long lunch
Long lunch, lasting impact
We look forward to bringing you another afternoon of
connection, conversation, and contribution
as we raise funds to support research and ultimately find a cure for ovarian cancer.
Where
JW Marriott, Auckland
When
Friday, October 16th, 2026 at 12:30pm
Please arrive from 12:15pm for a prompt start
Why
Come together for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and contribution as we raise funds to support research and ultimately find a cure for ovarian cancer.
In 2025 we hosted the inaugural OCFNZ Long Lunch. Alongside an incredible community of supporters we learned about the realities women with ovarian cancer face, and why investing in research is vital to improve outcomes for wāhine.
On the day, over $90,000 was raised specifically to fund ovarian cancer research in Aotearoa, and this October we hope to raise even more!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the people in the room last year, OCFNZ was able to fund extra research projects last year, and is gearing up to support more ovarian cancer research than ever this year. In 2025 we awarded one major grant, and in 2026 we have been able to commit to two major grants, and with your support we could fund even more in the future.
The Long Lunch will be hosted at the JW Marriott in the Auckland CBD and will include a generous three course meal, a special welcome drink, inspiring speakers, and the opportunity to bid on premium auction items.
Tickets are available now, $229 for an individual or $2,290 for a table of 10)
Meet Ruby
We were honored to have ovarian cancer advocate Ruby Smith attend the Long Lunch in 2025, and are incredibly saddened to share that she passed away just months later in February 2026.
Ruby was diagnosed with mucinous ovarian cancer in 2023. A cyst was first spotted while she was pregnant with her third child, but doctors opted not to investigate until after her son was born. During that time Ruby’s “cyst” ruptured and testing confirmed that it was not a cyst, but ovarian cancer. Stage 3.
Ruby was a passionate advocate both for herself and other women. She educated herself on treatment options and tried everything she could, including travelling as far as Japan for immunotherapy, to give herself the best chance to be there to watch her children grow up. But the options that she needed to save her life just don’t exist yet, a glaring reminder why investment in research isn’t just important, it’s essential!
“Treatment options are outdated… So we need more research. We need more access to funding. Ultimately, women are paying the price.”
– Ruby Smith
Our generous sponsors and donors
Our 2025 event
Over 170 people turned up ready to make a difference. There were tears, laughter, and some very competitive bidding, with MC Mary Lambie and auctioneer Shane Cortese keeping the energy high from start to finish.
One of the most memorable moments came when Erin Bassett, a woman living with low-grade serous ovarian cancer, received a standing ovation after sharing her story during a panel discussion with researcher Dr Alicia Didsbury and medical oncologist Dr Rosalie Stevens. Erin’s honesty and courage left many in the room visibly moved as she spoke about the years of misdiagnoses, the devastating impact of treatment that left her in menopause and infertile, and the ongoing uncertainty of living with a cancer that has a high recurrence rate.
Erin shared, “It was such an honour and privilege to be involved in the OCFNZ Long Lunch and share my story. It was one of the most powerful moments of my life. To have the opportunity to speak out, raise awareness, and fight for more research funding felt like turning pain into purpose, for myself, and for every woman impacted by this disease.”
The generosity in the room was extraordinary, with some auction items selling for up to $13,000. In total, the event raised over $90,000 through live and silent auctions and donations, an incredible result that will directly support ovarian cancer research.
We can’t wait to see what we can achieve in 2026!