Our Team

Asthma New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation committed to creating a healthier New Zealand, where every Kiwi with Asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) lives a full life.  As New Zealand's largest asthma educator, we have been at the forefront, fighting for a New Zealand that breathes easy since 1965.  Education is the most powerful tool in reducing hospitalisation and improving the way we live with asthma and COPD.  

Our mission is to see a 50% reduction from asthma and COPD hospitalisation by 2029.  We cannot do this on our own so we partner with health professionals and community groups to make reaching, referring and supporting patients simple.  

What we do:

  • Provide free education, training and support to patients with asthma and/or COPD where they need it, when they need it
  • Support families and enable them to live well with asthma and/or COPD
  • Deliver education to junior school students and teachers, increasing their health literacy and equipping them with asthma emergency skills
  • Support High School students as they venture into a world of independence and self-management
  • Deliver asthma and COPD education to Health Professionals
  • Assist Doctors and Specialists by providing asthma and COPD support and education to their patients

Meet the team that delivers the above!

Meet The Team

Bekitemba

Asthma Nurse Educator (Auckland)

Registered nurse originally from Zimbabwe. Moved to New Zealand in 2007. Bekitemba previously worked in the Age Care Sector and also as a Bureau Registered Nurse. He started at Asthma New Zealand in January 2019 as an Asthma Nurse Educator and he is loving it.
Asthma New Zealand - Bekitemba Lead Nurse Educator

Grace

Asthma Nurse Educator (Auckland)

Grace has over 5 years nursing experience with various roles, including most recently working for a Rheumatic Fever Prevention Programme. Grace is passionate about studying and completed her BHSc (Nursing) 2017, PGCert Advanced Nursing Practice 2018, PGDip Public Health 2022. Grace has a strong interest in public health and wellbeing in Aotearoa.  Grace enjoys working alongside her clients to ensure the best possible health outcomes and helping them live well with asthma. In her spare time, Grace enjoys spending time with her family, and keeping active.

 Asthma New Zealand - Nurse Educator Grace Fusha

Jen

Asthma Nurse Educator (Auckland)

Jen grew up in Porirua and moved to Auckland in her early 20’s to seek adventure and study a bachelor of Nursing at UoA. Previously Jen has worked at Starship children’s hospital and had varying roles within the disability sector. She started with Asthma NZ in January 2021 as an Asthma Nurse Educator and really thrives on working with people from all different backgrounds.

Sonia

Asthma Nurse Educator (Auckland)

Joining Asthma NZ, I have a desire to make a difference in my community.  Being asthmatic myself with two asthmatic children I appreciate the challenges families face with asthma in NZ. Born in Nelson, I have a 20+ year Nursing career working in New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, for the late Prince Abdullah.   The past 6 years I worked as a Triage Nurse whilst being a mum to two busy little boys. I look forward to focusing my time on the North Shore community, educating and supporting individuals towards their best health outcomes.

Angela

 

Grants & Fundraising Relationships Manager

 

My passion for health and fitness, following an active involvement in the fitness industry for 30+ years has led me to pursue a career in this field. I have gained considerable experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds, ages, and fitness levels.

Motivated by a desire to make a broader impact on people's lives, I aim to utilize my strong people skills with transitioning my career into the Fundraising & Grants sector, specifically focusing on asthma health.

I started at Asthma NZ in May 2023 and am excited about this new opportunity to continue to make a meaningful difference in people's health & wellbeing.

In my downtime I love spending time with my family & friends and still enjoy being involved in the fitness world.

Swarna

Fundraising Administrator (Auckland)

I joined Asthma New Zealand/ Auckland Asthma Society in 2000 as an Asthma Nursing Course Administrator having completed the Certificate in Business Administration & Computing. 

It is a privilege to help fundraising with Asthma New Zealand in an effort to help people who can’t breathe as well as they could do if they were able to manage well Asthma and COPD.