Southlander Blair Vining’s petition for better cancer care for all New Zealanders was presented to Parliament today.

Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker said he received the petition with more than 140,000 signatures last month alongside National’s Health spokesperson Michael Woodhouse at Mr Vining’s final farewell in Invercargill.

The petition requests a National Cancer Agency to address New Zealand’s cancer death rates and provide better cancer care for all New Zealanders.

“Blair is a young Southland father of two who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October last year. He made a bucket list of things he wanted to achieve before dying," Mr Walker said.

Mr Vining had only one item remaining on his bucket list, which was a call on the Government to establish an independent national cancer agency that would save lives across New Zealand if implemented, Mr Walker said.

“Blair has terminal cancer and while it is too late for him, his selfless act of achieving better cancer care for all New Zealanders will ensure his legacy lives on and prevent heartache for many other Kiwi families.”

Mr Walker said he would endeavour to do all he could to make sure Mr Vining got his final wish and that his petition changed cancer care in this country.

"He is an inspiration to all New Zealanders.”