Heart Foundation NZ

15/12/2025

It’s fantastic to see the NZ Herald sharing Joan’s story in support of the Big Heart Appeal.

Joan opened up about how she experienced uncomfortable symptoms while on a scenic hike, only later to discover she was having a heart attack. The Kāpiti local is sharing her story to help educate others about heart disease and encourage people to volunteer for the Big Heart Appeal.

Want to make a difference? Volunteer for the Big Heart Appeal this February! Link in comments.

https://hfnz.org/4rW3EvZ

Joan Whincup didn't realise she was battling a heart attack as she walked up a hill.

12/12/2025

Nutrition Advisors Reg and Lesley visited St Mary's Catholic School - Ellerslie recently to support teachers delivering our Connecting with kai lesson plans in their classrooms.

The Connecting with kai lesson is designed to help teachers educate Year 1-4 students about kai (food) and nutrition, as well as help students develop an understanding of what we eat and why we need to eat.

Big shout out to St Mary's Catholic Primary School for having us. And if you’re a teacher keen to find out more about our free resources, see the link in the comments.

11/12/2025

📢 Applications for our heart research and training grants are now open!

Each year the Heart Foundation funds around $4 million of heart research and specialist training to researchers, cardiologists, doctors, nurses and students. This year we’ve also opened a new grant for allied health professionals. On offer are grants, fellowships and scholarships in a range of areas. Applications are open until beginning of March. Please share with those who might be interested. More details below ⬇️

10/12/2025

Two heart attacks changed Philip’s life forever. It’s his personal experience with heart disease that drives his passion for volunteering in the Big Heart Appeal street collection.

He believes getting involved is simple, rewarding, and essential. “You’re only giving up a small amount of time,” he says. “Plus, you get a buzz out of doing it.”

Join Philip and other big-hearted New Zealanders in the Big Heart Appeal street collection this February!

Volunteer today 👉 https://hfnz.org/4adkP61

And read more about Philip’s story in the comments below ⬇️

08/12/2025

We’re excited to announce a new research and training grant for allied health professionals.

This grant provides funding for research, training or professional development to allied health professionals working clinically with a focus on cardiovascular issues.

From physiotherapists, dieticians and nutritionists, to psychologists, imaging technicians and many more, we recognise the importance of these professionals and their work. If you’re a registered allied health clinical professional with a focus on cardiovascular health, you can apply.

👉 Applications are now open. Find out more: https://hfnz.org/48FNjTv

08/12/2025

We have just published our Annual Impact Report for the 2025 financial year. Thanks to our donors and supporters, we’ve driven real progress in heart research and prevention. The backing we receive makes a real difference to people in New Zealand, every day. You can catch some of the year’s highlights in this video. Together, we’re building a future where more poeple live longer, healthier lives. https://hfnz.org/4iRNoYY

05/12/2025

Here’s your first 360° degree look at our charming Lottery No. 159 first-prize Jennian home in Māpua. Come on in, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy this virtual tour. https://hfnz.org/44Nk1Ru

Buy tickets: https://hfnz.org/4oDJ6FP

03/12/2025

Make Christmas lunch a breeze this year!

We’ve put together a complete menu for a family Christmas lunch (or dinner). And we’ve provided a handy shopping list, and some prepping tips to ensure the lunch is warm but you stay cool, calm and collected!

Link in the comments below to find out more.

01/12/2025

We’re pleased to welcome Professor Sir Jim Mann as a Life Member of the Heart Foundation❤️

For more than 30 years, Sir Jim has been a driving force in improving heart health in Aotearoa, from leading our scientific and nutrition committees to offering expert guidance as a long-standing board member.

A global leader in nutrition, diabetes and heart disease, his work has shaped international guidelines and improved the lives of many New Zealanders.

Thank you for your advocacy and commitment to a healthier Aotearoa.

28/11/2025

It was fantastic to see Deb Sue, Frances Arenhold, and Alexandria Nicholas representing the Heart Foundation at this year’s The Nutrition Society of New Zealand conference in Dunedin.

Deb Sue presented on the Food Reformulation Programme, highlighting its success and exploring the impact on the food supply. Her talk showcased how steady and strategic reformulation can improve health through healthier food choices being on offer on our supermarket shelves, especially low cost, staple food items.

Frances and Alex shared their work on enhancing heart health nutrition resources for Pacific communities. Their presentation highlighted the importance of culturally grounded approaches and community voices in shaping effective health resources.

A huge thank you to the Nutrition Society for hosting such an inspiring event and to everyone working to advance nutrition and public health in New Zealand.

27/11/2025

Dean still remembers the day chest pain stopped him in his tracks. It led to four stents and a 25-year battle with heart disease.

Thanks to heart research, Dean is living the life his father never had the chance to enjoy. “My father underwent heart surgery in his late 50s, and there was little they could do. Who knows how much longer he would have lived if he had the same opportunities as I did?”

Now 69, Dean is paying it forward by volunteering for the Big Heart Appeal and he’s calling on you to join him. Just two hours on Friday 27 February and Saturday 28 February 2026 can help fund life-saving research.

https://hfnz.org/48iJWBv

26/11/2025

Who doesn’t love dumplings? 🥟

If you’re looking for a way to make a favourite takeaway meal healthier, then these dumplings with Asian slaw are packed with veggies and flavour. Perfect for a quick and tasty 'fakeaway' meal!

Try the recipe today⬇️

Ingredients:
7 frozen dumplings
1 cup shredded cabbage
½ cup grated carrot
½ cup sliced cucumber
¼ cup sliced spring onion
¼ cup chopped coriander
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp chilli oil

Method:
Steam or boil the dumplings until cooked through
Mix remaining ingredients in a bowl and place on a plate
Top with cooked dumplings and serve.

Serves: 1
Prep time: 5-15 mins
Cook time: 5-15 mins