Better Breathing
ONE MILLION
Unveiling New Zealand's respiratory reality
THE VAPING DIVIDE
Progress, but a long road ahead
SUMMER TIPS
For trees, sneeze and allergies
OUR TEAM CONTENTS
Chief Executive
Letitia Harding
Deputy Chief Executive, Education & Development Manager
Joanna Turner
Individual Giving Fundraising Executive, O ice Adminstrator
Christina Goss
PR & Comms Marketing Manager
Chloe Bradwell
Digital Marketing Specialist
Sam Treseder
Marketing Coordinator
Jack Perris
Māori Community Liaison
Sharon Pihema
Community Liaison
Youth Vape Educator
Penelope Joyce
Corporate Sponsorship & Engagement Advisors
Martin Boland & Annie Mallett
Grants & Fundraising Executive
Michaela Tahere
Medical Director
Prof. Bob Hancox, BSc, MB CHb, MRCP, MD, FRACP
Chief Cultural Advisor – Māori
Sir John Clarke, KNZM, CNZM
Bushfires and summer 'Back to School' competition
Laps for Lungs wrap-up
Christmas Tree Syndrome
Summer allergy tips
Natural
Letitia’s Message
Welcome to the summer edition of the magazine. It is starting to feel a lot like a New Zealand Christmas, with longer days, warmer weather and the smell of BBQs.
Of course, for some people, this combination can play havoc with hay fever, so if you have allergies make sure you have your medication handy – especially if you have asthma. It is a great reminder to have a ‘warrantof-fitness’ with your healthcare provider to ensure you are on the right asthma medication, and that your symptoms are wellcontrolled. Don’t forget to visit our website to download your own free Asthma Action Plan (and a Child Asthma Symptom Diary if you need one for your tamariki).
As you all know, 2024 marked our 60th anniversary. To commemorate that, we created a beautiful 60th anniversary pin (page 19) which you can purchase from our website. This limited edition pin is only $10, and all proceeds go towards funding our resources so they can remain free. Order as a great little stocking filler, or even to pop one into a Christmas cracker – stock is running out!
Here at the Foundation, we are already busy organising the New Zealand Respiratory Conference for 2025. The conference will take place on Thursday 30th October and Friday 31st October, and will be held at the beautiful Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
You can read more about this on page 18, but make sure to lock those dates into your calendar. We have secured some amazing speakers, and we will launch the 2025 NZ COPD Guidelines at this conference.
The community is a big part of the Foundation, and we love it when our schools get involved to raise awareness about asthma, and what to do in an emergency. On page 11 you will find details about our 'Back-to-School' competition, so please share and get involved. Also, a reminder that our Sailor the Pu erfish online asthma education programme is free and open to everyone. Whether you are a parent or teacher, it is an amazing resource for young ones to learn more about asthma in a fun and educational way.
BBQs and bush fires are common during this season, so make sure you know what to do should a bush fire happen close to where you work or live. Smoke is a known trigger for an asthma flare-up, so it is important to have your asthma reliever inhaler with you wherever you go. The last thing you need is to be somewhere remote, and not have your inhaler on hand. Read more on page 10.
A big thank you to King, our newest Gold Friends of the Foundation partner for supporting the Foundation in all that we do. King knows the importance of living in a healthy home, free from mould and dust mites. For more than five decades, King has been designing furniture with the aim to reduce exposure to these allergens.
If you are an organisation that wishes to be a Friend of the Foundation partner, then please contact Martin Boland or Annie Mallett, our wonderful Corporate Sponsorship and Engagement Advisors at friends@arfnz.org.nz.
In November, Better Breathing Hero Josh Brodie undertook an epic challenge - running a halfmarathon every day for 30 days. Josh aimed to raise funds for the Foundation, and in particular - for asthma education.
We are truly grateful for Josh, for his dedication (and fitness) to the cause. See photos from his runs, and read more on pages 8 & 9.
