About us

Our work serving New Zealanders nationwide  

We want all people in New Zealand to live long and healthy lives, free from heart disease and safe from the sudden loss of a family member. Enabled by the support of our donors, we: 

• invest around $4million annually in heart research and world-class training 
• run nationwide heart disease education programmes in workplaces, communities, schools and early learning centres  
• provide online and phone support for people in New Zealand living with heart conditions 
• work with food industry to improve the quality of the New Zealand food supply  
• support health professionals in preventing and managing heart disease  
• build awareness and understanding of heart health through public campaigns and resources 
• advocate for measures that will improve the heart health of all people in New Zealand. 

Our history 

In 1968, a small group of cardiologists and business people joined forces to address New Zealand’s growing heart disease crisis. Their vision was clear: to create a national organisation dedicated to tackling this issue through education and research.

From this vision, the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand was born. 

Since that time, there has been a 75 per cent reduction in deaths from heart disease. But one preventable death is still one too many. 

That’s why, we continue to work tirelessly to stop all New Zealanders from dying prematurely of heart disease, and to ensure that those living with heart conditions can live full lives.