This article summarizes the recent history of respiratory research in New Zealand which was triggered by an epidemic of asthma mortality in the 1980s and which led to the rapid emergence of quality research groups. This unique event led to major initiatives to improve the standards of care for people with asthma in New Zealand. Perspectives on other lung health issues including tobacco control, the COPD epidemic and the emergence of bronchiectasis as a serious respiratory disease are also provided.
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