Skin Cancer NZ is supporting a petition calling for a ban on commercial sunbeds in New Zealand – and we encourage our members and supporter to add their voices by signing it. The petition, submitted by Madison Keay, calls on the House of Representatives to ban the importation, sale, lease, hire and operation of sunbeds and tanning beds in New Zealand.
Why banning sunbeds matters
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classifies UV radiation from sunbeds as carcinogenic to humans. Evidence shows that sunbed use increases the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, with the risk of melanoma increasing with more frequent use and younger age at first use.
New Zealand has one of the highest skin cancer burdens in the world, and much of this burden is preventable. Reducing exposure to artificial UV radiation is therefore an important part of a comprehensive approach to skin cancer prevention.
Skin Cancer NZ supports a national ban on commercial sunbeds
The Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy, developed by Skin Cancer NZ in collaboration with experts and stakeholders across the sector, identifies an outright ban on sunbeds as one of its 12 practical, evidence-based recommendations for reducing preventable skin cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Australia’s experience demonstrates that a national ban on commercial sunbeds can reduce preventable skin cancer and associated healthcare costs. In New Zealand, sunbed use by people under 18 is prohibited, but sunbeds remain available to adults. Only two of New Zealand’s 67 local territorial authorities have regulations requiring commercial sunbed operators to be licensed, and the national standard for commercial sunbeds is voluntary.
Add your voice
We are asking our members, supporters and everyone who cares about reducing preventable skin cancer to sign the petition.
A national ban would remove unnecessary exposure to a known carcinogen and bring New Zealand into line with a growing body of evidence and international action on sunbeds.
The petition is open for signatures until 30 September 2026.
Sign the petition on the New Zealand Parliament website
Please sign and share the petition with your networks. Every voice adds to the call for stronger action on skin cancer prevention in New Zealand.