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Complementary Therapy

"I wanted to make sure I was doing everything I could to take care of my body during treatment"
AYA patient

Printable Resources

We recommended the New Zealand book Complementary Therapies for Cancer by Professor Shaun Holt.
This resource contains evidence-based advice on many complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage and mind-body interventions like meditation, yoga and hypnosis.
It examines the effectiveness of herbal remedies including St John’s Wort and ginger, and examines many commonly used therapies which are unlikely to help, or can even cause harm.

What are complementary therapies? (UK)

Understanding complementary therapies (Australia)

Cancer and Complementary Therapies (UK)

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NZ)

Support Directory

Dove House | Services – Dove Hospice & Wellness

Ministry-funded rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing) providers can be found here:
www.health.govt.nz/our-work/populations/maori-health/rongoa-maori-traditional-maori-healing

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Heidi Watson

The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .

Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.

Cristal Salatas

Cristal 2025

Cristal Salatas is the Research & Data Lead for the AYA Cancer Network. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, specialising in Perinatal Sciences. Her research utilises Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse the spatial, nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic determinants of preterm birth risk across New Zealand. Cristal’s research bridges spatial epidemiology, GeoAI-driven risk modelling, and public health policy, ensuring that geospatial insights translate into actionable healthcare solutions.

Cristal has also conducted cancer research at her alma mater (University of Florida), where she developed a successful killing assay for glioblastoma multiforme. Now, she will build on that foundation by leading research and data efforts to support adolescents and young adults facing cancer across Aotearoa.