About us

Welcome to the Asthma Foundation

The Asthma Foundation is New Zealand’s not-for-profit sector authority on asthma and other respiratory illnesses. We advocate to government and raise awareness of respiratory illnesses, fund research for better treatments and educate on best practice. We provide resources on our website and support our affiliated Asthma Societies in providing education, support and advice services.

We have 17 affiliated Asthma Societies and branches throughout New Zealand that can offer you one-to-one education, tips, techniques and support for dealing with respiratory illness. We also help you find Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) support groups around the country.

Where did we come from?

The Hutt Valley Asthmatic Society was formed in 1964. This led to the establishment of the New Zealand Asthma Society in 1965 to provide a national support network for New Zealanders with asthma. In 1980, the Society became the Asthma Foundation of NZ. The early asthma support network had evolved in to an organisation dedicated to advocacy, education, increasing awareness and funding research.

In 1996 the Asthma Foundation of NZ changed its name to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand We now represent the interests of everyone with respiratory conditions, including people with asthma and we have 18 affiliated Asthma Societies throughout New Zealand. We recently changed our name to the Asthma Foundation and our logo has the strapline 'Better respiratory health for New Zealanders.'

Where are we heading? 

We are committed to finding new solutions for people with asthma and respiratory diseases through contributing to the development of public policy, education and funded research. We continue to advocate on behalf of all people with respiratory conditions and increase awareness of respiratory conditions in New Zealand.

Our funding

Click here if you can help us with a donation. The Asthma Foundation receives most of its funding from:

  • donations - our donor family are the backbone of our organisation
  • bequests - the gift that extends to future generations
  • grants
  • sponsorships - our thanks to Mitre 10, Dyson, Downia, and Rinnai
  • the Lottery Grants Board kindly provides assistance toward communication and advocacy activities
  • dividends from Air Flow Products Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Asthma Foundation. Profits from the company's activities are returned to the Asthma Foundation as dividends and are used to help fund Asthma Foundation programmes. Air Flow Products Limited is a commercial company, engaged in the sales and marketing of health care products within New Zealand.