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The Asthma Foundation hopes the establishment of a new Māori Health Authority will shrink the disproportionate impact the disease has on Māori, Pasifika peoples and those living in poverty.
Māori are almost three times more likely to be hospitalised because of asthma than Pākehā.
The Foundation's Medical Director Dr James Fingleton says respiratory health needs to be a priority.
He spoke to Susie Ferguson.