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Proud Allied Health Members

Overview

Kia ora koutou, We are pleased to announce we are now full members of AHANZ. AHANZ is a national voice for allied health professions in New Zealand. They represent and advocate for better patient outcomes through a holistic approach to health care. AHANZ has an important role as the national body with government ministries and other organisations that seek a collective view of allied health. AHANZ is a collegial body consisting of over 30 national allied health associations that represent over 30,000 individual allied health professionals. These professionals are qualified practitioners with specialized expertise in preventing, diagnosing and treating a range of conditions and illnesses. Allied health practitioners often work within a multidisciplinary health team to provide specialised support for different patient needs. We are aligned with the AHANZ Vision and Mission statements, wanting optimum mental health and wellbeing for children, and ensuring play therapists are recognised and contribute to their full potential to enable New Zealanders to enjoy health and wellbeingOur strategic plan also aligns with AHANZ with focus on advocacy for our members, advancement of education for our members, and engaging with each other through networking and forums. Those in ANZAPT who have full membership, CCPT-R and CCPT-S and hold an APC are now recognised as Allied Health Professionals. ANZAPT will have a presence at the bi-monthly meetings to discuss issues of importance to the allied health sector and can advocate for Play Therapy in Aotearoa. We will be able to help shape policy and legislation including participation in the Select Committee process. We will be able to contribute to submissions on issues of relevance to allied health. ANZAPT remains committed to representing our valued members to achieve our collective purpose:“To foster excellence in the child-centred play therapy practice for the benefit of children and their families. We will ensure the play therapy workforce in Aotearoa is ethical, competent and culturally-responsive so that vulnerable children affected by trauma, and their whānau, can heal and flourish.” We look forward to working alongside our professional partners within AHANZ to achieve optimum health and well-being for all New Zealanders. Please do not hesitate to contact us, should you have any questions.

Ngā mihi nui,

Natalie AstinANZAPT PresidentAotearoa New Zealand Association of Play Therapy

What you need to know

ANZAPT became a member of Allied Health Association New Zealand (AHANZ) in April 2026:
  • ANZAPT members who hold a current ANZAPT Annual Practicing Certificate are now recognised as Allied Health professionals.
  • AHANZ has an important role as the national body with government ministries and other organisations that seek a collective view of allied health.
  • AHANZ represents 30 000 individual Allied Health professionals from over 30 national allied health associations.
  • ANZAPT will have a presence at the bi-monthly meetings to discuss issues of importance to the allied health sector and can advocate for Play Therapy in Aotearoa.
  • ANZAPT will be able to help shape policy and legislation.