Auckland DHB has become the latest to join the National Bowel Screening Programme.
Auckland City Hospital. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
The programme offers free regular bowel health checks for people aged between 60 and 74.
Auckland DHB joins Waitematā and Counties Manukau DHBs in offering the service.
Health Minister Andrew Little said achieving access to bowel screening for the highest risk group across Auckland was a "great milestone".
"We're now close to three quarters of the way to achieving our goal of nationwide coverage by the end of next year. That's worth marking," he said.
"This programme is already saving hundreds of lives a year, it will save thousands more over years to come."
Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer, and a leading cause of death in New Zealand.
"Getting tested every two years means there's a better chance of catching any problems quickly. If we catch and treat your bowel cancer early, you have a 90 perpent chance of long term survival," Little said.
"It's not a perfect programme, but it is a very good one and we will find ways to make it better."