Leaflet, 'What is Asthma?'

This leaflet was produced by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (Inc.) and has the title 'What is Asthma?' The cover is printed in brown and black, and features drawings of a man's lungs, a boy with an inhaler, and someone jumping a hurdle. Inside are information and diagrams on recognising asthma, how we breathe, and how asthma medications work. It also includes an application form for more information about asthma, and a list of local societies.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand (Inc.)

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand describes itself as a non-government charitable organisation that provides information on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and funds research in these areas. Asthma is particularly common in New Zealand, with approximately 20 per cent of children under the age of 15 affected.

The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society

Sir Frederick Truby King founded the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children in 1907 in an effort to improve childcare standards, and it is still active today. It is, however, more commonly known as Plunket, after Lady Victoria Plunket, wife of the Governor of New Zealand at the time of the Society's establishment and a great supporter of King's work. In 1980, the Society officially changed its name to the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society.

This leaflet is part of a collection formerly owned by the Plunket Society, and would have been available from Plunket Rooms and Plunket nurses, reflecting the kind of advice and support given by the Society.

Acquisition

In the late 1980s, Te Papa received a collection of objects and ephemera from the Plunket Society, including promotional leaflets, a 'Well Child' baby book, and a set of scales for weighing infants. These items date from different periods in the history of Plunket, from its inception in 1907 to the time of this acquisition.