COPD in New Zealand

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  • These statistics come from the Asthma Foundation's 2003 document The Burden of COPD in New Zealand. Click here to read one of the Asthma Foundation's research documents on respiratory illness.

World COPD Day 2011

A number of activities are happening around New Zealand. Please note this page is being updated during the next few days.

Asthma Waikato: On the day after, 17 November, Dr Cat Chang, respiratory specialist from Waikato Hospital, will give a talk at the Gardens Cafe at Hamilton Gardens from 10.15am until 11.45am. This will be followed by a walk. Limited to 50 places.

Hawke's Bay: Update and review of spirometry for practice nurses in Taradale. Professor Richard Beasley will also talk on COPD management.

South Canterbury: From November 10 until November 21 a display in the window of the Disability Information Services at 185 Stafford Street in Timaru will feature information about services to help people with COPD. From 21 November until 27 November, the display will move to the Timaru District Libary Foyer. 

Issues at a glance

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, yet most people have never even heard the term COPD. Here are some statistics about COPD in New Zealand.  

  • COPD has a substantial impact on the health of New Zealanders. Although often undiagnosed, it affects an estimated 15 percent of the adult population over the age of 45 years (at least 200 000 New Zealanders.)
  • More than 85 percent of the burden of COPD arises from tobacco smoking, with contributions from cannabis use and dust exposure in the workplace.
  • COPD is the 4th leading cause of death after cancer, heart disease and stroke.
  • COPD is ranked 2nd in men and 5th in women with regards to its health impact
  • COPD is an irreversible disease but is almost entirely preventable by avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 15 percent of all smokers are likely to become affected.