Our work

Support, advocacy, and resources for those affected by arthritis

At Arthritis NZ Mateponapona Aotearoa, our work is driven by a clear mission: improving the lives of every person affected by arthritis.

850,000+ People living with arthritis in New Zealand

$12.2B Total annual cost of arthritis to NZ economy (2018)

15 Scholarships funded since 2021

$877,586 Worth of external research grants funded since 2021

At Arthritis NZ Mateponapona Aotearoa, our work is driven by a clear mission: improving the lives of every person affected by arthritis. As a national charity, we provide support, information, and advocacy for the thousands of New Zealanders living with joint pain and the over 140 different forms of arthritis.

Information, advice, and support

We understand that navigating life with arthritis can be challenging. That's why a core part of our work is to offer reliable and up-to-date information about different types of arthritis, treatment options, and strategies for managing daily life.

We are a trusted source of advice for individuals recently diagnosed, those who have been living with arthritis for years, and for the wider whānau who support people living with arthritis.

Awareness

We work to increase public awareness about the prevalence and impact of arthritis in New Zealand. We aim to dispel common misconceptions about arthritis and highlight that it affects people of all ages with the overall goal of creating a more understanding and supportive community for people living with arthritis.

Advocating for the needs of people with arthritis

We rely on the consumer’s voice throughout our work, especially when advocating for the needs of the arthritis community. We help ensure people have access to quality healthcare, support services, and equitable opportunities.

We work with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote policies and initiatives that benefit people living with arthritis.