Better Breathing Winter Edition 2025
Charity Auction Series Coming Soon!
Contents
Our Team
B E T T E R B R E AT H I N G W I N T E R 2 0 2 5
Chief Executive Letitia Harding
03 Letitia's Message
Deputy Chief Executive, Education & Development Manager Joanna Turner
04 Cough It Up 06 Kia Manawanui Trust 07 Wills Month 08 World Bronchiectasis Day 09 Physiotherapy for Bronchiectasis 10 Friends of the Foundation 12 Blue Shirt Day Wrap-Up 14 Celebrating Language 16 Asthma & Allergies 17
Train the Trainers programme
Individual Giving Fundraising Executive, Office Administrator Christina Goss PR & Comms Marketing Manager Chloe Bradwell Digital Marketing Specialist Sam Treseder Digital Content & Marketing Advisor Jared McOnie Māori Community Liaison Sharon Pihema Community Liaison, Youth Vape Educator Penelope Joyce
19 Asthma Resources
Corporate Sponsorship & Engagement Advisor Annie Mallett
You can also read this magazine online. Just head to issuu.com/betterbreathing
Grants & Fundraising Executive Michaela Tahere
Please recycle this material after use. This material has been printed with vegetable oil-based/mineral-free inks. The paper used comes from sustainable forests.
Thank you to our Friends of the Foundation partners for supporting our ongoing initiatives.
Medical Director Prof. Bob Hancox, BSc, MB CHb, MRCP, MD, FRACP Chief Cultural Advisor – Māori Sir John Clarke, KNZM, CNZM
G O L D PA R T N E R S
S I LV E R PA R T N E R S
B R O N Z E PA R T N E R S
Level 2, 85 The Terrace Wellington 6011 PO Box 1459, Wellington 6140 Thank you to Pub Charity Ltd. for their continued support of the Foundation, allowing us to provide Better Breathing magazine free of charge to the respiratory and healthcare communities.
ph: 0800 100 506 asthmafoundation.org.nz asthmaandrespiratoryfoundation
Letitia's Message I hope that everyone is wrapping up, and is warm and toasty for winter, because we know for many of our whānau this isn’t the case. We still have many homes in New Zealand that do not meet the healthy homes standards, so this is a reminder that from 1 July 2025 all rental properties must comply. The healthy homes standards, which became law on 1 July 2019, introduced minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties because we know that by improving a home’s condition, it prevents respiratory hospitalisations. It is hard to believe that we are now halfway through the year! This year we tried something new for World Asthma Day by introducing the first ‘Blue Shirt Day’. This was a great success for the Foundation, with many teams and individuals getting involved and purchasing a limited edition blue shirt. The Foundation raised $11,819.88 which went towards our vital work. A big thanks to Gildan and C-Force for supplying the t-shirts and to Wools of NZ, our Gold Friends of the Foundation partner, for supporting the printing of these. You can see some of the highlights on page 12. Speaking of Friends of the Foundation, I'd like to give a shout out to all of our wonderful partners. Not only do they support all the mahi we do, but they also align with our values and goals to reduce respiratory disease in New Zealand. As you know, we receive no government funding, so their support is invaluable. If you are an organisation that wishes to be a Friends of the Foundation partner, then please contact Annie Mallett at friends@arfnz.org.nz. Now for some exciting news at head office, we are introducing the Foundation's sister charity, The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust (KMT). The Trust aims to address several major issues facing cardiac care in New Zealand, from long wait times for heart surgeries,
to shortages of cardiologists and surgical teams, and the lack of beds. KMT has a Cardiology Advisory Board led by Dr Sarah Fairley, who is an interventional cardiologist based in Wellington, and is committed to providing leadership and expertise in cardiac health, while also raising public awareness about New Zealand’s heart health services. These advocacy efforts aim to ensure that patient voices are heard, whilst also promoting equitable access to cardiac care, resources and treatments. We believe that by empowering both healthcare professionals and patients, we can significantly improve cardiac health outcomes. Heart and lung health have a huge overlap across a wide range of diseases, so it made sense to utilise our knowledge and expertise in the respiratory space to make positive changes in the heart arena. You can find out more on page 6, and if you would like to donate, please head to our website at www.kmtrust.org.nz. This winter, we are shaking things up a bit and launching our new ‘Cough It Up’ campaign rather than Breathe Better September. This campaign is a new way to raise money and awareness of respiratory illnesses by hosting a range of auctions on Trade Me. You just might find something you are looking for! Check it out on page 4. 2025 is also the biennial year for our eagerly-awaited New Zealand Respiratory Conference. Early bird tickets are currently on sale – but be quick, as tickets are sure to sell out. We have an amazing lineup of speakers, with around 300 in attendance. Now finally, a bit of an update on our vaping education mahi. We are pleased to announce Train the Trainers (TTT). This is New Zealand’s first Train the Trainer programme dedicated to youth vaping education, equipping educators, health professionals, and community leaders with the tools to inform and empower rangatahi and young people.
