Cystic fibrosis is the most common life threatening genetic disorder affecting New Zealand children and adults. 

There is no cure and one in 25 New Zealanders carry the gene that causes this life-limiting disorder.

People with cystic fibrosis experience a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs, causing a wide range of challenging symptoms affecting the entire body. 

Managing the condition includes on-going daily home treatments, including twice-daily chest physiotherapy sessions, many oral, nebulised and intravenous medications, dietary enzymes and vitamins. People with CF must also eat a high fat, high carbohydrate diet to help maintain their weight, often supplemented by high calorie food supplements.

People with CF are particularly susceptible to lung infections and cross infection is a concern with frequent hospital stays for intensive IV antibiotics. Progressively, CF can also cause diabetes, asthma, liver disease, infertility and permanently reduced lung capacity which, in many cases, requires a lung transplant.

Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand (CFNZ) is the only charity dedicated to supporting and improving quality of life for people with CF and their families in New Zealand.

“CF touched our family when our grand-daughter was born in 2012. Until then I had no idea what CF was and how it impacts on the lives of the people with CF, their family and extended family. The support, care and love from Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand has been amazing. Just wish I could do more.”

CFNZ receives less than 5% government funding and relies on fundraising to continue providing financial, educational and emotional help to those families living with CF. This work includes our support network of field workers, providing essential medical equipment, financial and welfare grants, communication such as the CF News magazine  and e-newsletters, hospital packs, lobbying for equal access to treatment and funding research.

Join us on our mission by supporting us today. Your generosity is funding pioneering research, supporting the highest quality of care and providing emotional and practical support to people with CF and their families when they need it most. 

For more information, visit our website www.cfnz.org.nz or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/CysticFibrosisNZ/

CFNZ was established in 1968 and is a registered charity under the Charities Act 2005, registration number CC10274.