A guide to haematology and blood disorders

Harbour Cancer & Wellness is home to one of New Zealand’s most specialised private haematology centres. 

With four dedicated haematologists and a fully integrated wellness program, we offer highly personalised care across a full spectrum of conditions such as non-malignant blood disorders; anaemia and iron deficiency, to complex blood disorders, like leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and bone marrow diseases. 

We combine our haematology care with a holistic wellness program, integrating cutting-edge treatment with supportive therapies like physiotherapy, nutrition, psychological support, and more - we always aim for the best long-term outcomes.

Located in Auckland on the North Shore and in Newmarket, with convenient access, private clinics, and affiliation with major insurers, we make specialised care accessible and seamless.

What we treat: From common blood disorders to advanced haematological cancers

Our haematology treatments and services cover a wide range of blood conditions and cancers, including:

• Blood cancers

• Myeloproliferative & myelodysplastic disorders

• Non-malignant blood disorders

• Clotting and haemostasis issues

We accept referrals for any suspected blood disorder, whether benign or malignant, and provide comprehensive diagnostics, treatment, and long-term follow-up for patients.

Our expert haematologists - Specialists in every blood disorder area

At Harbour Cancer & Wellness, our haematologists cover the full spectrum of blood-related disorders and cancers:

• Dr Rory Bennett: Malignant and non-malignant blood disorders, with a special interest in lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and myeloma.

• Dr Leanne Berkahn: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, CLL, myeloma, chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), and myeloproliferative disorders.

• Dr Anna Elinder-Camburn: Myeloproliferative disorders, myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and lymphoproliferative disorders.

• Dr Tom Sapsford: Malignant blood disorders like myeloma, lymphoma, myeloproliferative disease, CML, CLL, as well as non-malignant conditions such as haemochromatosis, abnormal blood cell counts, and selected thrombosis cases (DVT/PE).  

Types of blood disorders we treat and how we treat them

At Harbour, we treat blood disorders, from common conditions, to complex haematological (blood) cancers. 

Blood cancers include leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), and lymphoproliferative disorders.

These cancers may be defined by abnormal blood cell growth, function, and/or proliferation.

How we treat blood disorders

We provide:

• Advanced diagnostic testing

• Targeted therapies

• Chemotherapy

• Immunotherapy

• Antibody-based treatments

• Access to clinical trials

Treatment plans are highly individualised to support both the cancer control and the long-term quality of life. 

How we treat myeloproliferative & myelodysplastic disorders (disorders of bone marrow affecting blood cell production)

These conditions arise when the bone marrow produces too many, too few, or abnormal blood cells.

Management may include:

• Medication to regulate blood counts

• Targeted treatments

• Supportive care such as transfusions

• Ongoing monitoring to track changes over time

How we treat non-malignant blood disorders

These include disorders of red blood cells, iron overload or deficiency (e.g. haemochromatosis), abnormal blood counts, anaemia, thrombosis, clotting / bleeding disorders.

Treatment focuses on:

• Correcting deficiencies

• Removing excess iron

• Managing symptoms

• Investigating underlying causes

Our team ensures the right investigations are done early to guide effective, personalised care.

How we treat clotting and haemostasis issues (thrombosis (DVT/PE), and other coagulation disorders)

These conditions affect how the blood clots, either too much or not enough.

We provide specialised diagnostic testing, anticoagulation management, bleeding-disorder treatment plans, and long-term monitoring to reduce risks and support safer living.

Integrated, patient-centred & supportive care

We believe optimal haematology care goes beyond just lab tests and infusions. At Harbour,  treatment decisions are guided by experienced haematologists who communicate clearly and compassionately, helping patients and their families understand diagnoses and treatment paths.

We recommend and refer patients to complementary wellness services, physiotherapy, dietetics, psychological support, massage, to support overall wellbeing and help manage side-effects of treatment.

We also participate in clinical trials, giving patients access to the latest therapies and treatments that may not yet be available elsewhere in New Zealand.

This multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach has become the hallmark of our care model.

Convenient, private haematology clinics in Auckland

Harbour Cancer & Wellness serves patients across the Auckland region:

• Northern Clinic (North Shore / Wairau Valley): Ideal for residents on Auckland’s North Shore.

• Newmarket Clinic (Central Auckland): Easy access for central Auckland or central-suburb dwellers.

Our clinics are private, comfortable, and designed for specialist blood-disease care, with easy referral pathways, insurance affiliations, and a seamless patient experience.

Get expert haematology care - Contact us for a referral

Read more about referrals or call us on (09) 220 3333 or email hello@harbourcancer.co.nz. We welcome referrals from GPs, specialists, and patients.