Letitia Harding
Asthma and Respirator y Foundation NZ Chief Executive
Youth vaping in Aotearoa New Zealand presents an ongoing public health challenge, and this programme is just one of those tools we can use to turn our high rates of youth vaping around. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand has delivered vaping education to over 5000 students in over 60 schools, and now we want to equip local trainers to deliver this programme within their own communities. The 1.5 day course is designed for anyone engaging with young people and their whānau about vaping harms. While primarily delivered in schools, it is also suited for community settings to ensure widespread awareness. Please find out more information on page 17 and register your interest to take part. Of course, this message wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the generous support of our readers, our community funding groups, our donor family, our Friends of the Foundation partners and New Zealanders who share our goal of improving respiratory health in Aotearoa. Thank you for all your support and we look forward to updating you throughout the year on the Foundation's trials and tribulations. Noho ora mai, Letitia
Better Breathing 3
Launching late-July
We all spend. We all scroll. We all look for something worth clicking on. What if it actually made a difference? Cough It Up is a new nationwide campaign, turning donated goods from generous New Zealand businesses, into powerful support for the one million Kiwi living with respiratory disease in New Zealand. From luxury escapes to memorabilia to “why not?” one-offs, we’re auctioning it all on Trade Me. All winter. Cough It Up takes what local businesses already do best – offer great products and services – and puts them to work for a greater good.
No galas. No awkward dinners. No endless donation drives. Really, it’s a win-win. Bid. Win. Give back. Because this winter, your money could do more than just sit in your cart.
Want to donate an item or sponsor the campaign? Get in touch with us at marketing@arfnz.org.nz 4 Better Breathing
Here's a sneak peek at some of the upcoming auctions... The Kids Edition: Luxe Sofa Session with Nee Naw Turn your kids' corner into the envy of every playdate with a luxe mini-sofa, a full signed set of Nee Naw books, and a private sing-along with Deano Yipadee. It’s comfy, catchy, and totally one-of-a-kind – this one is worth every bid. Supported by KING LIVING and DEANO YIPADEE
Valued at $1500. Reserve $500.
The “I Swear I’ll Do The Washing” Pack
Upgrade your laundry game, because let’s face it, your current washer is probably older than your favourite playlist – and this combo spins circles around it (literally). So ‘Cough It Up’ and let this powerhouse duo do the hard work – you just sit back and pretend you’re busy. Supported by WINNING GROUP
Valued at $2000. Reserve $500.
Browse the auctions now at coughitup.org.nz Better Breathing 5
Kia Manawanui Trust –The Heart of Aotearoa A sister charity of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ You already know our family. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ has fought for better lung health for decades. Now, we're fighting for hearts. Every 90 minutes, someone in New Zealand dies from cardiovascular disease. Many of those lives could be saved, but, right now, too many are lost in a broken, under-resourced system. Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa is focused on improving access, equity, and outcomes for New Zealanders living with cardiovascular disease. We’re advocating for more cardiac beds, more trained staff, faster diagnostics, and access to life-saving treatment – because the current system is failing.
