Note:

Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ is dedicated to improving heart and lung health outcomes. It brings together the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa, Lung Foundation NZ, and the Bronchiectasis Foundation NZ.

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News

Read articles and our latest media releases about our efforts

NZ hosts first-of-its-kind course on life-saving heart technique that halves deaths

Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) cardiovascular imaging

A first-of-its-kind training course is helping New Zealand cardiologists adopt advanced heart imaging that improves stent placement and patient outcomes.

Physiotherapy for bronchiectasis

Respiratory Physiotherapy

Bronchiectasis physiotherapy focuses on clearing phlegm using breathing techniques like deep breaths and huffing to prevent mucus build-up, infection and lung damage.

Easier access to life-saving asthma inhalers now a reality

Health professional with inhalers

A major win for asthma care: from 1 August 2025, about 120,000 Kiwis will be able to collect three months’ supply of their 2-in-1 asthma inhaler at once, improving access to lifesaving treatment.

Joining forces for respiratory wellness

AHI Carrier Toshiba - FOF Silver

AHI Carrier Toshiba has joined our Friends of the Foundation programme, supporting work to improve indoor air quality for the one in five New Zealanders living with respiratory disease.

Vaping law breaches fuel Foundation’s training rollout

Vaping

Official Information Act figures show that 125 complaints were lodged and dozens of retailers were found breaching the rules, just two weeks after new vaping laws took effect.

Many rentals may still fall short as healthy homes deadline arrives

NZ Housing

As winter grips the country, many Kiwis will go to sleep tonight in rental homes that may still be putting their health at risk.

Smokefree 2025: A promise gone up in smoke

Smokefree

On World Smokefree Day, concerns were raised that New Zealand drifted from its Smokefree 2025 goal, with warnings that vaping is replacing, rather than ending, nicotine addiction.

"Please don’t die today" - a mother’s fight against asthma

Jade Stevens

On World Asthma Day, mum Jade Stevens shares her experience of severe asthma and how a life-changing treatment helped her regain control, raising awareness of the realities of the condition.

Proposed change to asthma inhaler access could save lives

Turbuhaler - purchase next month

Pharmac has proposed changes to improve access to 2-in-1 asthma inhalers, including a three-month supply and easier access through clinics, with strong support from the Foundation.

Raising funds for devices to detect heart disease early

A pair of hands using a Kardiamobile ECG machine to measure heart rate

Thousands of Kiwis risk undiagnosed atrial fibrillation because many communities lack access to ECG devices that can detect the condition in seconds.

Rising power costs puts health at risk

Powerlines - purchase next month

Rising power prices are increasing energy poverty in NZ, with cold, damp homes worsening asthma and COPD. Health experts warn this is becoming a public health issue affecting vulnerable households.

Vape companies hunt loopholes ahead of law change

Stack of disposable vapes

New vaping restrictions are coming into force, but concerns remain that some retailers are seeking loopholes, prompting calls for stronger enforcement to protect young people from nicotine addiction.