Appointed 27/11/2024
Nikki Tugnet is a Consultant Rheumatologist in clinical practice in Auckland and a Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist. Originally from England, Nikki moved to New Zealand in 2016. She has 20 years of medical experience and specialises in working with people with arthritis and autoimmune disease. Nikki has a particular interest in Lupus/SLE and conducts clinical research in this area. She is also Senior Lecturer at The University of Auckland where she leads rheumatology teaching for medical students. She is directly involved in supervising rheumatology trainees, helping to shape the doctors of tomorrow.
Outside of medicine, Nikki teaches specialist yoga for arthritis. She is passionate about yoga as it resonates with whole person healthcare, self-advocacy and movement as medicine. When not working, Nikki enjoys travelling with her family and boxing in her gym.
Nikki previously volunteered with Arthritis NZ to teach yoga and to share talks on arthritis treatment which, ultimately, spurred Nikki’s interest in joining the Board, to help the organisation through a strategic lens.
