An event taking place next week will help raise awareness of ovarian cancer, New Zealand’s most deadly gynaecological cancer.

The afternoon tea next Friday (March 21, at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre) will also help raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand.

The foundation funds research, provides support and raises awareness of ovarian cancer.

Event organiser Isabell Sinclair said the guest speaker at the event would be foundation’s own Ele Ludemann.

“She is a farmer from North Otago whose daughter set up the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand,” Isabell told the Wānaka App.

Attendees can expect to learn from Ele, enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea, and take part in a raffle.

Isabell said the support from local businesses and individuals in donating to the raffle had been "absolutely fantastic”.

“Everyone I approached willingly and generously gave to the cause,” she said.

Among the prizes are a three-day pass to Wheels at Wānaka (worth $330); a framed, original watercolour painting by Janice Milburn; and vouchers for a range of local businesses.

People who cannot attend the afternoon tea can still purchase raffle tickets ($5 each) at the Hāwea Store & Kitchen and the Hāwea Hotel; they can also make a donation via the QR code.

Isabell said she created the event after receiving an email last month which notified her it was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Ovarian cancer is not detected by cervical screening.

The event is “all about raising awareness”, Isabell said.

The ‘Show Up for women with ovarian cancer’ event will take place on Friday (March 21), from 1pm-2pm, at the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.

Entry is by donation; please RSVP to 0212672936 by Wednesday March 19.

Check for symptoms of ovarian cancer here.

PHOTO: Supplied