New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists (NZAOT)

Overview:

Profession(s): Occupational Therapy
Member Type(s): Occupational Therapists
Scope: National - New Zealand
Formed: 1949
Members: 1,000
Address: PO Box 12 506, Wellington, 6144, New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 473 6510
Email: nzaot@nzaot.com
Website: www.nzaot.com

Description:

Professional Association for Occupational Therapists.

Mission/Aims:

Members are assured of excellence in knowledge, standards, support and representation.

Principal Activities:

To promote excellence in occupational therapy practice and professional ethics in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

To represent the benefits and value of occupational therapy to the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

To promote the continuing development of the profession of occupational therapy.

To promote the interests of the membership of the Association to Government and non-government organizations within Aotearoa/New Zealand and internationally.

To promote and facilitate professional development and research opportunities, academic activities and publications within occupational therapy.

To operate a register of Members.

Receive bequests, donations, grants of money and to raise monies by membership subscriptions or projects organised in a manner not contrary to the laws of Aotearoa/New Zealand for the purpose of carrying out the Objects of the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists Inc.

Member Benefits:

Representation with Key Stakeholders:

Opportunities exist to be involved and have your say on a range of important issues for occupational therapy. Your participation in lobbying, submissions or at sector forums is welcomed.
NZAOT is an active member of the Allied Health Professional Associations' Forum.
Representation – is a key object of this association.

Excellence in Knowledge:

Monthly OT Insight magazine (February – December) – keeps you up to date with clinical articles, news, views and developments in the profession – online version available in member only section of web site.
Biannual New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy (March and September)- enables in-depth discussion of national and international professional issues - online version available for members.
NZAOT biennial Clinical Workshops.
Access to evidence based resources and databases (OTDBASE and many more) in member only section of web site.

Recognizing Excellence:

The Frances Rutherford Lecture Award – prestigious biennial award giving recognition to those who have made a significant contribution in their specialist field of occupational therapy.
The Medical Staffing International/NZAOT Occupational Therapy Achievement Award for Innovation in Practice.
Be a Tall Poppy – Get nominated.
The NZAOT Graduate Award - in recognition of top students.

Member Networking and Support

Special Interest Groups – email discussion groups.
Local Area Network meetings.
Telephone/e-mail support from national office - responding to your queries and concerns.
Timely communication on issues of interest to the profession.

Protecting Members (Group Discounts - Optional)

Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Major Medical Health Insurance.
Value Plus (Primary Health insurance).
Please ask about optional benefits for members.

Maintaining Standards for the Profession

Occupational Therapy Process Standards.
Register of Professional and Clinical Supervisors.

Affiliations:

Associations to which we are a member:
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

Partner Associations:
Allied Health Professional Associations Forum (New Zealand)

Verification Criteria:

A current New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate. Annual practicing certificates are the responsibility of the Occuaptional Therapy Registration Board of New Zealand.