Our History
Respiratory Support Nelson was formerly known as "The Nelson Asthma Society"
Since its inception, the Nelson Asthma Society (NAS) has undergone significant transformation, evolving from a purely volunteer-driven organization sustained by subscriptions and fundraising efforts to one supported by both government agencies and ongoing fundraising endeavors. Here's a concise overview of its journey:
The inaugural meeting of the Nelson Asthma Society convened on July 28, 1976. By 1979, it achieved full affiliation with the NZ Asthma Society, later rebranded as the Asthma Foundation in 1980. NAS attained the status of an Incorporated Society in September 1981.
Initially, NAS primarily functioned as a support group for individuals with asthma, organizing educational evenings for adults and morning talks for parents with young children. Notable events included the inception of the first children's camp at Marahau in 1983 and weekly swimming sessions at the Ngawhatu Pool. These activities were sustained through memberships and various fundraising endeavors, such as cake stalls and raffles.
On January 30, 2008, NAS attained registered charity status, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Subsequent milestones included forging partnerships with entities like the Nelson Bays Primary Health Organisation (PHO) in July 2009, facilitated by funding channeled through the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) from the Ministry of Health.
By July 2010, NAS and the PHO mutually agreed to integrate respiratory educators directly into the PHO's framework, leading to a refined focus on awareness campaigns and services like COPD management and hydro pool sessions. In early 2012, the nebulizer service was discontinued, with the equipment donated to the Physiotherapy Department at Nelson Hospital.
A seismic event in July 2013 prompted the relocation of NAS's headquarters from Halifax Street to 319 Hardy Street. Further adaptations followed, including the relocation of NAS's office to Richmond Town Hall in 2015, fostering closer collaboration with the Nelson Bays Primary Health entity.
In 2017, full Pulmonary Rehabilitation courses resumed in the region, with strong participation rates. Additionally, a respiratory support group was formed by former pulmonary program participants, and the Sing Your Lungs Out Choir was established in Motueka, continuing to thrive to this day.
In 2023, Sing Your Lungs Out Choir was established in Nelson.
In 2024, following a strategic development process, the committee concluded that renaming the organization from Nelson Asthma Society to Respiratory Support Nelson would more accurately reflect the breadth of our services and support efforts.
Although the name has changed, the mission has remained unwavering.