experience its devastating impact.
Petra Bagust
Broadcaster & podcaster, 54
How did you become a BCC ambassador?
I was involved with BCC early on. I remember doing a shoot for them over 23 years ago, while I was pregnant with my daughter Venetia. Somehow that little photoshoot was the beginning of a relationship that’s lasted more than two decades.
What keeps you coming back?
The need hasn’t gone away, but the science has moved forward enormously. When I started, we imagined there might be one silver-bullet cure, but I’ve learnt that cancer is much more complex than that. What gives me hope is seeing the research translate into earlier detection, better treatments and more people surviving breast cancer. That progress is extraordinary and I want to keep backing it.
You’ve had a couple of close friends who’ve been through breast cancer over the past year. How have you supported them?
By being emotionally available and a safe person to process it with. Sometimes that means listening, sending a message or making them laugh. It’s also not assuming I know what they’re feeling or need. Everyone’s experience is different.
What’s your best advice for supporting someone with breast cancer?
Don’t disappear because you don’t know what to say. Make specific offers of support, listen without trying to fix everything, and acknowledge pain and difficulty. In my work as a media chaplain, we call this the “ministry of presence”.
To quote blogger Cassandra Speer, “Sometimes the most loving thing we can say is, ‘This sucks,’ and, ‘I’m here.’”
Ben Barrington
Shortland Street actor, 49
How has breast cancer affected you personally?
I lost a much-loved aunt to breast cancer. She was only 52 years old when she passed and our family was deeply affected. Her loss emphasised the importance of breast health for the other women in my family.
How did you support your aunt?
Her journey was challenging as she went in and out of remission over many years. She faced each day with courage, determined to experience and appreciate everything she could. Our family was there to help her do that.
What’s the most shocking thing you’ve learnt about breast cancer?
It’s alarming and heartbreaking that initial symptoms are often ignored. Early detection through mammograms dramatically increases survival outcomes and successful treatment, so it’s vital that early warning signs are identified and jumped on.
Why did you become a BCC ambassador?
As well as so many women, every year, a small number of men are diagnosed with breast cancer and BCC wanted to acknowledge this. I’d already been a BCC supporter through its Tees for a Cure campaign, so it was an easy decision to jump on board.
What’s your fave tee this year?
You can never go wrong with Zambesi. The design is a simple but bold take on a pink heart.
Antonia Prebble
Actress & podcaster, 42
Why is this cause so important to you?
The rates of breast cancer in New Zealand are shocking. Around 3700 women are diagnosed every year – one every three hours – and one in nine Kiwi women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. But we also know that research makes an incredible difference to survival and treatment, so there’s real hope in those statistics too.
How has it affected you personally?
Sadly, I know lots of people who’ve had breast cancer. Some have survived and some, devastatingly, haven’t.
Why did you become a BCC ambassador?
My friend Jaquie Brown asked me! I already loved the organisation and what it stood for, so it was a quick, easy yes from me. After her own breast cancer journey, I’m delighted Jaquie is now back on board as an ambassador, so it feels really special to be on the team with her.
What’s the best thing about being a BCC ambassador?
Being part of Allyson Gofton’s new cookbook Give: Seasonal Recipes For Gifting. It features beautiful recipes designed to be given to other people and also raises money for breast cancer research.
Do you have a fave fundraising tee this year?
I love Federation’s design. It feels strong and feminine, and that’s fitting.
Breast Cancer Cure’s 11th Tees for a Cure campaign kicks off on Thursday.
Order your T-shirt at breastcancercure.org.nz.