This year we released the highly anticipated Respiratory Impact Report, which looks at six key indicators related to respiratory disease. The report showed that 1 in 5 Kiwis are a ected by respiratory illness in New Zealand, that’s approximately 1 million people. You can read more about this report on pages 4 and 5.
This message wouldn’t be complete without talking about what is happening in the youth vaping space.
This year we completed our second youth vaping survey. The last survey was in 2021, which produced some shocking statistics on the number of secondary school students vaping. This year we expanded the age range of participants to include Year 7-8 students. This year it showed some good news, but also some areas we really need to focus on.
You can find the latest statistics and findings from the 2024 ARFNZ/SPANZ/NZAIMS Vaping in Youth Survey on pages 6 & 7.
Remember, the Foundation receives no government funding, so all our work is made possible by the generous support from your our readers, our community funding groups, our donor family, our Friends of the Foundation partners and New Zealanders who share our goal of improving respiratory health in Aotearoa.
Thank you for all your support over this year.
Noho ora mai,
Letitia
Letitia Harding, Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive
The Impact of Respiratory Disease in New Zealand
The number of New Zealanders suffering from respiratory disease is far worse than previously thought, with around 1 million Kiwis affected, a new report shows.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ released the 2023 Impact of Respiratory Disease in New Zealand report in September, which revealed that 1 in 5 Kiwis are affected by a respiratory illness. The previous report, released in 2021, found that figure was 1 in 7 (or 700,000).
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the new findings show just how many families are impacted by chronic and serious lung conditions.
"These numbers are not just statistics – they represent our whānau and our tamariki, who are struggling to breathe every single day.
“These numbers also tell a story of a child missing school or a parent waking up in the middle of the night in fear, having to rush their child to the hospital.”
This new data fuels the Foundation’s mission to advocate and educate for better respiratory health for all, Ms Harding says.
Foundation Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says it is clear that respiratory disease continues to cause a great deal of suffering in Aotearoa.
It is the third leading cause of death in New Zealand, accounts for 1 in 11 hospital stays, and costs the country $8.4 billion per year.
However, despite these grim statistics, New Zealand has made some progress, Professor Hancox says.
Hospitalisations from asthma and COPD have already exceeded the Foundation’s target of a 25% reduction by 2025, he says.
“This likely reflects the improvements in prevention and care of these conditions that the Foundation has been advocating for years.
“However, we must acknowledge that far too many people still suffer unnecessarily from conditions that could be prevented or treated more effectively.”
Report lead author Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard, a University of Otago Wellington senior researcher at the Department of Public Health and member of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, says access to new data meant that we now know the true scope of respiratory disease in New Zealand.
However, she points out that the data also shows the positive impact Covid restrictions had in reducing respiratory disease rates and hospitalisations for our most at-risk populations.
“While we're not suggesting a return to those extreme measures, there are practical steps we can take like staying home when sick, keeping our flu vaccinations up to date, and ensuring good ventilation in our homes, schools, and workplaces.”
To read the the full report, scan the QR code above.
DISEASE IN NEW ZEALAND...
causes 1 in 11 hospital stays
third leading cause of death
that’s nearly 2 people each week that’s nearly 3 people each week
2024 Youth Vaping in New Zealand
Report Findings
Overall youth vaping rates in New Zealand have dropped more than 50 per cent over the past three years, a new survey shows.
The 2024 ARFNZ/SPANZ/NZAIMS Vaping in New Zealand Youth Survey reveals that vaping among students in Years 9 to 13 has dropped considerably, with 12 per cent vaping in the last seven days - down from 27 per cent in 2021.
The survey also shows that 3 per cent of Year 7 and 8 students had vaped in the last seven days. This is the first survey to look at the prevalence of vaping across both intermediate and secondary schools, including students as young as 10 years old.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says she is pleased with the overall results as they show that tighter regulations and on-the-ground education are having a positive impact.
"Since 2017 we have been strongly advocating for tighter regulations to prevent the uptake of youth vaping - that’s seven years of battling vaping, but we’ve finally got some wins.
"Though we're seeing lower rates of youth vaping overall, we cannot take our foor off the pedal."
