Fostering faith and confidence into the profession The Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ) is a health regulatory authority.
Our primary role consists of:
(i) Protecting the health and safety of the public
(ii) Setting the qualifications needed for becoming an occupational therapist
(iii) Setting the standards for clinical competence, cultural competence, and ethical conduct of occupational therapists
(iv) Registering occupational therapists and re-certifying them each year
(v) Reviewing and ensuring the competence of occupational therapists
Please see our Social Media Terms of Use: https://otboard.org.nz/document/7190/OTBNZ%20Social%20Media%20Terms%20of%20Use%202023.pdf
06/11/2025
Our Whiringa-ā-rangi November pānui is out now.
This month:
· Message from the Chief Executive
· Regional Hui 2025 content now available
· Code of Conduct and Ethics 2025
· Ngā Aratohu mō te Tautapanga | Guidelines for Delegation
· HDC's 'My Health Passport' now available in Easy Read format
· Research opportunity: Research opportunity: Use of digital technologies in occupational therapy practice
· Helpful Hint: Current 2024/26 ePortfolio cycle ending on 31 March 2026
· In case you missed it...
Each year on 27 October, World Occupational Therapy Day raises awareness of the profession's contributions across the globe.
This year's theme, 'Occupational Therapy in Action', showcases the role of occupational therapists around the world in actively supporting community health and wellbeing by helping people engage in meaningful activities and participation.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.
21/10/2025
Our team routinely receives queries regarding delegation in practice.
The updated Ngā Aratohu mō te Tautapanga | Guidelines for Delegation cover what to consider when delegating, plus the responsibilities and recommendations for kaiwhakaora ngangahau who delegate whakaora ngangahau tasks and roles to non-regulated health staff, other personnel, and ngā ākonga whakaora ngangahau.
We're delighted to share our 2025 Pūrongo ā-Tau | Annual Report.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our team and stakeholders who made this work possible. We invite you to explore the year's highlights.
📝 Click here to read it: https://otboard.org.nz/document/8340/OTBNZ%20Annual%20Report%202025.pdf
15/10/2025
We are pleased to share with you the refreshed Code of Conduct and Ethics.
The code, which was launched at our recent Regional Hui, establishes moral standards, guides ethical decision-making, and embeds tikanga in a framework promoting integrity, fairness and respect.
Our office team will be away on the following days:
• Wednesday, 15 October (Wellington Regional Hui)
• Monday, 27 October (Labour Day)
Phone lines will not be closely monitored during this time.
For any queries, please email enquiries@otboard.org.nz and we will
respond to you at the soonest available time.
02/10/2025
Our Whiringa-ā-nuku October pānui is out now.
• Message from the Chief Executive
• Ko wai tātou: Get to know our newest Board members
• Expressions of interest: ePortfolio auditors
• OTBNZ Regional Hui 2025: A few spaces left for Wellington
• Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau Māori Hui-ā-Tau
• New Zealand Health Plan launched
• World Occupational Therapy Day
• Mental Health Awareness Week
• CyberSmart Week
• Helpful Hint: Recertification programmes
• In case you missed it...
The Auckland Regional Hui has now also officially SOLD OUT! ✨
The overwhelming response reflects our vibrant whakaora ngangahau community going from strength to strength.
Thanks to everyone who secured their spot early.
Still want to attend?
Contact comms@otboard.org.nz to join our waitlist - we'll notify you immediately if spots open up.
We can't wait to connect with you all!
19/09/2025
OUR PEOPLE IN PRACTICE: WELLINGTON
Meet Amelia Gilbert, our guest speaker for the Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington regional hui, who will be delivering her presentation, titled "Occupation behind the wire."
We're thrilled to announce that our Christchurch Regional Hui has officially sold out with the highest registration numbers we've ever had for a regional event!
This incredible response demonstrates the growing strength and engagement of our kaiwhakaora ngangahau.
Thank you to everyone who registered early.
For those still wishing to attend: Please contact comms@otboard.org.nz to join our waitlist.
We'll notify you immediately if any spots become available due to cancellations.
We are excited to see so many of you there and look forward to an engaging and productive hui!
17/09/2025
OUR PEOPLE IN PRACTICE: AUCKLAND
Meet Elise Copeland, our guest speaker for the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland regional hui, who will be delivering her presentation, titled "Beyond the garden gate: Occupational therapy in public places and spaces."
This year, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori | Māori Language Week takes place between 14 – 20 September.
This year's Aotearoa celebrates 50 years of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.
Te Wiki began as a single Māori Language Day in 1972, born from grassroots activism. The concept expanded to a full week in 1974, becoming established by 1975. 50 years later, we honour and reflect on its remarkable growth and achievements while asking New Zealanders not just to celebrate, but to recommit to te reo Māori.
Te Taura Whiri | Māori Language Commission will be releasing more details of the 50th anniversary campaign events including webinars, rauemi | resources, and reo-based wero | challenges in the lead-up to the official week this month. Visit their website to find out more: https://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/
Kia kaha te reo Māori!
E kainamu mai ana Te Wiki o te Reo Māori! 🔥 Let’s make it bigger than ever 🎉
This year we’re celebrating 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, and our website is packed with FREE resources to help you mark this special milestone:
✨ Posters & social media banners
✨ Zoom + Teams backgrounds
✨ Email signatures & profile icons
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Practice
Send a message to Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand:
The Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ)/ Te Poari Whakaora Ngangahau O Aotearoa is a health regulatory authority. We ensure the safety of consumers using occupational therapy services. We do this by making sure all occupational therapists meet the specifications of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. OTBNZ will lead national and international best practice in the regulation of occupational therapy competence based on its unique bicultural identity.
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The OTBNZ administers this page in accordance with our Social Media Terms of Use; all users are expected to comply, and may be blocked if found in violation.
Please click the link below to review the Terms.
http://goo.gl/YQ0L9B
A copy is also available on our website under 'Polices and Publications'
In accordance with the Code of Ethics, Occupational Therapists shall acknowledge and respect other colleagues, professionals and peers. Please click on the link to view the Code:https://www.otboard.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CodeofEthics_April2015-1.pdf
We encourage discussion and sharing, but may occasionally remove content that:
is not relevant
breaches legislation, copyright or intellectual property rights
is offensive or discriminatory or racist
contains swear words or offensive, threatening or discriminatory language or content
posts personal information (including photos or video) of people without their consent
is considered disruptive, or can be considered ‘trolling’
