Friends of slain Kiwi in shock

Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman said survival rates and access to cancer drugs in New Zealand was similar to elsewhere in the OECD, ‘‘despite what you might hear from Government critics’’.

In 2012, New Zealand recorded 210 cancer deaths per 100,000 population, below the UK’s rate of 226 but above the Australian and US rates of 193.

New Zealand’s ageing population is expected to see cancer incidence continue to increase in coming years.

There are around 63 new cancer cases registered in New Zealand every day, so new cancer service infrastructure was essential in the face of growing cancer rates, English said.

The latest technology and treatments will diagnose and treat all adult cancers. The centre won’t treat children.

Patients from anywhere in New Zealand can line up, but the focus is on providing extra resources to support cancer patients locally.

Costs are worked out case by case, and would depend on what drugs were used, site manager Darien Montgomerie said.

‘‘Some of the newer monoclonal antibodies are under $10,000, but some are a lot cheaper than that. Some of the chemotherapies that have been around for years are very, very cheap.’’

Icon Group medical director Dr Ian Irving said Icon’s mission was to deliver the best cancer treatment possible, to as many people as possible, as close to home as possible. ‘‘The new Bowen Icon Cancer Centre in Wellington offers world class care. This is something that local New Zealand residents deserve.’’ A Kiwi who was fatally shot in a Philippines street was known by his New Zealand neighbours as a good man.

Simon Rawlinson, 63, of Hamilton, was shot by a man riding in tandem on a motorcycle in Naval, a city on the island of Biliran, on Wednesday afternoon (NZ time). A suspect has been arrested.

Rawlinson’s Hamilton neighbours, who did not want to be named, said he had been in the Philippines since September last year, and was due back in Hamilton last week but had delayed his return until September.

They described Rawlinson as a good man and a very good neighbour.

‘‘He was a good tradesman, he liked boats and was building one in his shed in Hamilton. He always looked after his neighbours, and often looked in on his elderly neighbour who was blind and deaf,’’ the neighbours said.

Rawlinson had been living on and off in the Philippines for about six or seven years.

‘‘He loved the country, he loved the warm weather, and in a recent email said it was hard work being in shorts and a singlet in 33 degree weather.’’

New Zealand authorities were working to confirm the reports of the shooting.

Earlier on Wednesday, Naval mayor Gerard Espina offered a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the man’s killers.

Local news reports claimed one of the people on the motorcycle was arrested.

Rawlinson was reported to be living on the island of Maripipi. A local police officer said Rawlinson lived in a house on the seashore on the island, which was now under police guard.

Because there was no ATM on Maripipi, it was not unusual for Rawlinson to go to Biliran island to withdraw cash and buy goods, the police officer said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) confirmed it was aware of reports a New Zealand citizen had been killed, and the embassy in Manila was in contact with Philippines authorities. Because of privacy reasons, MFAT was unable to comment further.

MFAT’s Safe Travel website has warnings in place for the Philippines. It states: ‘‘Violent crime (including gun crime) and petty crime continue to be a serious concern in the Philippines.’’

Other warnings advise of the risk of terrorism and kidnapping of foreigners.