Deputy Chief Executive, Education & Development Manager
Joanna Turner
Individual Giving Fundraising Executive
Michaela Tahere
PR & Comms Marketing Manager
Chloe Bradwell
Digital Marketing Specialist
Sam Treseder
Digital Content & Marketing Advisor
Jared McOnie
Māori Community Liaison, Youth Vaping Educator
Sharon Pihema
Community Liaison, Youth Vaping Educator
Penelope Joyce
Corporate Sponsorship & Engagement Advisor
Paul Aschenberger
Medical Director
Prof. Bob Hancox, BSc, MB CHb, MRCP, MD, FRACP
Chief Cultural Advisor – Māori
Sir John Clarke, KNZM, CNZM
LETITIA'S MESSAGE
WELL, IT IS NICE to see some sun coming through, and the days a little longer after quite a cold and wet winter across the country. As always, the team at the Foundation have been working hard on all sorts of activities, education, awareness campaigns, and advocacy.
This year, instead of Breathe Better September, we decided to create the ‘Cough It Up’ campaign. This campaign was a new way to raise money and awareness of respiratory illnesses by hosting a range of auctions on Trade Me. It was generously supported by new and existing sponsors who freely donated goods and services. We would like to thank King Living, Deano Yipadee, Jolly Billboards, LEGO, Charlie Mollard, The Sleep Store, Olivia Wakefield Photography, Beko, Appliances Online, Good Fortune, Flight Coffee, Peoples Coffee, Emporio Coffee, and Mojo for these great items.
Our Friends of the Foundation Sponsorship programme goes from strength to strength. It was in June that we heard the good news from the government that they will be supporting the installation of wool carpets in Kāinga Ora homes. The Foundation offered our support for this initiative, and we would like to acknowledge our Gold Sponsors, Wools of NZ, who we know also welcomed the news. Using wool will benefit so many people, and will create safer, healthier and more sustainable living environments for families.
Our Friends of the Foundation programme isn’t just about sponsorship for the Foundation; it’s about partnering with companies that align with our core values to improve respiratory outcomes for all. So, if you are an organisation that wishes to support us, then please contact Paul Aschenberger at friends@arfnz.org.nz.
In addition to it being a busy time for the Foundation, it has also been an incredibly active time for the
Foundation's sister charity, The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the Trust in the summer edition of the magazine in December –watch this space!
Heart and lung health have a huge overlap across a wide range of diseases, especially in COPD. In fact, people with COPD are at increased risk of ischaemic heart disease and cardiac failure because of the shared risk factors of age and smoking status. If you have COPD or a loved one has it, then it might be good to join the live broadcast of the Big Baton Pass on World COPD Day (Wednesday 19 November). You can find out more about this on page 16.
We will also be releasing the updated New Zealand COPD Guidelines at the New Zealand Respiratory Conference at the end of October. The lead author and the Foundation’s Medical Director, Professor Bob Hancox, will be presenting these. I would also like to thank Joanna Turner, the Foundation’s Education and Development Manager, who is one of the co-authors of the guidelines. Joanna has worked hard to bring everyone together to write these national guidelines, and that is no easy feat!
Joanna has also facilitated the update of the Inhaler Device Identification chart. The chart provides information on what asthma and COPD inhalers are available in New Zealand and if they are funded (fully or partially). The new update also includes the carbon footprint of each inhaler. A high carbon footprint inhaler is symbolised by a red footprint, while a low carbon inhaler is symbolised by a green footprint. The update is designed to empower patients and health professionals with further tools to make informed decisions. You can view the updated chart on page 14.
Now, finally, a bit of an update on our vaping education mahi. The Train the Trainers (TTT) programme dedicated
to youth vaping education has now trained 50 educators, made up of health professionals, school educators and community leaders from around the country. The educational tools provided in this course will help these trainers to inform and empower rangatahi and young people within their community.
The one-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 contact Sharon Pihema if you want to know more at sharon@arfnz.org.nz
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 in December with a very special magazine update.
Noho ora mai,
Letitia Harding Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive
RUNNING WITH PURPOSE: ONE ATHLETE’S MISSION TO INSPIRE OTHERS
WHEN THE WHISTLE BLEW on his football season, goalkeeper Callum Massey had more than just goals on his mind.
For every ball that got past him, he promised to run a kilometre for himself and for others living with asthma –a condition he has managed since childhood.
On Saturday 13 September, the 23-year-old from the North Shore completed a 21km run from Silo Park in Wynyard Quarter, raising almost $1400 for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ.
Callum – who plays for Metro FC’s Under-23 and First Team squads –knows first hand how challenging it can be to grow up struggling to breathe.
“When I was younger, my asthma meant hospital visits, sleepless nights, and missed school and sporting events,” he says.
