Patient and Caregiver Meeting 2026
hamilton, Sunday 17th May 2026
Welcome Message
Kia ora koutou, nau mai haere mai.
It is our pleasure to welcome you to Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) for the Brain Tumour Support NZ Patient and Caregiver Meeting on Sunday, 17th May 2026.
The meeting will be held at the Bryant Education Centre, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton from 10:30AM to 12:30PM followed by a light lunch.
Guest speaker will be world-renowned radiation oncologist Dr Rakesh Jalali (Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, India).
Join us for a morning of information, interaction and connection. Meet other brain tumour patients and family members, as well as the top clinicians and researchers in the field.
Attendance is free but registration is essential. Register here or at the link below.
We wish to acknowledge the support of the NZ Aotearoa Neuro-Oncology Society (NANOS) in holding this event.
See you in Hamilton!
Sarah Verran
Chief Executive
In association with
Keynote Speaker
Dr Rakesh Jalali, MBBS, MD (Radiotherapy), FRCP (Edin)
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, India
Dr. Rakesh Jalali is an internationally acclaimed Radiation and Neuro-Oncologist and a key opinion leader. He is renowned for his pioneering work in high-precision radiotherapy techniques, including Proton Therapy, Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Dr. Jalali developed the highly respected Neuro-Oncology unit at Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) and was instrumental in founding the Indian Society of Neuro-Oncology (ISNO). His research, published in leading global journals, has significantly influenced cancer treatment philosophies, particularly in Neuro-Oncology and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Dr. Jalali, renowned Neuro-oncologist in Chennai is also deeply committed to patient welfare, having founded the Brain Tumour Foundation of India.
Draft Programme
Sunday, 17th May 2026
10:00 - 10:30 AM Registration
10:30 - 10:35 AM Welcome and Introductions
10:35 - 10:40 AM Opening Remarks - Sarah Gibb, Chair, Brain Tumour Support NZ
10:40 - 11:00 AM An Update on Brain Tumour Support NZ - Sarah Verran, Chief Executive, Brain Tumour Support NZ
11:00 - 11:40 AM Keynote Address: “Emerging paradigms in neuro oncology in the coming decade” - Dr Rakesh Jalali, India
11:40 - 12:00 PM Patient Speaker - to be confirmed
12:00 - 12:20 PM Patient Speaker - to be confirmed
12:20 - 12:30 PM Closing Remarks
12:30 - 1:15 PM Light lunch and networking time
Attendance is free but registration is required.