2016 Arthritis New Zealand Awards, celebrating 50 years

2016 Arthritis New Zealand Awards, celebrating 50 years

This year's Arthritis New Zealand Awards marks a very special occasion. Not only will we be acknowledging the outstanding contributions of the award recipients, but 2016 also marks the 50th anniversary of Arthritis New Zealand.

On the 11th of February the Governor General, Sir Jerry Mateparae will be presenting awards that recognise the achievements of people who made such a difference to the lives of the 620,000 New Zealanders currently living with a diagnosis of arthritis.

Cate Grace receives the Premier Award for being an inspiration and role model to others living with arthritis. Cate was first diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at the age of 23. She has gone on to be a top 10 finalist in the 2013 Life Fitness Personal Trainers to Watch competition and, in 2014, was a finalist in the Women of Influence Awards. Grace founded Leap Fitness & Motivation Ltd, a company dedicated to helping people with chronic conditions 'leap back into life'.

Professor Lisa Stamp will receive the Jubilee celebration Research Award. Lisa was trained and has been working in New Zealand for her whole academic career and her research has made an impact worldwide. She is one of the key gout researchers in New Zealand and internationally and her research into rheumatoid arthritis has helped to improve the lives of patients living with the condition. Her work has influenced international guidelines and is cited in some of the most respected medical journals, as well as on Wikipedia.

Mahe Drysdale receives the Jubilee celebration Sports Award. Mahe has been an Arthritis New Zealand Ambassador since 2011. Despite continuing problems with osteoarthritis in his back, as a rower, Mahe has represented New Zealand at nine World Championships and three Olympic Games, winning a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London. He works around his challenging training regime to make himself available whenever possible to help promote Arthritis New Zealand.

Pfizer New Zealand will receive the Business Development Award for their contribution to the work of Arthritis New Zealand. Pfizer has supported the organisation in a variety of different ways since their relationship commenced in 2004. In 2012, in conjunction with Arthritis NZ, Pfizer launched the Chronic Pain Health Report and continues to support the work of Arthrtitis New Zealand with particular emphasis on Pain Management. .

Jacob Toresen receives the Young Achiever’s Award. Jacob has a maturity beyond his years and has become a valued member of Arthritis New Zealand. A diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), uveitis and Crohn’s hasn't stopped Toresen pursuing his dreams, making him a great role model for young people with arthritis. He is now on the working group for the 50th celebrations Digital Book project and helps out at Arthritis New Zealand events, as both a presenter and interview subject.

David Stevens receives the Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contribution to the work of Arthritis New Zealand. David has been a member of the Arthritis New Zealand Investment Committee for more than 16 years ensuring that the organisation’s investment activity helps the organisation meet its mission to help New Zealanders living with arthritis.

Alice Jones receives the Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding contribution to the work of Arthritis New Zealand. Since being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis(AS), Alice has shared her experiences through media and social media so that other young people with arthritis know they are not alone. As a young woman with a condition that is more common in men, Alice has been the face of campaigns such as “Don’t turn your back on it” to help reduce stigma and raise awareness.

ENDS

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