Unfortunately, vaping has increased among older students, Ms Harding says.
In the 2021 survey, 17 per cent of Year 12s and 13 per cent of Year 13s had vaped in the last seven days. This survey reported that 20 per cent of Year 12s and 26 per cent of Year 13s had vaped in the last seven days.
"This tells us that students who were in Year 10 in 2021 have continued to vape, and we are now capturing their habits as Year 13s in this survey," she says.
"These are the students that have fallen through the cracks - and the ones we need to continue to support."
Of those students who had vaped in the last seven days, nearly half of those reported that vaping is harming their health, with 23 per cent of those vaping daily and 42 per cent vaping several times a day, Ms Harding says.
The findings highlight the need for further tightening of the regulations, continued education, and targeted interventions for young people addicted to vaping.
Key findings
• This survey is one of the largest youth vaping surveys conducted in New Zealand, and the first to include students from Year 7 to 13.
• Overall, there has been a substantial reduction in vaping in Years 9-13.
• More students had given up vaping than started vaping in the past year. This was the case in every year except Year 13.
• Vaping has increased among older students with 21.9% of Year 12s and 13s having vaped in the last seven days.
• The most common source of supply was from friends (70%), however almost a quarter (24.6%) still obtained them directly from retailers (vape stores, dairies and service stations).
• Weekly vaping is nearly twice as high among Māori students than NZ European students.
• Of those who reported knowing the nicotine concentration of their vape, the majority were vaping at high (18-24mg) to very high (2450mg) doses.
• Many students reported waking in the middle of the night to vape.
To read the the full report, scan the QR code.
30 half-marathons, 30 days.
During November, Better Breathing Hero Josh Brodie ran 21 km every day. Every day, one foot in front of the other. Every day, small steps to improving the lives of New Zealanders.
Throughout the month, Josh was joined by some amazing companies, including Comfortech, Rydges Wellington, Colliers, Duncan Cotterill, Deloitte, Nelson Garage Doors and Les Mills. Their sponsorship directly contributes to the Foundation's work supporting the one million Kiwis living with respiratory disease, through education, research and advocacy.
Josh raised just shy of $5,000 for the Foundation throughout the month.
A word from some of our sponsors.
We were thrilled to back Josh Brodie on the first day of his 30IN30 challenge, where he ran a half marathon every day throughout November to support the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand. Through our partnership, we continue to raise awareness for Kiwis living with respiratory illness and have a positive impact on the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.
- Chris Philpott, Comfortech (Friends of the Foundation Silver Partner)
We recall the midnight trips to the Emergency Room with our first son in his early years and have appreciated access to quality asthma treatment and medication here in Aotearoa, which is in no small part a result of the Foundation's efforts over the years. It is such a great opportunity to raise awareness, and what Josh has done this month is just incredible.
- Steve Perris, Nelson Garage Doors
With Josh being a former Rydges Wellington colleague, it was a no-brainer to jump on board to help raise awareness and funds for a not-for-profit foundation that is helping support the community. Being a runner myself, it is no small feat to run a half-marathon, let alone run one every day for a month - so to join him and do it on behalf of Rydges Wellington was an honour.
- Nikki Chapman, Rydges Wellington
The Duncan Cotterill Wellington team were proud sponsors of Josh’s 30IN30 initiative and really enjoyed running alongside him for his 26th half-marathon of the month. It was a great opportunity to come together and raise awareness for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation. Thanks to Josh for 'running' such an impressive initiative.
- Gina Green, Duncan Cotterill Wellington
We were proud to support Josh and his runs for the Foundation. That sort of commitment deserves support and he is a great role model for people living with asthma.
- Hamish Templeton, Colliers Wellington
Bushfires and Asthma Bushfires and Asthma
Long, hot summer days are on the way. And with them comes a few favourite summer activities –BBQs, bonfires and fireworks.
While it sounds like harmless fun, the risk of accidentally starting a fire is very real.
And that fire could get out of control very quickly.
