Winners of the Respiratory Achievers' Awards

Winners of the 2018 New Zealand Respiratory Achievers'
Awards Announced

Thursday 19 April 2018, marks the 30th Anniversary of the New Zealand Respiratory Achievers' Awards organised by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ.

The ceremony being held in Wellington tonight features the Respiratory Achievers' Awards, which honour the accomplishments of truly amazing New Zealander's living with a respiratory condition. The event also includes the Respiratory Media Awards recognising and showcasing journalists who have helped to increase awareness around asthma and respiratory conditions.

Letitia O’Dwyer, CEO at Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, comments: “I’m delighted to be celebrating the 30th anniversary Respiratory Achievers’ awards tonight. It is quite remarkable that the New Zealand Respiratory Achievers’ Awards are now in their 30th year. What an achievement for the Foundation, and all its supporters and donors over the years. Our work is as valuable today as it was when the Foundation first formed more than 50 years ago from humble beginnings under Dr Graham Milne and the Naenae Rotary Club, the first asthma society. The fact is one in seven children, and one in nine adults have asthma in New Zealand and 586,000 schools days are lost each year. Respiratory disease costs the country $6 billion dollars a year.”

“The Respiratory awards are about honouring the achievements of inspiring New Zealanders living with a respiratory condition, as well as recognising there is still a long way to go to address respiratory issues in New Zealand. These people should inspire us all to continue the valuable work that we do by helping to raise awareness, educate and support important health research, whilst also continuing to push for a government prominent respiratory health target. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is a national organisation that supports training, education in schools, printed and online resources right across the country, yet we receive no government funding; we are hoping that this will change to continue the work that we do, Letitia O’Dwyer, CEO at Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ.

TV Personality and Ambassador for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, Erin Simpson, says: "The Achievers’ Awards are always a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and reward the efforts of those living with a respiratory condition. All the winners have achieved some outstanding success be it sporting, leadership, academic, cultural or in their community. It’s also great to honour those journalists whose excellent reporting has helped to raise awareness around respiratory issues. I’m delighted to be presenting at the Awards ceremony in Wellington, it will be a fantastic evening of celebration.”

See below for a summary of winners:-
Media Winners:-
Print and Online Media – Rachel Thomas, The Dominion Post
Rachel’s winning article ‘NZ’s $6 billion Breathing Problem’ highlighted the latest research around New Zealand’s respiratory health and the huge impact that it has on our population.
Health Industry Media Award – Dr John Dunlop and Dr Linda Bryant
Collaboratively written for Pharmacy Today the detailed article ‘Asthma in the Adult Population’ highlighted the high incidence of asthma in New Zealand, the involvement of different cell types in asthma, diagnostic criteria and details on common triggers.
Broadcast Media Award – Te Okiwa McLean
Presented on Te Karere on World Asthma Day 2017, Te Okiwa’s broadcast focused on the urgent action needed in New Zealand to control asthma in Maori and Pacific children.

Achievers’ Award Winners:-
Cody Forbes Award For Courage – Chloe Crump
From Tauranga
Chloe is a very strong young girl, and has had well over 25 hospital admissions due to her chronic asthma, bronchiectasis, obstructive sleep apnoea and bronchiolitis. Despite this she keeps active, and even recently climbed Mount Maunganui at 732 metres high!
Asthma 5 to 12 years old - Mayim Hartley
From Palmerston North
Mayim is a bright, brave and hugely positive young boy who has had chronic lung disease since birth. Mayim lives life to the fullest and doesn’t let his condition stop him - he’s even completed a Weetbix Triathlon.
Asthma 13 to 18 years old - Ben McCallum
From Hamilton, lives in New Plymouth
Ben is a dedicated young athlete who has had moderate to severe asthma since he was a baby. Ben has never let his asthma hold him back and has made some brilliant sporting achievements in Kayaking and Surf Lifesaving.
Asthma adult - Cybele Souza
From Christchurch
Cybele has had asthma since age two, and has had many hospital admissions throughout her life. Cybele has shown commitment and determination in everything she does, including her fantastic achievements in the Christchurch City Chorus.
COPD – Aketaunga Pureau
From Napier
Aketaunga has come a long way with the management of her COPD, even becoming a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme trainer. She also completed an IronMāori contest in 2017 despite her lung condition.
Other respiratory conditions – Inosandreia Nesi Tike
From Auckland
Inosandreia was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and Chronic Asthma on the week of her first birthday. Inosandreia is in charge of her medications and is getting great at self-management. Inosandreia keeps active through traditional Tongan dancing.

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