Every heart seen, every life valued. Because no one should die waiting. 6 Better Breathing
Lives are being lost - not because we can’t treat heart disease, but because we’re not acting fast enough. We’re here to change that. At Kia Manawanui Trust, we work with leading cardiologists, communities, and decision-makers to push for the investment, staffing, and system-wide change New Zealand urgently needs. We are steadfast. We are focused. We are not waiting. Join us. Back us. Visit www.kmtrust.org.nz or scan the QR code below to head to our website. Follow us @kiamanawanuitrust
Breathe life into the future. Leave a gift in your will. Every breath is a gift. By leaving a gift in your Will to Te Hā Ora the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Charitable Trust, you pass on life, health, and hope to future generations. September is Wills Month, a gentle reminder to review your Will and ensure your values and wishes are up to date. Your legacy will support children with asthma to grow up safe and strong, ensure older people with respiratory illness are not forgotten, and reach communities across the country.
Why include us in your Will? Your values will live on — supporting better breathing for all and reducing hospitalisations. Your impact will grow — fuelling education, research, and leadership in respiratory health. Your generosity will reach those who need it most!
It's easy to get started: 1
Decide on your gift – a percentage, a set amount, or a specific asset.
2
Update your Will – ask your lawyer or adviser to include Te Hā Ora the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Charitable Trust.
3
Talk to your whānau – so they understand and support your wishes.
To request our legacy brochure or chat about how your gift can make a lasting difference, call 0800 100 506. Together, we can build a future where every New Zealander can breathe easy — for life. Better Breathing 7
1 JULY 2025
WORLD BRONCHIECTASIS DAY Bronchiectasis might not be well known, but it’s more common – and more serious – than many people think.
It’s a long-term lung disease where the airways become damaged, making it harder to clear sputum (phlegm/mucus). This can lead to repeated chest infections, a chesty cough that doesn’t go away, and in some people general fatigue, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. To view all of our bronchiectasis resources, head to our website or scan the QR code below.
To mark World Bronchiectasis Day on July 1, the Foundation is releasing a new patient resource - Bronchiectasis Fact Sheet - which is a clear, practical guide for people living with the condition, their whānau, and anyone wanting to understand it better. It covers the basics: what bronchiectasis is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and how to manage it day to day. While this condition often flies under the radar, it affects at least 8,689 New Zealanders, with some
8 Better Breathing
communities facing far heavier burdens than others. Pacific people are 6.1 times more likely to be hospitalised with bronchiectasis than other New Zealanders, and Māori are 2.6 times more likely. Those living in the most deprived areas are also at much greater risk – both for hospitalisation and death. Our new fact sheet is a step towards better awareness and more equitable care. And it’s just the beginning more bronchiectasis resources are on the way.
likely to be worse when you have a chest infection. Frequent chest infections are also a common feature of bronchiectasis. Other ways that bronchiectasis might affect you may ? having difficulty with breathing or feeling short of breath; coughing up blood; chestinclude feeling tired; pain or discomfort; sinus or nasal symptoms; and Respiratory Foundation New Zealandincontinence when coughing; anxiety or depression.
