Bowel screening is offered for free every 2 years to people aged 58 to 74 years who live in the following regions:
- Northland
- Auckland (including Counties Manukau and Waitematā)
- South Island.
It is available to people aged 60 to 74 years who live in other parts of New Zealand.
From late March 2026, the lower starting age of 58 will be in place throughout the country.
It aims to save lives by detecting bowel cancer at an early stage when it can often be successfully treated.
This is an invitation-based screening programme and is available nationwide.
The screening test is quick and simple to do by yourself at home.
Bowel screening is for people who don’t have any symptoms of bowel cancer. If you have any bowel symptoms which concern you, please talk to your doctor straight away.
For further information go to timetobowelscreen.nz, free phone 0800 924 432, or talk to your doctor.