Arthritis NZ (Mateponapona Aotearoa)

In July, Arthritis NZ attended the 2025 Osteoarthritis Summit at Auckland University of Technology. This two-day event brought together researchers, clinicians, physiotherapists, GPs, and people with lived experience of osteoarthritis (OA).

While much of the content focused on the latest research in OA, the real highlight was how accessible, engaging and relevant the event felt – especially for consumers.

Early-career voices with fresh ideas

The Summit opened with the OA NZ Research Network’s Symposium, which gave early-career researchers, many of them PhD students and recent graduates, a supportive platform to share their work. Topics included pain science, joint biomechanics, employment and OA, and culturally appropriate models of care.

One presentation that stood out was from mechanics researcher Dr Ashvin Thambyah, who shared fascinating insights into how the structure of joint tissue and the external forces acting on it influences how the joint functions. He made complex science easy to understand, and even fun, while explaining how our cells respond and adapt to mechanical forces within joint structures.

Another powerful moment came from Rory Christophersen, who is researching lived experiences of working with osteoarthritis and how people manage being part of the workforce in the Hawkes Bay.

Celebrating consumer voices

Physiotherapy student Amiria Koopu (Te whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou, me Ngāti Kahu) presented research that she and fellow fourth-year student Kona-Ariki Hippolite (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Koata, Te Whakatōhea, me Ngāti Toa Rangatira) completed as part of Arthritis NZ’s summer scholarship programme. Amiria was recognised with an award on the day for her presentation, which highlighted how young Māori researchers are already shaping the future of arthritis care in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her and Kona-Ariki’s study, titled “I am more than a condition, I am a person”, explored the experiences and perceptions of kiritaki Māori receiving physiotherapy services for hip and knee osteoarthritis. Their qualitative research was guided by Kaupapa Māori principles.

Day two of the Summit also featured presentations that focused on lived experiences with osteoarthritis. Tessa Orange shared her journey and the challenges of growing up with arthritis. She spoke about the impact on her education and successes at school, sleep disruption and how she and her family would often travel long distances for health appointments. She also spoke about how she now works as a nurse supporting patients having joint surgery.

Other speakers covered various topics around helping people manage osteoarthritis at different stages of life. This included presentations on how to reduce the risk of OA from a younger age and the use of innovative new technology in patient care. Dr Louisa Barter, a GP specialising in sports and menopause medicine, acknowledged that while OA can affect women’s quality of life during menopause, exercise and lifestyle changes can also help in a variety of positive ways.

Many attendees agreed they’d love to see and hear even more consumer voices, particularly those living with OA, at the centre of future events.

Why this matters to you

This Summit showed us that research doesn’t have to be dry or distant – it can be about real people, real life, and real solutions. Arthritis NZ is committed to ensuring that the community’s voice is at the heart of future osteoarthritis research, services, and advocacy.

We’ll be sharing more research stories in the coming months, and we’re exploring ways to involve more of our Link Group and wider arthritis community in shaping what comes next.

Do you have a story to share or a topic you’d like researchers to explore? Get in touch – we’re listening.