“The house I lived in didn’t have insulation, which made it even harder.
"My own struggles were tough, but I know many people face much worse.”
Over the years, careful management with his doctors has helped, and while he still experiences flare-ups – especially when sick – running has become an important outlet.
What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, with Callum now regularly completing half and full marathons. But he wanted to ensure this run was more meaningful, he says.
“Being asthmatic myself, I wanted to show it’s possible to keep doing the things you love – and at the same time help others living with asthma and respiratory conditions.”
Callum’s 21 km route was made up of 6 km loops around Auckland's Wynyard Quarter, with the final stretch bringing him to the finish line back at Silo Park.
Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding says we are so grateful to Callum for turning his personal challenge into something that will inspire and support others.
“His determination shows that even with asthma, you can push boundaries and achieve incredible things.”
"My own struggles were tough, but I know many people face much worse."
$4858 RAISED!
Who knew bidding could feel this good?
The Cough It Up campaign has officially wrapped, and what a success it was! Aotearoa came together to support the 1 in 5 Kiwis living with respiratory disease, proving that community spirit – and a little friendly bidding – can go a long way.
Over the course of the campaign, local businesses generously donated a variety of auction items, from LEGO
sets and coffee treats to a laundry room fit-out. Each week, these items were auctioned on Trade Me, giving participants the chance to snag something special while supporting a vital cause. The response was incredible, with Kiwis nationwide joining in to make a difference.
Thanks to everyone who placed bids, donated, shared posts, and got involved. Every dollar will go directly to Te Hā Ora, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, helping to improve respiratory health, reduce hospitalisations, and fund essential education, advocacy, and research.
Beyond the funds raised, Cough It Up showcased the power of community and the generosity of Aotearoa. It was a fun, engaging, and meaningful way to support an important cause –reminding us all that small actions can make a big impact.
A huge thank you to everyone involved – you helped turn a simple idea into a nationwide celebration of giving, awareness, and care for those living with respiratory disease.
Thanks to our amazing supporters who made this possible:
DEANO YIPADEE CHARLIE MOLLARD
The Kids Edition: Luxe Sofa Session with Nee Naw
Supported by KING LIVING and DEANO YIPADEE
Ye Olde Medieval Town Square LEGO Experience
Supported by LEGO
The Coffee Snob Variety Starter Pack (Contains Caffeine)
Supported by BEKO, APPLIANCES ONLINE, GOOD FORTUNE, FLIGHT COFFEE, PEOPLE'S COFFEE, EMPORIO COFFEE and MOJO
The Big Billboard Takeover (Because Size Does Matter)
Supported by JOLLY BILLBOARDS
The Newborn Baby Starter Pack ( Sleep Not Guaranteed )
Supported by THE SLEEP STORE and OLIVIA WAKEFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY
The “I Swear I’ll Do The Washing” Package
Supported by BEKO and APPLIANCES ONLINE
Friends look out for each other.
Become a Friends of the Foundation partner today, and align your business with New Zealand’s trusted voice for all respiratory health.
Interested in becoming a partner?
Let’s chat about how your business can get involved, and in doing so, improve the lives of the 1 million Kiwi living with a respiratory condition.
Head to our website asthmafoundation.org.nz or scan the QR code below for more info.
UNSETTLED SPRING WEATHER LIKELY TO SPARK ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FLARE-UPS
SPRING HAS SPRUNG, and with it comes the annual surge in sneezing, wheezing, and asthma flare-ups as unsettled weather drives pollen into the air.
This year’s season is already proving unsettled, with strong winds and fluctuating temperatures stirring up allergens – and more change is on the way.
Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding says these shifting conditions make spring one of the hardest times of year for people with respiratory conditions.
“Pollen loves warm, dry weather, and when the wind picks up, it gets everywhere, which is why this time of year can be so tough for people with respiratory conditions."
"For people with asthma and allergies, that can quickly trigger symptoms.”
It is important for asthma patients to ensure their medication is up to date –and is always on hand, she says.
“Being prepared and taking some simple steps can make all the difference.”
Earth Sciences NZ principal scientist Chris Brandolino says this spring will be a season of two halves – typical of La Niña weather conditions.
“The first part will be a bit like a teenager – lots of mood swings and ups and downs.
“We’ll see plenty of windy days, and a blend of cooler and warmer-than-usual days, and a fair bit of rain,” he says.
“But the second part of spring will pivot and bring more settled weather across the country.”
La Niña will bring high pressure, which Brandolino calls “happy weather” in the second half of spring – less wind and rain, more sunshine, and warmer temperatures.
Up to 80% of asthma is associated with allergies, with one in eight adults and one in eight children in New Zealand affected.