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in a natural area. The most recent New Zealand wildfire was the 2024 Port Hills fire, which took three weeks to extinguish and engulfed about 650 hectares of land in Christchurch.
Smoke from wildfires can pose serious risks from exposure to the billowing smoke, as tiny particles that enters the throat and lungs causing irritation.
It is, therefore, essential that you are prepared at all times in case that exposure catches you offguard.
Inhaling smoke from fires can severely exacerbate conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and trigger flare-ups, which can be serious and lead to hospitalisation.
It is imperative for everyone to recognise these risks, understand how to manage them, and actively reduce their exposure.
Research shows that a N95 (or KN95) mask offers the best protection against smoke from wild fires.
If fitted and worn correctly, the N95 mask filters out 95% of particles, significantly reducing the risk of those particles getting into your lungs.
It is also recommended that all people with respiratory conditions keep necessary medications on hand when going outside, with the smoke in circulation.
Before you light, check it's alright.
colouring competition
A LIVE SAILOR SHOW + $250 ART VOUCHER FOR YOUR SCHOOL A $250 ART VOUCHER FOR YOU
entries close 28th feb 2025
This year, for Breathe Better September, the Foundation encouraged Kiwis to get involved in 'Laps for Lungs'. We had people living with respiratory conditions, their families and the wider community participate.
A huge thank you to our awesome 'Lappers' for all the effort they put in to this fundraising event! Their hard work and dedication to raise funds and awareness helps to support the vital work we do across the motu.
We also want to thank our campaign sponsor and Friends of the Foundation Silver Partner, HRV.
Together, we were able to provide some of our amazing Lappers with a $15,000 HRV Healthy Home Package, a Schools Prize and a Workplace Prize this year.
BREATHE BETTER SEPTEMBER
OTHER FUNDRAISERS
Colyton School
Surrounded in a sea of blue, students from Colyton School ran laps of their school field for six hours to raise funds and awareness of respiratory illness - and had loads of fun while doing it. Runners from the school carried and passed the baton for an incredible 415 laps, or 83 km!
Their efforts raised $267 to support the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ’s work. Thank you to all those who participated and a special thank you to Shannon Skelton-Morris for organising this great event.
Jamie-Lee G.
After losing a family member, Belinda, to COPD last year - her sister Debbie, niece Stacey, and three children Jamie, Ben and Sam each shaved their heads (and held a bingo afternoon) in her honour. She was a strong, loving women who would fight fiercely to do anything for her friends and family.
Their gathering in Waikouaiti was both fun and heartfelt, and their amazing effort raised over $5,000!
TOTAL FUNDS RAISED:
Chris McKeown
Growing up in a cold, damp council house in Scotland, Chris struggled with asthma. Everything changed when his house was renovated when he was 12 years old – his asthma practically disappeared. He didn’t face any issues again until moving to New Zealand. So when the chance came to support the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, he didn’t hesitate.
Helping others breathe easier is something deeply personal to him, and he was determined to raise as much money as he could to help make a difference. Chris raised over $4,000 through the sale of his stunning calendars during September.
Lauren C.
Lauren’s daughter Izzy was the motivation for her involvement in Breathe Better September. The work we do at the Foundation is very close to Lauren’s heart - Izzy has “gone through so much in her little life.”
Lauren collected prizes from local businesses, putting together a raffle and gift basket. Her efforts raised $2,132 for the Foundation.
$23,398
Chris raised $4,000 for the Foundation from the proceeds of selling two calendars.
Debbie, Stacey, Jamie, Ben and Sam shaved their heads for their beloved Belinda.
Christmas Tree Syndrome
'Tis the sneason!
For many, seeing a Christmas tree is the start of holiday cheer.
However, for others, it marks the start of sneezes and sniffles due to Christmas Tree Syndrome.
Christmas Tree Syndrome is a reaction triggered by real or artificial Christmas trees, which can cause wheezing, sneezing, coughing, sore eyes, and even asthma attacks.
And while real trees are the biggest culprits, your artificial one isn’t without its triggers too.
