Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
A 14-year-old Samoan boy with scarred breathing tubes and a young girl who has suffered numerous life-threatening asthma attacks are just two of the winners of the 2024 Respiratory Achievers’ Awards.
The awards, hosted by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, were held in Wellington on Thursday evening to honour and celebrate the achievements of New Zealanders living with respiratory conditions.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the event aims to highlight the successes of outstanding individuals who have to work hard just to breathe, yet still manage to achieve their goals.
“Managing a respiratory condition takes ongoing determination, courage and a positive mindset.
“People take breathing for granted, but if you think about it – if you struggle to breathe, you struggle to do anything,” she says.
“All the winners honoured at this event are amazing role models across all ages, who manage their respiratory conditions every day, while excelling in sports, academics, leadership, community service and advocacy.”
One in 7 Kiwis live with a respiratory condition and it is the third leading cause of death in New Zealand.
The winners of the 2024 Respiratory Achievers’ Awards are:
Maddison-Grace Wilson, 10, Tauranga
Cody Forbes Award for Courage
Faamanatu Ofisa, 14, Auckland
Other Respiratory Conditions
Charleigh Skelton-Morris, 12, Colyton, Manawatu
Asthma (5 – 12 years old)
Dominique Maltby, 14, Auckland
Asthma (13 – 18 years old)
Betty Blake, 78, Auckland
Adult Asthma
Margaret Bowler, Christchurch
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Margaret is a role model for those living with COPD, holding exercise classes once a week in her community despite suffering from COPD herself.
Anne Webster, 66, Wellington
Respiratory Educator
Vape-Free Kids NZ, Nationwide
Youth Anti-Vaping Champion
The awards were made possible thanks to the generosity of GJ Gardner, the Foundation’s only Platinum Fri
