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New Zealand And Australian Dietitians Reach First Mutual Recognition Agreement

In a first for both New Zealand and Australia, the New Zealand Dietitians Board (NZDB) and the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) are thrilled to announce an agreed process for mutual recognition of dietetics qualifications, to be launched today at the New Zealand Dietetic Association Conference 2007 in Christchurch.

This unique agreement means that New Zealand Registered Dietitians with an Annual Practicing Certificate and Australian Accredited Practising Dietitians are now able to work across the Tasman by completing a simple application process.

Chairperson of the NZ Dietitians Board, Ms Barbara Ryan, said, ‘This is a significant step due to the different processes for registration and accreditation of dietitians in New Zealand and Australia – something that is not covered under standard Trans Tasman mutual recognition agreements. We are delighted to have worked with our Australian colleagues to achieve such a successful outcome ’.

Equally pleased was DAA President, Ms Julie Hulcombe, who said, ‘This agreement will open up opportunities for dietitians on both sides of the Tasman and will help advance nutrition and dietetics in both countries through the sharing of knowledge and expertise’.

Both organisations would like to thank the Australian Department of Education, Science and Training who provided a grant to DAA to undertake this important project.

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