Our work

The Asthma Foundation's goal is better respiratory health for New Zealanders.

We advocate

We advocate for all New Zealanders affected by asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

For example we have an on-going campaign to try to persuade the Minister of Health to ensure that respiratory illnesses are included in the Ministry of Health's top strategic priorities.

The Asthma Foundation also compiled a report for DHBs on the financial benefits of setting up a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. It has been estimated that as few as 2 percent of New Zealanders who would benefit from a programme have access to one. A copy of the report was sent to all DHBs.

We provide information

We provide information about asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on our website, and by producing booklets, posters, and management tools for distribution through your affiliated asthma society or other health professionals. You can view and print some of these resources yourself from our site for free. We have two free publications, our newsletter that comes out three times a year: the Asthma Foundation...keeping in touch, and our email bulletin that comes out twice a year, Keeping in touch...with our supporters. To see our publications page, click here.

We fund research

One of the Asthma Foundation's most important functions is to fund research to help the future of New Zealand lungs. Click here to find out about our latest research projects. 

We train health professionals

We offer a comprehensive training course on asthma for health professionals. Asthma Fundamentals consists of two half-day workshops run by a Regional Trainer, who covers all the asthma basics including asthma management and practice. All participants receive an Asthma Fundamentals manual, which is updated by the trainer when needed. A typical course involves around 10 participants in an interactive learning environment. Participants thoroughly recommend the course. 

For more information about the courses, please email our Education Services Manager Robyn Ingleton at educator@asthmafoundation.org.nz or call us on 04-499-4592.

We raise awareness about respiratory illness

We run promotional activities, campaigns and events, to encourage good management of lung illness, and to raise awareness about asthma and COPD. Find out more about our events and how you and your family can get involved.