What is Bronchiectasis (Pūkahukahu hauā) FACT SHEET prepared by the Asthma
How is Bronchiectasis diagnosed? te iwi. The healthcare Naku rourou, nau rourou, ka ora ai will be well.practitioner will ask about your symptoms, your medical basket, the people history and will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope. If they think With your food basket and my food you have bronchiectasis, they will arrange for you to have some tests and may refer you tubes) (breathing a respiratory airways specialist service. Some of the tests that might lung illness where the to is a long-term blood be done include: tests, sputum tests, chest damages Bronchiectasis (pūkahukahu hauā) sputum TheX-ray, breathing tests (spirometry) and a CT scan. (phlegm/mucus) than healthy lungs. people • A computerised tomography some are damaged and produce more sputum and (CT) scan is a special lung scan that shows such as a chesty cough, repeated infections more detail than an Xray. It is the test used to a diagnose the airways, and this causes symptoms bronchiectasis. have shortness of breath. How is Bronchiectasis ‘Ektasis’ (widening). It is (airway) andtreated? words ‘Bronkhia’ Bronchiectasis cannot be cured. It is a chronic illness that needs you to do sputum clearance techniques every day and sometimes more. This will help you control your symptoms, cut down the number of chest infections you have and help to slow down further damage to your lungs. Most people to don't need to take called What happens in Bronchiectasis? continuously cilia work day for bronchiectasis and they would only structures pills every tiny hair-like use antibiotics when they have a chestcough these cilia In the lining layer of healthy lung airways, In bronchiectasis, out. Treating bronchiectasis is easy to infection. is best done by a team of different health so that it clear who will workmeans professionals difficult 'sweep' sputum up to the larger airways is alongside sputum that you to develop the to walls. This best treatment plan for you. This healthcare to the airway include your doctor, team may build-up of are damaged when there is damage in the specialist can grow doctor, specialist airways. Bacteria the of nurse, areas physiotherapist, damaged the in kaimahi hauora Māori (Māori health worker), or other clinicians damage and can become trapped can also and cause support workers. Treatments usually and scar the lungs. These infections include: • A personalised action can be slowed sputum, which can cause chest infections damage the plan to help control your symptoms. See the Bronchiectasis more scarring. With good treatment, Action Plan to other areas of the lungs and cause on our website: and good treatment, the damage that with early diagnosis shows research children, in down. However https://www.asthmafoundation.org .nz/resources/bronchiectasis-action -plan can get better. • Breathing exercises for sputum clearance to help clear the sputum from your lungs. See: bronchiectasis.com.au/physiotherapy/techniques/th e-active-cycle-of-breathing-techniqu the cause What causes Bronchiectasis? • Antibiotics for any e bronchiectasis, havechest infections. For about half of all people who from the flu, Bronchiectasis can occur at any age. infection • Teaching a bad you wayschest having to help manage breathlessness. See the Breathlessness is from previously is not known. The most common cause Quick Reference on website: There are some less common causes bacteria. or other viruses orour y (from birth) measles, whooping cough (pertussis), from a primary immunodeficienc mafoundation.org immune system https://www.asth .nz/assets/documents/2021-ARFNZ-breathlessnessof bronchiectasis, such as a weakened health condition, or due to quick-reference-2 life from another _RLR_2021.pdf in later develops that y or a secondary immunodeficienc in something like a nut • causes Flu andinclude COVID breathing vaccines, and other recommended system. Other an allergic vaccines. medications that suppress the immune (heartburn), reflux • acid Advice having on or keeping your home warm and chemicals, diseases dry. See the Healthy Homes Initiative: or small toy/object, breathing in noxious https://www.hhi. health conditions. org.nz/Rare, inherited and autoimmune reaction to a fungus called Aspergillus, and bronchiectasis. also cause support to stop smoking and other lifestyle dyskinesia•canAdvice changes. such as cystic fibrosis or primary ciliary • Treatment for other illnesses or problems that may be making your bronchiectasis worse, for example acid reflux (heartburn) or immune problems. Risk factors for bronchiectasis people. The illness risk of getting bronchiectasis than Pākehā Māori and Pasifika people have a higher in hospital. This can time For more more spend information, may they see and the ‘Living people, with Pasifika Bronchiectasis tobacco – Things to Know’ checklist on our website: can be worse for Māori and smoking https://www.asth of bronchiectasis, mafoundation.org is not a cause smoking .nz/resources/livin g-with-bronchiect or vaping, asis-things-to-know be for a lot of different reasons. Although (weed), cannabis You should avoid smoking cigarettes, will make your bronchiectasis worse. What is the outlook for someone with smoking. are bronchiectasis? people other where being in a place Unfortuntely bronchiectasis cannot be cured and your symptoms may change over time. Regular check-ups with your primary healthcare team (general practice) are important so that your sputum. What are the symptoms of bronchiectasis?plan can be adjusted cough with long-term treatment is a what suits you best.beWe The most common symptom for egg that people worry about the impact anknow Symptoms can vary between people. this can bronchiectasis in the future. and forInothers of general, most peopleare be a small amount of sputum, For some people there might only amount of sputum with mild bronchiectasis have a normal life and Your cough treatment cough. suited have a drywith justexpectancy to their needs. If you have more severe bronchiectasis, you will likely cupful or more every day. A few people have more flare-ups with chest infections and need to spend more time on sputum clearance. At worst, bronchiectasis can affect life expectancy; its your healthcare practitioner can tell you if this is a risk for you. Remember most people manage very well living with bronchiectasis.
