Respiratory Achievers' Awards & Foundation's 60th Birthday

On May 23, the Foundation welcomed guests to a black-tie event celebrating the New Zealand Respiratory Achievers’ Awards and the Foundation’s 60th anniversary.

We had an amazing turnout, including our award winners and their families, Board Members, Scientific Advisory Board Members and Friends of the Foundation partners.

We are grateful to those who joined us for such a special occasion, which included celebrating 60 years of research, education, and advocacy.

The 2024 event has been made possible thanks to the generous support of our Platinum Friends of the Foundation sponsor, G.J. Gardner Homes NZ.

Congratulations to the inspiring and remarkable recipients of this year's Respiratory Achievers' Awards, listed below.


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Asthma (5 - 12 years old)

Charleigh Skelton-Morris, 12, Colyton, Manawatu

Charleigh has just popped and locked her way into the Hip Hop World Championships, a huge achievement given her ongoing battle with severe asthma. Read Charleigh’s full story here.


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Asthma (13 – 18 years)

Dominique Maltby, 14, Auckland

From ICU at Starship Hospital in Auckland, to Year 8 Sports Girl of the Year 2023, Dominique wants other kids to know that if you look after your lungs, you can achieve anything. Read Dominique’s full story here.


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Adult Asthma

Betty Blake, 78, Auckland

Asthma is an unwelcome, very irksome, troublesome companion in Betty Blake’s life, but she knows the importance of managing her condition after the death of her cousin to asthma at the age of 18. Read Betty’s full story here.


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COPD

Margaret Bowler, 78, Christchurch

Margaret is a role model for those living with COPD, holding exercise classes once a week in her community despite suffering from COPD herself. Read Margaret's full story here.


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Other respiratory conditions

Faamanatu Ofisa, 14, Auckland

14-year-old Samoan teen Faamanatu Ofisa has scars in his breathing tubes, but his determination to take care of his lungs is driven by his passion for playing rugby. Read Natu's full story here.


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Cody Forbes Award for Courage

Maddison-Grace Wilson, 10, Tauranga

Maddi has had more than 15 surgeries due to complications from her multiple respiratory conditions, but she is not giving up on her dream of being a zoo vet and a princess in a castle. Read Maddi’s full story here.


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Respiratory Educator

Anne Webster, 66, Wellington

Anne Webster has spent two decades trying to help tamariki stay well with their asthma and is described by her colleagues as one of the most caring nurses who always goes the extra mile for whānau in her care. Read Anne’s full story here.


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Youth Anti-Vaping Champion

Vape-Free Kids NZ, Nationwide

Five mums are on a crusade to raise awareness of New Zealand’s vaping epidemic and to fight for families who have been torn apart by addiction. Read Vape-Free Kids NZ’s full story here.


2024 Event Gallery


A word from our sponsor:

"Having personally seen the effect asthma has had on family members, the G.J. Gardner team are proud to support the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation's work, including the Respiratory Achievers' Awards."