Go Dry This July for Cancer Support

Media Release: 12 May

There’s nothing more sobering than cancer: Go Dry This July for Cancer Support

Registrations for 2026 are now open

Every 22 minutes, another New Zealander hears the devastating news they have cancer. In July alone, more than 2,200 Kiwis will be diagnosed.

That’s why we Dry July.

Your mum, dad, sister, friend, colleague, aunty, uncle, every New Zealander knows someone affected by cancer. This year, we’re asking you to show up for them and go alcohol-free for 31 days this July to raise money for life-changing cancer care across New Zealand.

“The emotional and mental toll of cancer often goes unseen, despite most New Zealanders being directly or indirectly impacted,” says Clare O’Higgins, Cancer Support New Zealand. “That’s why it’s important we show up, not just in words, but in action.”

Cancer support services help people navigate their lives after a diagnosis. To run, these services rely on public donations.

Dry July 2026 is officially open for registrations, and New Zealanders are being urged to sign up, go alcohol-free for a month and raise funds to provide non-medical support for people close to them, fighting cancer. This year’s message from Dry July is that there is nothing more powerful than showing up for others: think about your own personal connection to cancer and register for them.

Dry July raises funds for three frontline cancer charities: Cancer Support New Zealand, Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand, and Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation | PINC & STEEL. These organisations provide free cancer support sessions, rehabilitation classes, counselling, and community support that help people rebuild their confidence and find their footing following diagnosis.

These services are vital, often overlooked, but make the most life-changing impact. Every Dry July registration and donation help those affected by cancer. One month alcohol-free is a modest act in the face of their much greater struggle.

People can participate in Dry July as individuals or as a workplace team and seek sponsorship. Dry July raised more than $700,000 last year, and since it launched in New Zealand in 2012, more than 61,000 people have taken part, raising more than $10 million to support cancer patients, their whānau and carers.

Giving up alcohol is a small sacrifice for someone facing cancer. Act for your health, and theirs.

Dry July has been the ultimate alcohol-free challenge since 2012, raising funds for tens of thousands of New Zealanders living with cancer. Through the generous efforts of participants, more than 170 projects have been funded, providing comfort and care for those affected by cancer.

Do it for your dad, your sister, your best mate, your colleague. Do it for someone you love.

Take up the challenge and Go Dry this July. Register today www.dryjuly.co.nz

For updates, follow Dry July on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

ENDS

About Dry July
The Dry July campaign challenges people to give up alcohol for the month of July and raise funds for New Zealanders affected by cancer.  People can participate as individuals or set up a workplace team. Participants are encouraged to seek sponsorship or purchase golden tickets, to have a day off going dry, for special occasions.

Dry July started in Australia in 2008, when three mates decided to abstain from alcohol for a month to raise money for a cause close to their hearts. Hoping to raise $3,000 to buy a TV for their local hospital’s waiting room, the initial campaign was a huge success and ended up raising over $250,000.

Cancer Support New Zealand

Free, practical, non-medical support for people facing cancer, at every stage. Supporting the everyday experience, helping manage the visible and invisible effects, finding connection, and gently rebuilding confidence, identity and a sense of self. Cancer Support NZ provides in-community classes and more than 20 online programmes and resources for the everyday effects of cancer, from changes in appearance to emotional, physical and confidence shifts. Expert Q&As, podcasts and on-demand videos are available too, offering support whenever it is needed.

PINC & STEEL

PINC & STEEL have been leaders in cancer rehabilitation in New Zealand since 2005 and aided over 4,500 cancer patients in the past year alone. With certified oncology physiotherapists, PINC & STEEL provide tailored physical, emotional, and social support to maximise recovery and enhance future wellbeing. The individualised and group programmes, which span from Kaitaia to Invercargill, include Next Steps, Targeted, and PaddleOn. Dry July funding supports these group classes.

Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand
The Prostate Cancer Foundation represents anyone impacted by prostate cancer, advocating on their behalf for improved standards of care, funding NZ-based research, and providing a diverse portfolio of free in-person and remote support services to helping them not just survive, but thrive, at any stage of their journey. The Foundation is there for them, their family and whānau, when they need it the most, with emotional and physical support. Thanks to Dry July, we are able to meet the growth in demand for our round-the-clock counselling service and Prost-FIT tailored exercise classes.

Media enquiries
For more information or to arrange an interview with a Dry July NZ Trust spokesperson please contact:
Amy McWhannell
Wright Communications
0274 889 460
amy@wrightcommunications.co.nz