By Dr Richard Griffiths
If you’re living with arthritis, you’ll know how important it is to have health professionals who are informed, connected, and up to date with the latest evidence. Events like the NZHPR Study Day help make that possible.
The New Zealand Health Professionals in Rheumatology (NZHPR) is a professional association for health professionals across Aotearoa New Zealand who work in rheumatology, which is the area of healthcare focused on arthritis and related conditions. Their goal is to strengthen knowledge, support best practice, and improve care for people living with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions.
NZHPR members include rheumatology nurses, nurse practitioners, researchers, and other health professionals. Many work with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus (also known as SLE), and gout, which are part of the more than 140 different types of arthritis.
Bringing professionals together
Each year, NZHPR holds a Study Day, giving members the chance to hear from a range of speakers and share knowledge across the sector.
The 2026 Study Day was held on 20 March at the JetPark Hotel Conference Centre in Māngere, Auckland, with around 30 members attending.
Speakers included:
- Dr Nikki Tugnet, Senior Rheumatologist at Greenlane Medical Centre and Board member of Arthritis NZ
- Dr May Ching Soh, Rheumatologist and obstetric physician at Counties Manukau Middlemore Hospital
- Dr Ravi Suppiah, Rheumatologist and Clinical Lead at Te Toka Tumai, Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ
- Monique Baigent, Advanced Clinician Physiotherapist Counties Manukau Health
- Elson Ng, Podiatry Professional Lead and Podiatry Clinical Lead for Diabetes, Renal and Rheumatology at Counties Manukau District Health Board.
Research and real-world insights
Attendees also heard from Jo Miller, a member of Arthritis NZ’s Arthritis Assist team and a Health Psychology Intern with a special interest in women’s health and long-term illness. Jo shared findings from her Master’s research, which explored how women with rheumatoid arthritis navigate perimenopause.
This is an important area, as rheumatoid arthritis is often diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 50 and disproportionately affects women. Despite this, there has been very limited research both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.
Turning knowledge into everyday support
Feedback from attendees highlighted how valuable the day was, with many looking forward to applying what they learned in their everyday work supporting people with arthritis.
Topics that stood out included:
- pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis
- skin conditions linked to RA, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis
- perimenopause and arthritis
- yoga and movement-based support for people living with autoimmune conditions
By sharing knowledge and strengthening connections across the health sector, events like this help ensure you receive informed, up-to-date support to better manage your arthritis and live well.
Connect with support
If you’d like to learn more about managing arthritis or speak with someone who understands what you’re going through, our Arthritis Assist team is here to help.
You can call us on 0800 663 463 or visit our website to explore support, resources, and upcoming events.