Top tips for the spring allergy season:
• Avoid going outside when the pollen count is very high (midday is usually peak)
• Keep windows closed – at home and in the car – to avoid pollen coming inside with the breeze
• Dry your clothes indoors because pollen will stick to them if they are outside
• Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter
• Keep your medication at hand in case of an emergency
• Do a spring clean using allergyfriendly products
• Take a shower at night to wash the pollen off
KATH CROSS
HER RIDE IS FAR FROM OVER
The inspirational story of a double-lung transplant receiver, and her admirable mission to spread awareness.
COVER STORY
"I've been given a new life... it really is the ultimate gift."
Above: Kath in hospital for a double-lung transplant, October 2024.
KATH CROSS: A HERO IN MOTION
SHE COULDN'T blow out the candles on her 50th birthday cake.
Now, with a stranger’s lungs in her chest, Kath Cross is gearing up to ride 30 kilometres in one of New Zealand’s toughest cycling events.
The 51-year-old Rotorua woman will line up for the 30 km mountain bike ride at the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge in November, just nine months after receiving a double-lung transplant. She’s doing it not just for herself, but to raise awareness and funds for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ.
“I’ve been given a new life – it feels so surreal,” she says. “This ride is my way of giving back, and showing people what’s possible.”
Kath lives with rheumatoid arthritisassociated obliterative bronchiolitis (RA-OB), a rare lung disease that mimics “popcorn lung.”
Initially misdiagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), she was prescribed inhalers and nebulisers that never worked.
“Eventually, they did more tests and found my lung function was just 29%."
The next two and a half years were a downward spiral.
“I couldn’t walk to the letterbox without stopping for breath.”
Doctors eventually told her she may have only a year to live and placed her on the active waitlist for a transplant.
“I remember thinking, ‘This isn’t the end. I’ve got to keep going.’”
Six months later, the call came. In October 2024, she became New Zealand lung transplant recipient #420.
Seven weeks after her miracle surgery, she was home, and the very first thing she did was get back on her bike.
“I biked 5 km. It felt amazing just to move again.”
Mountain biking has long been her passion.
During Covid lockdowns, she and her husband John rode together every day.
“John’s been my rock through all of this. I couldn’t have done it without him.”
For years, Kath kept her illness quiet.
“I had oxygen tanks, but I wouldn’t
use them," she says. "I just wanted to be normal. I didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for me.”
Now she’s speaking out, determined to highlight the impact of respiratory disease in New Zealand.
This year, she’s already planning a symbolic milestone – on the first anniversary of her transplant, she will climb Mount Maunganui.
And for her 52nd birthday, she has one request: “I want as many candles on the cake as possible. This time, I’m going to blow them all out.”
She doesn’t know much about her donor – only that she was a 61-year-old woman – but she plans to write to the family on the one-year mark.
“I want them to know I’m living the best life I can. It really is the ultimate gift.”
Her lung function is now at 72%, and she’s hoping to get to 100% –or close to.
When she takes to the Taupō trails this November, Kath won’t just be racing – she’ll be celebrating survival, resilience, and the breath that allows her to ride again.
Want
to support Kath taking on the Taupō cycle challenge?
Scan the QR code below to make a donation.
INHALER DEVICE IDENTIFICATION
Turbuhaler® Dry powder inhaler Aerosol inhaler
*Symbicort 400/12 and DuoResp Spiromax 400/12 only funded if no more than 2 doses per day
Note: Symbicort 100/6, 200/6 and DuoResp Spiromax 200/6 are currently approved for Anti-Inflammatory Reliever (AIR) therapy. Vannair 100/6 and 200/6 is approved for maintenance use, but its use in AIR therapy is an unapproved indication.
Funded via Special Authority: ICS + LAMA + LABA ‘triple therapy’ inhaler is subsidised only for patients with a diagnosis of COPD confirmed by spirometry, or spirometry has been attempted and technically acceptable results are not possible and the patient is currently on an ICS/LABA or a LAMA/LABA, and meets the following clinical criteria:
• Patient has a COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score greater than 10, or
• Patient has had 2 or more exacerbations in the previous 12 months, or
• Patient has had one exacerbation requiring hospitalisation in the previous 12 months, or
• Patient has had an eosinophil count greater than or equal to 0.3 x 10^9 cells/L in the previous 12 months or the patient is currently receiving multiple inhaler triple therapy (ICS/LAMA/LABA) and met at least one of the clinical criteria above prior to starting multiple inhaler triple therapy.
"PLEASE DON'T DIE TODAY..." — A MOTHER’S FIGHT AGAINST ASTHMA
"I LOVE YOU, MUMMY. Please don’t die today."
That’s what Jade Stevens’ five-year-old son whispered to her one morning before school.
For Jade, a mother-of-three from Wellington, those words captured the fear that comes with living – and parenting – while battling asthma.