Bronchiectasis comes from the Greek pronounced ‘BRON-kee-EK-ta-sis’.
BRONCHIECTASIS ACTION PLAN
Name
Healthcare practitioner
Date of plan
Healthcare practice phone
Physiotherapy for Bronchiectasis
ymptoms...
Know when and how to take your medicine...
Breathing exercises for sputum clearance
Every day do your breathing exercises for sputum clearance. This will help to control your symptoms and reduce chest infections. This is an example of a technique you could use:
my ‘normal’ is:
My daily plan is to: • Do my breathing exercises for sputum clearance most/some days) _________ times a day m) colour _____________________ • Take my usual medicines t ____________________________ • Be active every day score _____ mMRC We can’t talk about physiotherapy for bronchiectasis • Keep well hydrated ____________________________ without talking about phlegm For some • Monitor(sputum/mucus). my symptoms st___________________________ (cough, people that will be met with ansputum, “ewwtiredness, gross”breathing) response,
By Zöe Manderson
1. Normal gentle breathing for a few breaths (breathe gently in and out through your nose, relaxing your upper chest).
2. Take a DEEP breath in till you are full, then breathe out. Daily physiotherapy - specifically techniques to clear Do this three to five times. phlegm - is a cornerstone of bronchiectasis management 3. Repeat step one and two. and helps reduce infections. One of the simplest 4. Do one to two huffs. but for people with bronchiectasis, cough and phlegm techniques to try is the active cycle of breathing (Huff - take a normal breath in, then with an gest my bronchiectasis is worse: can be a daily reality. What should I do? technique.‘O’This uses a do combination shaped mouth a long blow out.of deep breaths that you are steaming up a“huffing” mirror). more • Increase my sputum clearance exercises (to get air Imagine in behind phlegm) and (forced out Everyone’s airways have• aKeep mucous It is part of 5. Do some normal gentle breathing. our is darker as activelining. as you can breaths) to pull phlegm along the airways and make it more stickyour body’s defense mechanism, to trap irritants Do a big out. double cough to clear the sputum. • Book an appointment to see my or Healthcare team easier to6.cough within five days. Talk toget themrid about ount is more than normal 7. Repeat these steps for 5-10 minutes. microorganisms that we breathe in, then of sending them. a sputum sample for testing and breathless to bronchiectasis.com.au to watch a video on Cilia, little hair-like structures which also line the airways, ActiveGo cycle of breathing technique: • Start antibiotics if I have a chest infection: sputum clearance. help to push the mucus along and usually it is swallowed Antibiotic name ______________________ dose ______ ver away without us even noticing.
st pain
______ times per day for ______ days
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where damage/ scarring the airways causes them to become enlarged. more unwell despite of treatment: What should I do? • Use tips for managing your breathlessness rse despite starting antibiotics Inflammation causes increased mucus production and on the Breathlessness Quick Reference guide my sputum clearance cilia have difficulty damaged moving the mucus. So • Book an urgent appointment with my Healthcare team mucus can build up in the enlarged areas and become a up. Trouble arises • Dial 111to forcough an ambulance y unwell more obvious plug of phlegm if the phlegm isn’t regularly cleared, as it creates a nice place in your lungs for bugs to grow which in turn can cause further damage to airways.
