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Meet the Rangatahi Advisory Group

In 2019, the AYA Cancer Rangatahi Advisory Group was formed. This group represents 20 amazing and diverse young people from across New Zealand who have had a diagnosis of cancer. They volunteer and dedicate their time to share their own lived experience and help shape the future cancer care for all young people with cancer.

The Network is committed to empowering this group to; influence and provide valuable contribution to the work and issues in AYA cancer in partnership with stakeholders, to better inform service provision, strategy, quality improvement initiatives and equitable access to high- quality medical and supportive care regardless of location.

See below to meet the incredible young people committed to the AYA Cancer cause.

Esthers story

Esther - Co-Chair

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Mackenzie - Co-Chair

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Samsara

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Amur

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Toihi

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Lillie

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Quinn

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Mikyla

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Nic

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Evie

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Rylee

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Taiaroa

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Kylah-Jay

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Ethan

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Keelin

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Eden

Mackenzie

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Kia ōra, my name is MacKenzie, I was born in Lower Hutt but raised in Dunedin. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma (stage 3) in August 2014 and after some ups and downs I have managed to come out the other side, hitting my ‘5-year post treatment’ mark on the 17th of August 2022

After this experience I knew I wanted to be involved in helping those who had gone through, or are going through, a similar journey to mine. AYA allows me to contribute my experiences, what helped what didn’t, so that future young people who are facing their own battle with cancer have some insight into what to expect from someone who was in a similar time of their lives as they are.

I love to draw and paint, but I am also an avid reader, anything from sci-fi to fantasy to manga. I tend to be a bit of a collector of hobbies, if something seems fun I might do it a year and then move on. I was collecting crystals, and now I am into candle making.

Samsara

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Kia Ora, Talofa Lava, my name is Samsara Guillemot-Mene, and I am from Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

In March 2021, at 22-years-old, I began my battle with cancer. Following my diagnosis, I undertook surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy and like many others, I quickly learned that your journey does not finish on your last day of treatment. I have joined AYA to connect and work alongside others who have a shared understanding of the impact that this experiences has on both those diagnosed and those around them, and to support others who come to be on this journey also.

I love spending time with my friends and family, connecting with new people and experiencing different cultures. I am also currently completing my post-graduate studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha I University of Canterbury, training as a Child and Family Psychologist.

Mikyla

At 21 years old, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). After undergoing four rounds of intense chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor in Germany, I reached remission. I am about to celebrate my 2 year transplant anniversary which has been a huge goal in my recovery.

I am a member of the AYA Consumer Advisory Board, where members with lived cancer experience dedicate their time to ensuring all young New Zealanders diagnosed with cancer will have equitable access to high quality medical and supportive care regardless of where they live, their age or ethnicity.

I now work for the New Zealand Blood Service where I use my experience as a blood product receipient to encourage others to donate blood. I am always looking for ways to get involved in improving AYA cancer treatment across Aotearoa.

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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.