What Is NTM LUNG DISEASE?
Nontuberculous mycobacteria are a group of bacteria naturally found in soil, water and dust worldwide. Everyone inhales NTM into their lungs as part of daily life, and in most people the organisms do no harm. But in a small number of vulnerable individuals, NTM gets established in the lungs as an infection.
NTMis is supporting us with this webstie, and with access to trusted information. They are based in the U.S. and have an international reach.
Did you know most people with
NTM also have Bronchiectasis?
WHAT IS NTM?
NTM lung disease is a serious, chronic illness that can have a profound impact on daily life. It can feel isolating, overwhelming, and hard to explain – especially when so few people understand it.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are bacteria found naturally in soil and water. Most people are never affected. But for some, these bacteria settle in the lungs and cause long-term infection that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Bronchiectasis is a related lung condition in which the airways become damaged and widened, leading to mucus build-up and repeated infections. Many people with NTM also live with bronchiectasis, and managing both conditions can be complex.
Welcome
You Are Not Alone
The New Zealand NTM Support Group was formed to ensure people living with NTM and related illnesses don’t have to face this journey alone.
Our kaupapa is to support people living with NTM disease and bronchiectasis, and those who care for them.
We do this by
- Creating spaces for learning, connection and support
- Listening to lived experience and patient voices
- Raising awareness among communities and health professionals
- Working with the international NTMir organisation to improve awareness and access to trusted information.
Browse our site for information, checkout What’s On here in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas, and feel free to get in touch.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help patients living with Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) disease and / or Bronchiectasis (BE) as well as other related comorbid illnesses. We advocate for early detection, increased innovative research, support and education of patients, whānau and health care providers.
EXPLORE INFORMATION
CLINICAL TRIALS
You can search for upcoming or recruiting clinical trials. Certified Clinical Trials sites in New Zealand are listed on the Medsafe website. The US National Library of Medicine’s clinical trials website lists trials happening here and across the world. Just sort by country to see a list of NTM and bronchiectasis clinical trials here in NZ.
WHAT’S ON
There are many good webinars that both health professionals and/or patients can attend. There are also a number of conferences, which can often be attended online as well as in person. We have our monthly Patient Catch-up online, and information about any current research trials we are aware of.
2026
patient conference
Register for our 2026 NTM & Bronchiectasis Patient Conference May 13–14 in Orlando, Florida.
Join us in person or virtually for expert-led education, community connection, and 90 days of recording access.⠀
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BLOG
Have questions? We explore a wide of vaariety of NTM and Bronchiectasis related topics from a patient’s perspective.
RECENT BLOG
NTMis is supporting us with this webstie, and with access to trusted information. They are based in the U.S. and have an international reach.
NTM is reportable in most countries – but not in New Zealand. Reporting means increasing numbers of cases can be monitored.
8.2 %
THE RISE IN THE
NUMBER OF NTM CASES
EACH YEAR IN THE U.S.