Awards to celebrate achievements of respiratory community

The exceptional achievements of New Zealanders who persevere in the face of respiratory challenges will be celebrated at the Respiratory Achievers' Awards next year. The annual awards show, hosted by Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, is being held on Thursday 23 May 2024. It is made possible by the generosity of G.J. Gardner Homes, our Friends of the Foundation Platinum partner, who has just re-signed for a second year.

Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says: “We are very grateful for the ongoing support of G.J. Gardner, allowing us to celebrate the achievements of truly inspirational New Zealanders living with respiratory disease”.

G.J. Gardner Homes General Manager Olly Sundstrum says they are dedicated to finding ways to improve the lives of the 700,000 Kiwis, and their families, living with a respiratory disease. “We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders, and welcome the opportunity to help in any way we can.”

The awards recognise people with respiratory conditions who have made achievements in one or more of the following fields: sporting, leadership, academic, cultural or community, while managing their condition and living a full and active life.

The 2024 event will be the 32nd Respiratory Achievers' Awards to be hosted by the Foundation, reflecting its long history of supporting and championing New Zealanders with respiratory conditions.

The Foundation has been advocating for Kiwis’ respiratory health and providing research and

educational resources for almost 60 years, Ms Harding says. “Our work is needed more than ever now."

“Respiratory diseases continue to have a significant health burden on New Zealand with one in seven living with a respiratory condition,” Ms Harding says. “These conditions are estimated to cost our country $7 billion a year and are the third most common cause of death.”

The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 23 May 2024 in Wellington. Winners in each category will receive a return trip for two to Wellington to attend the ceremony, a trophy and one night’s accommodation.

Click here to nominate!

Nominations can be made across eight categories:

• Asthma (5 – 11 years old)

• Asthma (12 – 18 years old)

• Adult Asthma

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Other respiratory conditions (including cystic fibrosis, bronchiolitis and bronchiectasis)

• Cody Forbes Award For Courage

• Media Award (open to journalists writing on respiratory issues)

• Respiratory Educator Award (open to nurses and other educators working with people with respiratory illnesses)