Click here to watch a summary video of the 2016 NZ Respiratory Awards.
The prestigious national awards acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of people living in New Zealand with asthma or an on-going respiratory condition.
Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding, comments: "The awards are a fantastic way to honour and celebrate the achievements of some very special people. It's amazing to see what some of our past winners have achieved in life despite living with a limiting respiratory condition. Every nomination is acknowledged and receives one of our certificate awards."
"This year is even more special with it being our 30th anniversary of the awards. Over the past 30 years we have had some truly inspirational winners." Letitia adds.
Six achievers’ award winners will be flown to Wellington all expenses paid, to be presented their awards at a national award ceremony on 19 April 2018 at the prestigious Wellington Club, 88 The Terrace, Wellington. The awards are held every two years. The Respiratory Achievers' Awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Respiratory Media Awards which reward excellence in health journalism.
The Respiratory Media Awards recognise the important role that the media play in respiratory education. Journalists, talk show hosts, videographers, and health professionals are invited to submit respiratory-related stories published or broadcast during 2016-2017. Ambassador for Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, Erin Simpson, comments on the awards: "The Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and reward the efforts of those living with respiratory conditions and also journalists reporting on respiratory issues. This is incredibly important in raising awareness and helps to build a better future. I can't wait to present the awards in April in Wellington, it's always a brilliant event."
The ceremony attracts some outstanding individuals and here's a list of some of the award winners from the National Achievers' Awards from two years ago; they came from all walks of life and their stories are truly inspirational:
Jaide Campbell (Canterbury), winner of the asthma 5-12 years category who lives life to the fullest despite having had over 30 hospital admissions;
Josh Marker (Whangarei), winner of the asthma 13-18 years category who has achieved impressive results racing BMX nationally, despite having moderately severe asthma;
Holly Pittar (Wellington), winner of the asthma adult category who has almost lost her life on a number of occasions due to asthma, however this doesn’t stop her from studying to be a GP;
Pauline Mohi (Christchurch), winner of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) category, Pauline was diagnosed with COPD 25 years after giving up smoking. While many everyday things are an effort, Pauline regularly supports others at pulmonary rehabilitation programmes;
Emily Arps (Christchurch), winner of the other respiratory conditions category has a rare syndrome that causes frequent infections of the lungs, sinuses and ears. Emily works as a health promotor and engages in a number of volunteer roles; "What better way to say well done to a friend or colleague who has a respiratory condition than by nominating them for a Respiratory Achievers' Award. Make someone’s year and send through your nomination today,” says Letitia.
The Award categories are as follows:
Asthma 5 to 12 years old
Asthma 13 to 18 years old
Asthma adult
COPD
Other respiratory conditions (including cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitis and bronchiectasis)
All nominations will automatically be eligible for the Cody Forbes Award for Courage. This award is in honour of a boy from Turangi, who had cystic fibrosis and sadly passed away in May 2007 shortly after his 16th birthday.
The Respiratory Media Awards which reward excellence in health journalism has the following categories:
Health industry media category
Print and online media category
Radio category
Television category
Judges are looking for winning stories that provide a balanced and accurate report of respiratory issues. Quality reporting helps to keep respiratory issues top of mind in the community and reinforces the fact that we still have a long way to go, to reduce the impact of respiratory diseases in New Zealand.
Achievers Awards Brochure
If you have any questions about the awards, please email marketing@asthmaandrespiratory.org.nz or phone 04 495 0097.
