About Us

The New Zealand Psychologists Board currently has 8 members including 2 lay members (see detail here). The day to day operations are managed by a secretariat with 6 employees. The Board's main purpose is the protection of the public of New Zealand through the registration of psychologists who meet the registration requirements as set out in the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 and the management of competence, conduct and fitness issues concerning psychologists. The maintenance of an accurate Register of Psychologists is one of the Board's key responsibilities.  The Board also reviews and promotes the competence of psychologists and sets standards of clinical and cultural competence and ethical conduct.  (Refer "Functions" for a more detailed list)

The Board has no formal relationship with either the NZ Psychological Society or the NZ College of Clinical Psychologists. However, the Board works closely with both organisations on matters of mutual interest.

The HPCA Act established the Board as a body corporate. This means that the Board can set up its own administrative arrangements e.g. leasing or purchasing premises, equipment etc, employ its own staff, and set up its own finances and bank accounts. The Board did this for the first time in July 2006, opening new offices and functioning independently.

The Board is accountable to the New Zealand Public through the Minister of Health and must provide an Annual Report, including audited accounts, to the Minister every year.  Practitioners receive a copy by mail and can obtain aditional copies direct from the Board's website (see Publications).

The Board's secretariat includes the following staff members::

Mr Steve Osborne - Chief Executive/Registrar
Mr Bill King - Deputy Registrar - Registration
Ms Anne Goodhead - Psychology Advisor
Mrs Anne Culver - Office Manager

Ms Stathia Golding - Professional Standards Coordinator
Mrs Lesley Hanson - Administration Assistant

[Click here to go contact a staff member]