Jade was diagnosed in her late 20s with brittle asthma – a rare and severe form of the disease, more commonly referred to now as severe or difficultto-control asthma.
At the time, she was being admitted to the hospital nearly every month, with long stays in intensive care and repeated courses of oral steroids.
All this while raising three young boys.
"I wanted to be the kind of mum who could be there for everything - every school pickup, every bedtime storybut instead, hospital beds replaced family dinners.
"I’ll never forget the moment I dropped my youngest off at school
one day. He was just five. He kissed me goodbye, paused, and whispered, ‘I love you, Mummy. Please don’t die today.’
"I reassured him, but inside I was breaking. That fear – his and mine –was all too real."
Today, thanks to a biological treatment, Jade's condition is under control and her symptoms are manageable.
"The treatment gave me my life back.
"The hospital visits have become rare, and I’ve finally been able to stop taking steroids."
Her children are now teenagers and she’s able to be the mum she always wanted to be at the beginning, she says.
"I can go to my eldest son’s band Intercite gigs, school events, quad bike adventures, or just sit on the couch and watch a movie without them having to worry that Mum might be going to hospital again."
Foundation NZ Chief Executive Letitia Harding says Jade’s story shows the
reality of asthma that many New Zealanders are still unaware of.
"Jade’s experience is a reminder that asthma can affect people in very different ways, and for some, it’s far more serious than many realise.”
In New Zealand, asthma affects 1 in 8 adults and children, kills an average of 96 people each year, and is responsible for the hospitalisations of thousands of children - many of whom will have had a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
WORLD COPD DAY
19 November
BE PART OF A global movement to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and celebrate the benefits of physical activity for lung health.
Join the live broadcast of the Big Baton Pass this World COPD Day –Wednesday 19 November 2025. Like an Olympic Torch relay, the baton will be “passed” virtually across the globe – starting in New Zealand and finishing on the US west coast – with stories, interviews and health information to help people with COPD.
The event will start in New Zealand at 10am. You will hear from the following speakers:
• Joanna Turner (Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ) will share various COPD resources for patients and health professionals
• Sarah Candy (Pulmonary Rehabilitation Coordinator) will talk about the Better Breathing Programme – an 8-week programme designed for people with long-term respiratory conditions
• Mersha Shepherd (Community Respiratory Specialist) will discuss community exercise programmes
Following the New Zealand presentations, you will hear from other speakers in Australia and around the world. Topics covered will include the role of different healthcare professionals in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), how to ask for a referral to PR, how to incorporate yarning circles, hydrotherapy, how to exercise in a changing climate, how to break up sedentary behaviour, how to use wearables and what the metrics mean, how to be active in the home, what spirometry is, and how is it done.
If you are interested in joining the Big Baton Pass, simply head to copdbatonpass.org or scan the QR code below on the day.
AN EYE ON OSTEOPOROSIS
OSTEOPOROSIS, translated as 'porous bone', is a medical condition affecting your bones.
People with osteoporosis have bones that are weaker and more likely to get broken (fractured). Often, they don’t know they have the condition until they have a knock or fall that results in a break.
Wrist, hip and spine bones are most commonly affected. Spinal fractures cause the bones in the spine to get squashed (rather than break apart). They are less obvious than other fractures and can result in pain, loss of height and a more curved spine.
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to develop osteoporosis. This is because some of the risk factors for osteoporosis can also be associated with COPD. Things like smoking, low body weight, older age, physical inactivity, prednisone use, and inflammation.
If you have COPD, it is useful to be aware of osteoporosis and consider talking to you GP about osteoporosis screening.
Osteoporosis New Zealand and the Royal Osteoporosis Society are two organisations with useful information about osteoporosis. Both of their websites also have a simple online screening tool, which you can use to check your own bone health.
The Royal Osteoporosis Society promote “strong, steady and straight” physical activity and exercise for people with osteoporosis.
“Strong” exercises are designed to build bone and muscle strength. They include weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging and dancing along with resistance exercises using weights, resistance bands or body weight.
“Steady” exercises aim to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Anything that challenges your balance can be useful or specific activities like yoga and Tai Chi.
“Straight” exercises involve back muscle strengthening to reduce pain and improve posture. Swimming and
Pilates are good activities, as well as learning techniques for safe lifting and bending.
Check out their websites for more details on this programme.
The main thing to remember is that physical activity is an important part of osteoporosis treatment and should not be avoided.
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.
20 SPEAKERS
2 DAYS
10 EXHIBITORS
Leading sustainable respiratory care in New Zealand
As leaders in respiratory medicine, we are committed to reduce the carbon footprint of our medicines across the entire supply chain.
At AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand, we have been working to deliver life-changing medicines to patients for more than 60 years.
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and supply of medicines that aim to make a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders.
