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 Respiratory 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
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.
No galas. No awkward dinners. No endless donation drives. Really, it’s a win-win. Bid. Win. Give back.
Cough It Up takes what local businesses already do best – offer great products and services – and puts them to work for a greater good.
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
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.
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.
Valued at $2000. Reserve $500.
Supported by KING LIVING and DEANO YIPADEE
Supported by WINNING GROUP
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.
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!
easy to get started:
Decide on your gift – a percentage, a set amount, or a specific asset.
Update your Will – ask your lawyer or adviser to include Te Hā Ora the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Charitable Trust.
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.
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.
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 beginningmore bronchiectasis resources are on the way.
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
Physiotherapy for Bronchiectasis
my ‘normal’ is: (every/most/some days) (phlegm) colour _____________________
My daily plan is to:
By Zöe Manderson
• Do my breathing exercises for sputum clearance _________ times a day
• Take my usual medicines
• Be active every day
• Keep well hydrated
• Monitor my symptoms (cough, sputum, tiredness, breathing)
We can’t talk about physiotherapy for bronchiectasis without talking about phlegm (sputum/mucus). For some people that will be met with an “eww gross” response, but for people with bronchiectasis, cough and phlegm can be a daily reality.
suggest my bronchiectasis is worse: more colour is darker more sticky amount is more than normal and breathless fever chest pain
What should I do?
• Increase my sputum clearance exercises
• Keep as active as you can
Everyone’s airways have a mucous lining. It is part of our body’s defense mechanism, to trap irritants or microorganisms that we breathe in, then get rid of them. Cilia, little hair-like structures which also line the airways, help to push the mucus along and usually it is swallowed away without us even noticing.
more unwell despite treatment: worse despite starting antibiotics my sputum clearance
unwell
• Book an appointment to see my Healthcare team within five days. Talk to them about sending a sputum sample for testing
• Start antibiotics if I have a chest infection: Antibiotic name ______________________ dose ______ ______ times per day for ______ days
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where damage/ scarring of the airways causes them to become enlarged. Inflammation causes increased mucus production and damaged cilia have difficulty moving the mucus. So mucus can build up in the enlarged areas and become a more obvious plug of phlegm to cough up. Trouble arises 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.
What should I do?
• Use tips for managing your breathlessness on the Breathlessness Quick Reference guide
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:
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. Do this three to five times.
3. Repeat step one and two.
4. Do one to two huffs.
Daily physiotherapy - specifically techniques to clear phlegm - is a cornerstone of bronchiectasis management and helps reduce infections. One of the simplest techniques to try is the active cycle of breathing technique. This uses a combination of deep breaths (to get air in behind phlegm) and “huffing” (forced out breaths) to pull phlegm along the airways and make it easier to cough out.
(Huff - take a normal breath in, then with an ‘O’ shaped mouth do a long blow out. Imagine that you are steaming up a mirror).
5. Do some normal gentle breathing.
6. Do a big double cough to clear the sputum.
7. Repeat these steps for 5-10 minutes.
Go to bronchiectasis.com.au to watch a video on sputum clearance.
Active cycle of breathing technique:
to clear sputum
• Book an urgent appointment with my Healthcare team
• Dial 111 for an ambulance
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.
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.
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...
Nicholas Smith Marketing and Services Manager, Comfortech
Claire Van Horn Marketing Manager, Showerdome
Hemi Parbhu
Auckland Sales Manager, HRV
Comfortech
SILVER PARTNER
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
SILVER PARTNER
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
SILVER PARTNER
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.
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.
Our team celebrating their first Blue Shirt Day
Raising awareness at Wellington Airport
Dani and Genevieve repping their Blue Shirt Day tees
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.
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.
That’s why many of our patient resources are available in different languages – te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Simplified Chinese, and English.
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.
Key Language Weeks:
Vaiso o le Gagana Samoa Samoan Language Week 1 — 7 June 2025
Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga Tongan Language Week 17 — 23 August 2025
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.
Available in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, and Simplified Chinese.
3 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
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.
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.
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
COPD 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.
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.
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
Hair and skin flakes from cats, dogs, and other animals can worsen asthma symptoms.
Pollen
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.
Dust
Household dust, especially in carpets, bedding, and upholstery, is a common indoor trigger.
Temperature Changes
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.
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
This programme is designed for those working with rangatahi and young people in schools (Year 7-10) and community settings.
and learning. One participant shared, “I now feel confident to go out and educate my community, especially our youth.”
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.
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.
Your Local Asthma Resources
Is your support group missing? Let us know: info@arfnz.org.nz
