TVNZ Journalist Indira Stewart Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Urges Women to Get Checked
- TVNZ journalist and broadcaster Indira Stewart revealed on September 17, 2026, that she has been undergoing treatment for Grade 3 breast cancer since January 2026.
- Stewart stated that much of her year had been spent at home undergoing medical care, describing the months following her diagnosis as a complete blur.
- Stewart managed to keep her illness largely private, hiding the physical toll from certain friends and family members who learned of her condition through her public announcement.
TVNZ journalist and broadcaster Indira Stewart revealed on September 17, 2026, that she has been undergoing treatment for Grade 3 breast cancer since January 2026. The 41-year-old Tongan-Fijian journalist disclosed her diagnosis through a social media post, sharing photographs taken just days before she started chemotherapy, which commenced two weeks after her initial diagnosis in January 2026.
A Private Battle Behind the News Desk
Stewart stated that much of her year had been spent at home undergoing medical care, describing the months following her diagnosis as a complete blur.
Masking the Physical Toll in Public View
Stewart managed to keep her illness largely private, hiding the physical toll from certain friends and family members who learned of her condition through her public announcement. When appearing in public, she used false eyelashes, drew on eyebrows, and utilized cold-capping treatment to preserve approximately half of her hair volume.
A Celebrated Career Rooted in Pasifika Heritage
Stewart has worked at TVNZ since 2020, serving as an in-depth multimedia reporter and previously presenting news programmes including Breakfast and the midday news. Her Tongan and Fijian heritage has frequently shaped her storytelling and public profile. In 2026, she earned the Le Mana Pacific Award for Pasifika journalism at the New Zealand media awards for the third consecutive year, following previous wins in 2024 and 2025.
Navigating Radical Surgery and Early Menopause
The treatment required significant and unexpected physical changes for someone of her age, including early menopause and a mastectomy.
Despite these hurdles, Stewart expressed a positive outlook on her procedure, stating on social media, I got a new boob and I LOVE IT,
as quoted by Stuff.
An Urgent Health Plea and Industry-Wide Support
Alongside her personal update, Stewart issued a direct health appeal for women and families to prioritize routine screenings.
This is a reminder to get checked fam, get your mammogram if you’re eligible and don’t put it off,
Stewart wrote.
Following her disclosure, colleagues and prominent figures offered public support on social media, including 1News anchor Melissa Stokes, Olympian Dame Valerie Adams, and Coast radio host Toni Street. Stewart noted that while the medical road remains long, she feels fortunate and grateful as she continues her ongoing treatment schedule.