News
Read articles and our latest media releases about our efforts
Mum needing essential heart scan faced life-threatening delays
A Wellington mum with breast cancer was told she could wait up to 10 months for an essential heart scan. Her story highlights growing delays in cardiac care and the need for better heart services.
$500k vape kit deal ‘reeks of tobacco tactics’
The Government spent over $500,000 on vapes for smoking cessation despite them not being Medsafe-approved, raising concerns about transparency, quality control, and evidence-based quitting support.
Hospitalisation spike likely during back-to-school period
Asthma hospitalisations rise as kids return to school, with the Foundation urging parents to ensure action plans are up-to-date and reliever inhalers are on hand.
Christmas wish for better heart healthcare in New Zealand
In our Christmas wish list to Santa, we asked for something truly magical: faster access to heart care, more cardiac beds, better hospital equipment, and more specialist staff to help save Kiwi lives.
Christmas Tree Syndrome
For some people, Christmas trees bring more than festive cheer. Pollen, mould and dust can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms throughout the holidays.
Top tips for summer
Summer brings increased pollen, heat and allergy risks for people with asthma, with guidance to follow action plans, avoid triggers, and keep medication on hand to prevent flare-ups.
Natural bathing
“Shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing) or nature therapy encourages time in green spaces to reduce stress and support wellbeing, with evidence showing benefits for respiratory health, including COPD.
Bushfires and asthma
Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can seriously affect breathing and worsen asthma and COPD, so preparation, medication, and N95/KN95 masks are strongly recommended.
Health experts push for change in vital lung disease test
Health professionals call for better access to spirometry to detect serious respiratory disease earlier.
Newly-funded drugs will save lives, particularly babies
Pharmac has approved funding for palivizumab to protect high-risk infants from RSV and a new triple inhaler for COPD, improving access to treatments that can prevent serious illness and save lives.
Youth vaping rates drop, but ‘cannot take our foot off the pedal’
The Foundation's youth vaping survey shows overall rates have fallen by more than 50%, but vaping among older students has increased, highlighting the need for continued action.
Vape advertising and promotion ban ‘long overdue’
Proposed vaping law changes would ban product displays, advertising and promotions, a move welcomed after years of advocacy to reduce youth exposure and prevent nicotine addiction.