Arthritis New Zealand Awards

Opening remarks of welcome
E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga rangatira o Kaiponapona Aotearoa, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou.  Kia ora tātou katoa.    Distinguished guests and leaders of Arthritis New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen, warm greetings to you all.

I want to specifically acknowledge: Alan Henwood, President of Arthritis New Zealand and your chief executive Sandra Kirby—tēnā korua.

As Patron of Arthritis New Zealand, I am delighted that Janine and I can welcome you all to Government House today.  It is more than a decade since this award ceremony was last held at Government House, so it is wonderful to welcome the awards and Arthritis New Zealand, back.  I will make some remarks later.  For now, I invite your President, Alan Henwood, to speak. 

Concluding remarks
Ladies and gentlemen, our being here, and especially this award ceremony serves several purposes. 

Its first purpose is to draw attention to the fact that arthritis is one of the most serious health issues facing New Zealand and New Zealanders.   It is the largest cause of disability in New Zealand, affecting more than 530,000 New Zealanders or about 1 in 6 people aged 15 years or older.  Its cost on our economy is significant.  Research undertaken for Arthritis New Zealand in 2010 estimated the total financial cost of arthritis at $3.2 billion. 

This ceremony also serves to draw attention to the need to challenge the many dated and inaccurate preconceptions about arthritis.  We need to inform New Zealanders about arthritis.  We need to inform them that it is not a single disease, but a group of more than 140 chronic conditions  that causes inflammation of the joints.

Many people, for example, are surprised to learn that gout is a form of arthritis.  And because gout is stereotypically associated with rich food and high living, they are equally surprised to learn that Māori and Pasifika men have the highest rates of gout in New Zealand.

Similarly, because arthritis is associated with the elderly, many people are surprised to learn that arthritis can strike at any age.  It’s estimated that of New Zealanders with arthritis, more than half are under 64 years of age.   There are about 1,000 teenagers and children living with the condition.

Also, and because of its association with ageing, many people believe that there is nothing that can be done.  While it’s true that there’s no cure for arthritis, prompt treatment, appropriate pain relief, lifestyle changes and a host of proven self-management approaches can reduce its debilitating effects.

This award ceremony also serves to highlight the extraordinary work being done by Arthritis New Zealand to improve the lives of those living with arthritis in our country.  For almost half a century, it has supported New Zealand research into arthritis while working to raise awareness and champion the issues faced by people with arthritis.  It has provided advice, information and support for people with arthritis, their family members and health professionals. 

This is a fantastic record of service and as your Patron I want to thank everyone - the volunteers, the hardworking core of paid staff and the sponsors and other supporters - for your efforts.

Finally, this award ceremony serves as an opportunity to recognise a small group of people and organisations that have made a real difference to addressing arthritis. 

Those contributions vary from two organisations, Abbott (NZ) Ltd and Pub Charity Inc that have supported the Foundation’s research and publicity activities, through to four individuals who have confronted arthritis from different perspectives. 

Professor Colin Green has offered his expert clinical knowledge voluntarily over a number of years to assist in assessing research grant applications.  Els Dutton worked as an enthusiastic volunteer for more than 30 years, organising fundraising, supporting staff and being a tireless advocate for people with arthritis.

The other two live with the realities of arthritis every day, and have refused to let arthritis rule their lives.  Matt Lockwood, as the face of a national promotional campaign, challenged stereotypes by bringing a young face and articulate voice to living a life with arthritis while pursuing a successful career as a professional racing driver.  Clare Richards’ tireless efforts at a local, regional and national level to support those living with the condition is telling.  In retaining a positive attitude to life despite having to undergo numerous joint replacements, she reveals an exceptional level of perseverance and compassion.

As Governor-General and Patron of Arthritis New Zealand, I want to congratulate the award winners for their service to people living with arthritis, and more widely to our country.   Again, welcome to Government House. Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.