The Story of Lupus New Zealand
| 1979 | The Lupus Association of NZ is founded by David Swindells. The prognosis of lupus patients has improved to such an extent that over 98% of people survive the first five years after diagnosis. That means that more and more people are leading very normal lives. A far cry from wolf bites and werewolves... so to the present day. |
| 1981 | Heather Bartlett (Craig) was diagnosed with lupus in 1980 and not being aware that David had founded The Lupus Association of NZ (not registered) she contacted the Arthritis Foundation. Heather was under the care of Dr Bob Grigor, who encouraged her to set up a group, the venue was at her home in Epsom Auckland. Dr Grigor told Heather about another patient of his, David Swindells who was trying to organize a nation wide association. David and Heather's combined efforts made a very good team. Heather pays tribute to her own mother and David's wife for the enormous amount of support and help they received from them. Heather said "no attempt was made to form a committee as no one else seemed keen to participate at that level and that they both seemed to be able to manage". |
| 1984 | Dr Grigor was the speaker at their meeting. They had such a huge turnout of people it was obvious that the group was just becoming too big for "at home" meetings. It was then decided that the meetings would be held at the Arthritis Foundation. They had about 90 members on their mailing list at this time. In 1988 Heather moved to the UK. |
| 1989 | Nick Purvis takes over as coordinator from David Swindells. The Group David established says Nick, "was primarily support, contact, advice, information and above all tried to be that link that's so often seems missing in confused, troubled or worried lives and times. |
| 1993 | By late 1993 Nick's health meant that the group went into recess and lupus people were again left without organised support. |
| 1995 | Durelle Dean held a meeting at St Luke Community Centre in Remuera Road Auckland, assisted by Pam Antill of the Arthritis Foundation. This was the first meeting to re-establish a new lupus support group. It attracted 46 interested people. Durelle moved out of the area in 1996. |
| 1996 | Angela Walters becomes chairperson. |
| 1998 | This was a year of major change for the lupus group. In June, this ambitious fledgling left the warmth and security of the Arthritis Foundation's nest, eager to test its brand new wings. Tentatively at first, but soon learning to soar and sweep into a new era - with the new name of Lupus Auckland. |
| 1999 - 2000 | Saw the formation of three separate districts. First came South Auckland (now known as Counties Manukau), then North Shore and finally West Auckland. The Auckland Central group went into recess until a convener/coordinator could be appointed. |
| 2000 | Angela Walters hands over the chairperson position to Lorraine Cox, Pam Stewart - Vice Chairperson, Linda Stuckey - Secretary and Glenda Walkden - Treasurer. The serving committee became the inaugural board of Lupus Auckland. |
| 2001 | Throughout the year the board focused on organising the formation of a charitable trust. |
| 2002 | Registration of the "Lupus Trust of New Zealand", a new name for a new millennium. The seven trustees comprise, Lorraine Cox, Pam Stewart, Linda Stuckey, Glenda Walkden, Helen Clarke, Ann Connelly and Louise Langereis. From humble beginnings of 46 people in 1995 we have grown to a very active membership well in excess of 330. We now include in our aims and goals the need to raise awareness of SLE within the wider community, with the hope of greater understanding for our members in their daily battle. To help achieve this Beverly Lowe takes on the role of Publicity. We continue to strive on your behalf. May 2002: The trust completed its own patchwork quilt with squares made by members and friends from around the country. The quilt was assembled by Bobbie Douglas Cooke from North Shore. August 2002: Auckland City support group reactivated with Pat Fisher as convener but folded again in 2005. |
| 2003 | Feb 2003: Lorraine Cox resigns as chairperson and Pat Fisher is appointed. Pat is also editor of the Trust News. May 2003: Students at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design enter a competition to design a logo for the trust. The design winner was presented with a cheque at the combined districts meeting. Sept 2003: New brochure printed to give to patients, doctors, specialists and related health organisations. |
| 2004 | May 10 2004: Inaugural World Lupus Day. June 2004: First seminar held in Leicester Hall, Ellerslie. Speakers were Dr Norah Lynch, Dr Robin Kelly and Tania Clifton-Smith. Sept 2004: Hamilton Support Group formed with Alvin Cheng as Convenor. Due to lack of support it was decided not to carry on after 1 year. |
| 2005 | July 2005: Seminar at Ellerslie War Memorial Hall. Speakers were Dr Raoul Stuart and Dr John Collins. Nov 2005: Helensville Support Group formed but folded after 1 year due to illness and lack of support. |
| 2006 | July: The annual seminar was held at Ellerslie War Memorial Hall. Speakers were Dr Denesh Patel, Julie Karsop, Inga von Benzon, and Tony Lipanovic. October: Kay Macfarlane comes on board as a trustee with the task of dealing with publicity. Kay was an orginal member of Lupus Auckland when it was set up in 1995. |
| 2007 | April: Pat Fisher resigns as chairperson. Louise Langereis takes on the role together with continuing her role as convener for Lupus West Auckland. May: Lupus NZ sadly loses a very good friend with the death of Pam Stewart. Pam was a founding member of Lupus Auckland and the Lupus Trust of New Zealand. June: The Lupus Trust of NZ is presently served by Louise Langereis, Linda Stuckey, Diane Barker, Kay Macfarlane, Carolyn Healy, Annette Manning, Kathy Chan and new trustee Judy Wall who takes on the position of editor, Lupus News. August: Glenda Walkden resigns as Treasurer. Kathy Chan takes on the role until February 2008 when ill health forces her to resign. |
| 2008 | March:Judy Wall resigns from the Trust due to ill health. May: Leslee Porteous is welcomed as a new trustee, taking on the position of Treasurer. July: Diana Coker is welcomed as a new trustee. |
| 2009 | June: Linda Stuckey resigns as Secretary/Trustee after 14 years of dedicated work. Diana Coker is appointed as Secretary and Editor, Lupus News. June: Diane Barker resigns as Trustee after many years of dedicated work. Both Diane & Linda continue to give generously of their time by continuing to run Lupus North Shore. |
| 2010 |