About the author... Zöe Manderson is a respiratory physiotherapist in Taranaki for Te Whatu Ora and a member of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ's Scientific Advisory Board.
Normal breaths
Cough to clear sputum
3-5 deep breaths
Normal breaths
Normal breaths
1-2 huffs
3-5 deep breaths
This technique is great because it doesn’t require any equipment and can be done anywhere, anytime. There are also other strategies that can be used to help clear phlegm. A respiratory physiotherapist can work with you to establish an optimal chest clearance regime. The “Bronchiectasis Toolbox” is a useful website to check out (www.bronchiectasis.com.au). It has video clips demonstrating a range of different chest clearance techniques. Keeping physically active is also beneficial, not just for your general health, but it can also help clear phlegm. The most important thing is finding something that works for you, so you can clear your phlegm effectively every day to reduce the risk of infection and further airway damage. Better Breathing 9
Friends look out for each other. Become a Friends of the Foundation partner today, and together we can make a real change.
For more information on becoming a Friends of the Foundation partner, head to our website asthmafoundation.org.nz or scan the QR code below.
Here's what some of our Friends of the Foundation partners have to say... Comfortech S I LV E R PA R T N E R
Nicholas Smith Marketing and Services Manager, Comfortech
For us, the partnership made a lot of sense. Our vision is to create the most comfortable living and working spaces for New Zealanders and the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation is about helping New Zealanders with respiratory issues, so it's a natural collaboration about making living experiences for New Zealanders as nice as we possibly can.
Showerdome S I LV E R PA R T N E R
Claire Van Horn Marketing Manager, Showerdome
Showerdome is all about trying to create a dry, warm, healthy home – it’s been the catchphrase over the last decade, and we totally believe that one small, tiny improvement in your bathroom can create such a massive impact to creating that healthy environment. We feel as an organisation that it's really important that businesses support organisations, such as [the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation], when you're trying to do something for the greater good.
HRV
S I LV E R PA R T N E R
Hemi Parbhu Auckland Sales Manager, HRV
For us, it's never just been about ventilation solutions. It's about helping families live healthier lives. Working with the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation has allowed us to align that purpose with real impact.
Better Breathing 11
BLUE SHIRT DAY
WRAP-UP
We raised $11,819.88
Our very first Blue Shirt Day has been a huge success! With over 70 generous donors and our official Blue Shirt Day tees selling out in just two days, your contributions allow us to continue to advocate for the 615,000 New Zealanders living with asthma. These donations help support the Foundation in providing essential resources to patients and educators, emergency asthma kits for schools, assist with research towards improved treatment and care, and more. Thank you so much for all of your support.
Dani and Genevieve repping their Blue Shirt Day tees
Raising awareness at Wellington Airport
Our team celebrating
their first Blue Shirt Day 12 Better Breathing
Blue Shirt Day cupcakes (very yummy)
A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO OUR FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION PARTNERS: Wools of New Zealand who generously paid for the printing of the Blue Shirt Day T-shirts. HRV who donated a ventilation system for a silent auction which raised a whopping $4500.
PLUS A BIG thank you to THE REST OF OUR amazing SUPPORTERS OF THE FOUNDATION:
AND THANK YOU TO THE DULVER FAMILY FOR GIVING THEIR TIME (AND FACES) TO OUR CAMPAIGN! The Dulver Family
(Liam, centre, has lived with asthma his whole life)
Better Breathing 13
Celebrating Language, Sharing Knowledge At the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, we’re committed to making sure every individual has access to clear, accurate respiratory health information.
Key Language Weeks:
That’s why many of our patient resources are available in different languages – te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Simplified Chinese, and English.
