Heart disease is still New Zealand’s single biggest killer. Every day, it takes the lives of at least 16 people. That’s 16 mums, dads, grandparents, siblings, or children – and it’s up to us to make a change. 
Investing in heart research and specialist training for New Zealand cardiologists is key. You can help us to prevent this tragic, often premature loss with a kind gift today.

 

 “We all thought heart disease affected someone else.”

 

Heart disease can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Hear from some of our storytellers whose lives have been impacted by our country’s single biggest killer. 

Archie

 

When Sam and Alyse's infant son struggled with regurgitation and raspy breathing, they had no idea that it could be caused by an undiscovered heart anomaly.

 

Watch Archie's story

Ian

 

There was nothing to suggest that Ian would have had a devastating cardiac arrest on a bus one morning. But thanks to the quick action of four amazing strangers, he's here to tell the tale.

 

Watch Ian's story

Middle aged man, Ian standing with his arms scrossed

Dr Janice Chew-Harris

 

 

When Dr Janice Chew-Harris' uncle died from a heart attack at just 48 years old, she knew she wanted to make a difference.

 

 

Watch Dr. Janice's story
 

Mike Pero

 

Well-known New Zealand entrepreneur, businessman, husband, father and grandfather, Mike Pero, thought he was bulletproof until a wake-up call set him on a path to take extra good care of his heart.

 

Watch Mike's story

Christina

 

Throughout her life, heart disease has impacted Christina in more ways than one. After tragically losing her first husband to a cardiac arrest and witnessing her current husband have a heart attack, her goal is to raise life-saving heart health awareness. 

 

Watch Christina's story

Tania

 

Tania thought she was setting off on a wellearned holiday when she boarded a flight to Australia last November. Instead, the fit, musicloving grandmother from the Bay of Plenty ended up in intensive care, in a coma and fighting for her life.

 

Read Tania's story

Older woman sitting on the grass in a garden with a large brown and white boxer dog lying beside her, resting her hand on the dog’s back.
Middle‑aged woman with long blonde hair wearing a blue and white striped shirt standing under a white canopy tent.

Karen

 

After years of unknown symptoms, Karen had a frightening heart event on Christmas Day. But that shock became her wake up call - pushing her to heal and listen to her heart and instincts once more.

 

Read Karen's story

Read more stories from Kiwis affected by heart disease.