Christchurch father denied funded cancer drug because tumour started in bowel, not his breast
A New Zealand father is struggling to access funded cancer treatment because his specific diagnosis does not meet the narrow criteria for government support. His family is now seeking private funding and overseas options to continue his care.
Why it matters
The case highlights systemic issues in healthcare funding and the challenges patients face when navigating rigid medical bureaucracy.
Mike Hrynkewycz thought he had pulled something painting the house. A week later, scans found tumours in his brain, lungs and his bowel.
The Christchurch father of two, who is in his 40s, has since had two brain surgeries, whole brain radiation, months of chemotherapy and a stoma fitted. His next treatment will cost his family about $17,000 a month.
That drug is funded in New Zealand hospitals. Mike cannot get it funded, because his cancer began in his bowel and not his breast.
His wife Harriet has started a Givealittle page to keep him in treatment, and the family is now looking at options overseas.
The back pain had not gone away. On the evening of 11 September 2025, Mike had a focal seizure down his right side and lost all sensation in his leg. Harriet was out. His mother was at the house and called an ambulance.
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