Vaiso o le Gagana Samoa Samoan Language Week 1 — 7 June 2025
With each of these languages soon to be celebrated with their own dedicated week, it offers a timely reminder of why health resources must speak to everyone. Language weeks are more than cultural celebrations – they are reminders that language is central to identity, wellbeing, and equity. Our translated resources are free and easy to access online, and designed to support better understanding for patients, whānau. If you're working with someone more comfortable in their first language, or you're part of one of these vibrant language communities yourself, now is the perfect time to explore and share what’s available. Let’s ensure that everyone has the tools to breathe better and live well. Visit our website asthmafoundation.org.nz/resources to access the full range of multilingual resources.
14 Better Breathing
Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga Tongan Language Week 17 — 23 August 2025 新西兰中文周 New Zealand Chinese Language Week 31 August — 6 September 2025 Te Wiki o te Reo Māori Māori Language Week 14 — 20 September 2025
Anti-Inflammatory Reliever Therapy (AIR) Asthma Action Plan This self-management action plan for adolescents and adults with asthma (aged 12 years and over) is to be completed by healthcare practitioners, together with their patients.
Child Asthma Symptom Diary This resource is a symptom diary for healthcare practitioners to give to parents/caregivers of children with asthma, and is used in conjunction with the Child Asthma Action Plan. Available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, and Tongan.
Available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, and Simplified Chinese.
COPD Action Plan
3 Stage Asthma Action Plan
This self-management plan for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is to be completed by healthcare practitioners, together with their patients. These personalised action plans improve quality of life for patients and focus on recognising and treating deteriorating symptoms.
This self-management action plan for adolescents and adults with asthma (aged 12 years and over) is to be completed by healthcare practitioners, together with their patients.
Available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, and Simplified Chinese.
Available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, and Simplified Chinese.
4 Stage Asthma Action Plan This self-management action plan for adolescents and adults with asthma (aged 12 years and over) is to be completed by healthcare practitioners, together with their patients. Available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, and Simplified Chinese.
Check out our full range of resources for asthma patients, carers, and health professionals on our website at asthmafoundation.org.nz/resources or scan the QR code below.
Child Asthma Action Plan This asthma action plan is for healthcare practitioners to complete alongside parents/caregivers and their child. Available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, and Tongan.
Better Breathing 15
ASTHMA TRIGGERS AND ALLERGIES Asthma symptoms often don’t appear without cause – they’re triggered. With World Allergy Awareness Week upon us (29 June – 5 July), it is a timely opportunity to highlight the most common triggers that contribute to asthma symptoms and flare-ups.
Identifying and minimising exposure to your specific triggers is a critical part of asthma management, alongside having an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan.
Pet Dander
Dust
Pollen
Temperature Changes
Hair and skin flakes from cats, dogs, and other animals can worsen asthma symptoms.
Tree, grass, and weed pollen are frequent culprits, especially during peak allergy seasons.
Colds & Flu
Respiratory viruses like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 can inflame airways and trigger asthma attacks.
Cold Air
Breathing in cold or dry air may provoke coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Smoke & Fumes
Exposure to cigarette smoke, exhaust, strong cleaning sprays, or scented products can irritate the lungs. 16 Better Breathing
Household dust, especially in carpets, bedding, and upholstery, is a common indoor trigger.
Sudden shifts in temperature can be a shock to the respiratory system and lead to symptoms.
Empowering Communities Through Vape-Free Education
Te Hā Ora Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Certified Course The Foundation's Train the Trainer (TTT) programme is equipping passionate community leaders, educators, and health professionals with the skills and confidence to deliver impactful, evidence-based education around youth vaping. The programme is part of our commitment to tackling youth vaping in Aotearoa through empowering communities with knowledge, tools, and culturally grounded approaches. Our first pilot was recently held in Tairāwhiti with six incredible participants from REAP Tairāwhiti, Ngāti Porou Oranga and Te Aitanga a Hauiti Hauora. Over two dynamic days, participants explored the history of vaping, marketing strategies that target rangatahi, health impacts, and tools for engaging with young people and whānau. Our approach is inclusive and non-judgemental, recognising that everyone brings their own lived experience to this issue.
and learning. One participant shared, “I now feel confident to go out and educate my community, especially our youth.”
