New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists explained

The New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists (NZSP) is a professional body of physiotherapists in New Zealand. Membership of the society is optional, but demonstrates that a particular practitioner upholds certain standards including adherence to a code of conduct. Individuals who meet certain criteria may indicate their membership by using the letters MNZSP or FNZSP after their names.

History

The society was established in 1950.^[1]

The motto, in Māori, is "kia akotahi tatou, kia kotahi ra" (let's learn and grow together).

Branches

The society is made up of branches which represent geographical regions around the country. Each member of the society belongs to and is represented by a branch for the region in which they reside.

The branches are:

• Auckland
• Canterbury
• Hawkes Bay
• Middle Districts
• Nelson and Marlborough
• Northland
• North Shore City
• Otago
• Southland
• Waikato and Bay of Plenty
• Wellington

Membership classes

• Member: Must be a New Zealand registered physiotherapist. A member may use the letters 'MNZSP' to indicate their membership.
• Associate: This is the class held by a student who wishes to join the society.
• Affiliate: A physiotherapy assistant working under supervision of a registered physiotherapist may hold this class.
• Fellow: This class is bestowed upon members at the discretion of the society.^[2] Those with this class of membership may use the letters FNZSP.

Special interest groups

The society also supports a number of groups of practitioners who are interested in particular specialities within the profession. Membership of a special interest group is optional. The following special interest groups exist:

• Cardiothoracic
• Continence and Women's Health
• Hand Therapists
• Neurology
• New Zealand Manipulative Physiotherapists Association
• New Zealand Private Physiotherapy Association
• New Zealand Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Association
• Occupational Health
• Paediatric
• Physiotherapy Acupuncture Association of New Zealand
• Physiotherapy for the Older Adult
• Stress Management and Related Therapies

External links

• Official Website
• Physiotherapy

Notes and References

1. Your Professional Society : The New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists Inc - Pamphlet
2. http://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/2002/25-07-02_press_release.html Footnote indicating Robin McKenzie's Honorary Fellow status