Arthritis NZ acknowledges with great gratitude the enormous contribution Martin Lenart made to our organisation over many years.
Martin Lenart served on the Arthritis NZ Board (originally the Arthritis Foundation) from 2012 to 2020, as well as contributing his considerable financial expertise to the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee and was chair of the Investment Committee. His contribution, however, extended well beyond the roles he formally held.
Former Arthritis NZ Chief Executive Philip Kearney remembers Martin as someone with an exceptional ability to understand complex information, interpret what really mattered and ask exactly the right questions.
“He was very, very thorough,” Philip recalls, “but always in a way that was constructive and respectful. You never felt he was attacking you. He had a way of being very thorough and getting down to the real nitty gritty of what mattered.”
That eye for detail became something of a hallmark. Philip recalls that getting through a meeting without Martin finding a mistake in a cash flow or set of accounts felt almost like a victory.
Martin also helped strengthen Arthritis NZ’s governance by encouraging and supporting others to join the Board.
For Philip his contribution was personal too. He met regularly with Martin, describing him as almost a mentor whose thoughtful advice was invaluable when discussing difficult situations.
Above all, Martin cared deeply about Arthritis NZ and its kaupapa. Living with gout himself, he was very much part of the arthritis community he served. His wisdom, generosity and commitment have left a lasting legacy, and Arthritis NZ is enormously grateful for everything he gave.