100% of participants said they would recommend the course to others. Feedback from the pilot has been overwhelmingly positive. 100% of participants said they would recommend the course to others, describing it as “inspiring,” “interactive,” and “extremely valuable.” Many highlighted the practical nature of the training and the safe space it created for sharing
To support ongoing impact, the Foundation offers a certification pathway for those who go on to deliver workshops in schools and communities. This pathway is designed to reflect the diverse opportunities and settings where conversations around youth vaping take place, ensuring trainers are equipped for real-world, communityled mahi. Participants leave the course with a full workshop kit, access to a national trainer network, and the tools to lead local change. As we continue to grow this kaupapa, we welcome new trainers passionate about supporting rangatahi and building healthier, vape-free futures.
This programme is designed for those working with rangatahi and young people in schools (Year 7-10) and community settings. It provides practical training, relevant resources, and ongoing support to help you confidently deliver engaging, evidence-based workshops. Register your interest today by visiting dontgetsuckedin.co.nz/ttt or scan the QR code and help create healthier futures for young people in Aotearoa. Better Breathing 17
2
DAYS
20
10
SPEAKERS
EXHIBITORS
TĀKINA WELLINGTON CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
30–31 OCTOBER
EARLYBIRD TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE NZRC2025.CO.NZ
Your Local
Asthma Resources Is your support group missing? Let us know: info@arfnz.org.nz
Respiratory Support Groups Horowhenua Breathe Easy Support Group 06 368 8069 iandlmckenzie@xtra.co.nz 9 Kilsby Place, Levin 5510
Eastern BOP Asthma and COPD Support Group
Marlborough COPD Support and Exercise Group
Gisborne and East Coast Asthma Society
Asthma NZ – Wellington
07 307 1447 or 0800 227 363 copd@drct.co.nz C/O Karen Couchman, Disabilities Resource Centre Trust, 141 King Street, Whakatane 3120
027 454 5102 Contact Gillian McCloy
Asthma Societies Asthma NZ – Auckland
Monday-Friday, 9am–5pm 09 623 0236 anz@asthma.org.nz 581 Mt Eden Road, Auckland www.asthma.org.nz
Asthma and Respiratory Management BOP Inc
Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm 07 577 6738 0800 276 267 reception@asthmabop.org.nz 254 Chadwick Road, Gate Pa, Tauranga 3112 www.asthmabop.org.nz
Asthma Waikato
Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm 07 838 0851 info@asthmawaikato.org.nz 18 Claudelands Road, Hamilton East, Hamilton www.asthmawaikato.org.nz
06 868 9970 lynlolohea@hotmail.com 14 Kennedy Street, Gisborne 4010
Breathe Hawke’s Bay
Monday–Friday, 8.30am–3pm 06 835 0018 admin@breathehb.co.nz 199 Dickens Street, Napier www.breathehb.co.nz
Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5pm 04 939 4629 / 0800 939 462 anne@kokiri-hauora.org.nz 7–9 Barnes Street, Seaview, Lower Hutt 5010
Level 2, 85 The Terrace Wellington 6011 PO BOX 1459, Wellington 6140
Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm 04 237 4520 wellington@asthma.org.nz Level 2, 120 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011 www.asthma.org.nz
Respiratory Support Nelson Monday–Friday, 9am–2pm 03 544 1562 / 027 546 7675 asthma.nelson@xtra.co.nz 9 Cambridge Street, Richmond, Nelson 7020 www.respiratorynelson.co.nz
CanBreathe Canterbury
Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm 03 386 0278 office@canbreathe.org.nz 117 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8052 www.canbreathe.org.nz
ph: 0800 100 506 asthmafoundation.org.nz
AD Comfortech ®
Pink® Batts® NZ’s Only Glass Wool Insulation Manufacturer Proudly made in NZ, with the broadest range and reliable stock nationwide.