Real trees, especially pines and cypresses, can bring more than just festive cheer indoors.
Before they're cut, these trees may collect high levels of pollen from surrounding plants.
When brought inside, this pollen is released, potentially triggering asthma and hay fever symptoms. Additionally, mould spores can grow on real trees, especially if they’ve been stored in damp environments.
With that in mind, you might think that artificial trees are the answer.
Unfortunately not.
Over time, artificial trees gather dust, dust mites, and even mould in storage, so when you unpack it for another festive season, these can also trigger asthma symptoms.
To keep your festive season free of wheezing and sneezing, follow these tips:
Real Christmas tree
• Hose down your live tree before you bring it into the house to help to wash off the allergens.
• If you notice increased asthma or allergy symptoms, move your tree outside.
Artificial Christmas tree
• Give the tree a good shake outdoors before you put it up inside.
• Unpack your tree and decorations outside and vacuum them as you get them out of the box.
• Wipe down your artificial tree, wreaths and ornaments with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
• When you pack your tree and decorations away, use airtight plastic bags and sealed boxes so they collect less dust.
TOP TIPS FOR SUMMER
Summer is officially here, but with it can come allergies for some.
So, to enjoy the warmer months, we've got some helpful tips to keep your asthma and allergies at bay.
1. Have a plan in place
Before you travel, make sure that you have an up-todate asthma action plan. Having a self-management plan helps you to identify when your symptoms are worsening and what to do when this happens. You can download a free asthma action plan from the Foundation’s website.
2. Know your triggers
A trigger is something that makes your asthma symptoms flare up. Pollen and the onset of hot, humid weather can both be triggers, and both are more common in summer. If you know what your triggers are, you can try to avoid those things and reduce the chance of an asthma exacerbation.
If pollen is one of your triggers, it’s a good idea to stay indoors if the pollen count is high or if it’s very windy. You can also keep windows and doors closed to limit exposure.
3. Have your medication handy
Make sure you keep taking your asthma medication as prescribed while you’re on holiday, and always have your reliever inhaler on hand should you need it. Check you have enough medication to see you through the holiday period. This is especially important if you’re going away, as it may not be easy to access asthma medication if you need it urgently.
4. Store your medication safely
Keep your medication in a cool, dry place that you can reach easily. Don’t leave it in direct sunlight or in the car, as this can cause it to overheat, and may reduce its effectiveness.
5. Stay cool
If heat triggers your asthma, stay indoors or somewhere cool and drink plenty of water. Try to plan your outdoor activities for first thing in the morning or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
6. Stay hydrated
While this tip may seem obvious, it’s so important to drink plenty of water and stay well-hydrated in the summer heat.
Summer is here and it is a great time to get outdoors. We have all heard of sunbathing, but what about nature bathing?
“Shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing) was a term coined in Japan in 1982 by the government, to describe a form of therapy targeting citydwellers. The therapy promoted total sensory immersion in a forest or natural environment for health and wellbeing.
Since the 1980s, there is a growing body of evidence to support the physiological and psychological benefits of connecting with nature.
Internationally, therapy programmes similar to those started in Japan continue to operate.
As a respiratory physiotherapist, encouraging people to exercise is my bread and butter, but where they do that exercise may also be relevant.
A research study has found that a walk in a natural environment, results in a reduced stress response in the brain compared to a walk in a busy, urban environment.
In another study on elderly people with COPD, researchers found a short leisurely visit to a forest resulted in reduced inflammation and stress levels compared to visiting an urban area.
There are many ways you could bathe yourself in nature. Why not try and make one of the following ideas a regular habit? It could be your New Year’s resolution.
• Go for a bush walk
• Spend time in your garden
• Sit on a park bench located in a greenspace and observe nature around you
• Engage your senses in a natural environmentwhat you can see, feel, hear, smell?
• Join a local community garden
• Visit a park
We are lucky in New Zealand to have good access to green spaces, even in urban settings. Get out there and enjoy them!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zoe Manderson is a respiratory physiotherapist in Taranaki for Te Whatu Ora and a member of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ's Scientific Advisory Board.
