IHI A RANGI- the force of the spiritual realm underlying physical health, healing, and wellbeing.


NZBTT- Here to Help- CARE & CURE

The New Zealand Brain Tumour Trust aims to make a real and positive difference to the lives of people of all ages diagnosed with a brain tumour.


We believe in the importance of happy memories.


We believe in helping patients, family and whanau.

We believe in making progress in understanding and caring for people with brain tumours.

Our Logo

Our logo, image and kupu “Ihi a Rangi” embody the mission and the vision of the New Zealand Brain Tumour Trust. The threat of a tumour in this very tapu part of the body engenders distress, sickness and despair. “Ihi a Rangi” is the force of the spiritual realm which underlies physical health and wellbeing. Through our manaaki and care, patients and their whanau will be supported from the time of diagnosis, by meeting and knowing others who have been on a similar journey. This whanaungatanga or kinship is central to ensuring the journey is experienced with a dignity that strengthens both patient and their whanau. The generosity of those who donate money, time, and experience, the mana ki te tangata, underpins this manaakitanga. Furthermore, targeting funds to brain tumour research brings the promise of better therapies and care, even cure, in the future.

We are indebted to Wairangi Jones, Pou Matua of Tutira Mai NZ Cultural Consultancy (tutiramai.co.nz) who shared his expertise and mana with our Board, and made this taonga possible.


We are grateful also to Hine Forsyth of Otepoti

Treaty of Waitangi Consultancy Service.

The image was designed by New Zealander,

musician, educator, and past Trustee,

Adon Moskal.  We are sincerely grateful.


 He aha te mea nui o te ao   (What is most important in the world)

 He tangata, he tangata, he tangata



About Brain Tumours


Why we have used tumour instead of cancer?


While cancer refers to malignant tumours, the Trust wants to recognise the importance of benign, malignant and metastatic brain tumours.


Tumour derives from the Latin word for ‘swelling’ and these days it is used for neoplastic growths- that is, a swelling that derives from the growth of new cells. Many benign and malignant tumours are known to arise in the brain. Many more tumours  spread (metastasize) to the brain from other sites, such as the breast, prostate or colon.


Because the brain is contained in a rigid skull any extra abnormal new growth in the brain, can cause problems through pressure on vital structures. Even benign tumours therefore can cause significant problems in the brain.