National Volunteer Week honours the collective energies and mana of volunteers in New Zealand. They grow our people, open minds, open hearts, and create joy. This year Arthritis NZ is recognising and appreciating our group of extraordinary individuals who provide their skills and expertise to people with arthritis in New Zealand. These volunteers are driven by the heartfelt desire to alleviate the pain and suffering caused by arthritis.
Dr Nikki Tugnet
Content creator, Yoga and rheumatological expertise
Dr Tugnet has volunteered her time and expertise for an online Yoga class, a yoga and pain management webinar, as well as ongoing social media content collaboration with Arthritis NZ.
“I have three main goals as a volunteer for Arthritis NZ, first to help people with arthritis develop the confidence to move better and reduce stress with therapeutic yoga, second to spread knowledge of arthritis and rheumatic disease; and third to enhance patient self-advocacy. Volunteering has allowed me to better connect with the people I serve, which makes me a more effective rheumatologist and yoga teacher (which benefits others, hopefully!)”.
Val and Steve Compton
Volunteer Chairs for the Whangarei Community Support Group
“By volunteering for the community support group, we can make a difference in the lives of those who attend. Whether it’s providing emotional support, sharing resources, or offering guidance. Giving back and providing a sense of hope is incredibly fulfilling. We have been with the Whangarei Support Group for 10 years. Upon joining, we were greeted warmly and received lots of help and support from existing members who had similar arthritic conditions. We were humbled by other members who were far worse off but managed to get on with life.”
Sasha Douglas
Exercise professional and content creator
“I have rheumatoid arthritis and volunteer time and expertise to create social media content centred around exercise for hip osteoarthritis to build mobility, strength and balance. Having arthritis, I found it difficult at first to know what exercise I could still engage in. I want to make exercise knowledge accessible to people with arthritis. I like using my volunteer role online because you never know who or how many people you could be helping by volunteering your time.”
Alan Hood
Consumer Reference Group
“After battling arthritis for 40 years, I finally discovered an organization providing much-needed support. Given their immense impact on my life, it was an easy decision to volunteer and give back. Volunteering for the Consumer Reference Group as a member has not only allowed me to be part of something meaningful but has also connected me with a supportive and passionate community. Collaborating with individuals with the same vision and determination has been an enriching experience. We support one another, share insights, and collectively work towards achieving Arthritis NZ’s goals.”
Janet Cato
Volunteer Peer Supporter
“Being a peer support volunteer has allowed me to witness the power of connection and shared experiences. By engaging in conversations, I’ve seen individuals gain a renewed sense of hope, confidence, and resilience. Arthritis can often feel isolating, and by volunteering, I can create a safe and supportive space to share concerns, fears, and successes. Being able to provide a sense of comfort and understanding to someone going through a difficult time is incredibly fulfilling.”
Helen Mcinnes
Volunteer knitter for Project Knit Well
“I came across an advert in the Joint Support magazine calling for knitters. I felt that this was something I could do to help other people but also help myself by keeping my mind and body busy and active. I enjoy the challenge of knitting all sorts of different things.”
Mark Barber
Families Camp Photographer
Mark is a professional photographer who has volunteered a whole day at the Families Camp twice – first in 2020 and again at the next camp in 2023 – to capture much-needed professional photos of the children and families at the Families Camp for children with arthritis.
We thank our volunteers for their commitment to making a difference. By giving up their time and expertise for Arthritis NZ, these volunteers help provide support, education and raise awareness. Their shared purpose ignites a flame of hope that illuminates the dark corners of arthritis’s challenges.
