The New Zealand Respiratory Conference is a biennial event hosted by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. 

It is the largest gathering or hui for New Zealand medical professionals with an interest in respiratory health.

Chronic and serious respiratory illnesses continue to make a substantial contribution to New Zealand’s health burden.

Latest figures show that respiratory diagnoses accounted for roughly 1 in 10 of all 2022 hospital bed nights in New Zealand.

Respiratory hospitalisation rates are highest for children under 15 years of age and adults aged over 65 years.

Mortality rates for respiratory disease are highest in adults aged over 65.

Rates for respiratory hospitalisation are highest for Pacific Peoples, Māori, and those living in areas of high deprivation.

The latest data estimates the minimum cost burden of respiratory disease to New Zealand to be $8.44b.

There is no question that the New Zealand health system is under extreme pressure. The fix is not a simple one and the issues are deeply entrenched and multi-faceted. Never has there been a more important time to focus and have very clear priorities.

You will hear from 20 speakers, who are all leaders in their fields, in many cases combining research with clinical practice.