Missed the live webinar?
Scan the QR code to watch the recording with Prof. Bob Hancox and Dr. Sarah Candy
Is Dust Mite Allergy interrupting your sleep? MiteGuard bedding covers protect you from Dust Mite Allergens that can cause coughing, sneezing, runny noses (rhinitis), eczema and asthma.
The New Zealand Respiratory Conference is returning in 2025. Running over two days in October, this conference is a 'must attend' for all healthcare professionals.
We have secured some amazing speakers and exhibitors already, with more on the horizon over the coming months.
Visit www.nzrc2025.co.nz to be notified when early bird tickets go on sale.
We're looking forward to seeing you all in less than a year's time.
60th CELEBRATIONS
ASTHMA AND RESPIRATORY FOUNDATION NZ
Celebrate six decades of dedication and progress with our exclusive 60th anniversary pin, a symbol of our commitment to improving the respiratory health of all New Zealanders.
Whether you're a long-standing supporter, a dedicated health professional, or a grateful beneficiary of our services, wearing this pin is a proud declaration of your connection to our cause. Wear it with pride, knowing that you're making a di erence in the lives of those a ected by respiratory conditions across our communities.
Purchase a limited edition 60th anniversary pin and wear yours to show support for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ.
Support Groups
Horowhenua Breathe Easy Support Group 06 368 8069 iandlmckenzie@xtra.co.nz 9 Kilsby Place, Levin 5510
your local
Scan the QR code, or visit www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/get-involved/store
Marlborough COPD Support and Exercise Group
Contact Gillian McCloy 027 454 5102
ASTHMA SOCIETY
Is your support group missing? Let us know: info@arfnz.org.nz
Asthma NZ - Rotorua
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 07 347 1012 rotorua@asthma.org.nz 1290 Eruera Street, Rotorua 3010 www.asthma.org.nz
Asthma NZ - Auckland
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 09 623 0236 anz@asthma.org.nz 581 Mt Eden Road, Auckland www.asthma.org.nz
Asthma Otago
Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm 03 471 6167, 027 471 6160 otagoasthma@xtra.co.nz
Dunedin Community House, 1st Floor, Cnr Moray and Great King Street, Dunedin 9016
Asthma Waikato
Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm 07 838 0851 info@asthmawaikato.org.nz 18 Claudelands Road, Hamilton East, Hamilton www.asthmawaikato.org.nz
Respiratory Support
Nelson
Monday - Friday, 9am-2pm 03 544 1562 / 027 546 7675 asthma.nelson@xtra.co.nz 9 Cambridge Street, Richmond, Nelson 7020 respiratorynelson.co.nz
Eastern BOP Asthma and COPD Support Group 07 307 1447 or 0800 227 363 copd@drct.co.nz
C/O Karen Couchman, Disabilities Resource Centre Trust, 141 King Street, Whakatane 3120
Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust
Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm 04 939 4629 / 0800 939 462 anne@kokiri-hauora.org.nz 7-9 Barnes St, Seaview, Lower Hutt 5010
CanBreathe Canterbury
Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm 03 386 0278 o ce@canbreathe.org.nz
117 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8052 www.canbreathe.org.nz
Asthma and Respiratory Management BOP Inc
Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm 07 577 6738 0800 276 267 reception@asthmabop.org.nz 254 Chadwick Rd, Gate Pa, Tauranga 3112 www.asthmabop.org.nz
Asthma NZ - Wellington Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm 04 237 4520 wellington@asthma.org.nz
Level 2, 120 Featherston Street, Wellington 6011 www.asthma.org.nz
Gisborne and East Coast Asthma Society 06 868 9970 lynlolohea@hotmail.com 14 Kennedy Street, Gisborne 4010
Breathe Hawke’s Bay
Monday-Friday, 8.30am-3pm 06 835 0018 admin@breathehb.co.nz 199 Dickens Street, Napier www.breathehb.co.nz
