About NZASA

The NZ Acupuncture Standards Authority (NZASA) Inc is a standards-based registration authority committed to helping practitioners maintain standards of professional, ethical and clinical competency in acupuncture in NZ.

NZASA was incorporated in 2000. It is a member-led organisation with an elected Registration Board and an employed Registrar.

NZASA is one of two voluntary self-regulatory bodies which register acupuncturists in NZ. NZASA was recognised in 2005 under the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Act, and through that NZASA registered members are able to become ACC Treatment Providers.

NZASA’s membership includes both local practitioners and practitioners from the UK, USA, Australia and further afield who have chosen to reside and practice in New Zealand. The membership is made up of practitioners who hold recognised qualifications in Acupuncture and/or Chinese Medicine, including diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate and master’s degrees.

The NZASA acknowledges that the needs of practitioners may vary from one individual to another. Consequently, it provides both Registered and Non-Practicing membership types, allowing you to select the option that best suits your requirements.

 

Regulation

Chinese Medicine, encompassing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, is presently regulated in New Zealand. On May 17, 2022, nine members were appointed to the newly established Chinese Medicine Council, which commenced registration procedures in July 2023.

Please refer to the Chinese Medicine Council website for more information: https://www.chinesemedicinecouncil.org.nz/

 

Benefits of membership with NZASA

  • Membership of a recognised Registration Authority.
  • Educational opportunities through NZASA and its affiliated organisations, as well as the wider professional acupuncture community.
  • The option to have Public Liability and Indemnity insurance.
  • Up-to-date news and information regarding regulations affecting the profession.
  • The opportunity to build your professional network.

 

Joining NZASA as a Registered Member

NZASA maintains a list of Registered acupuncturists who are able to apply to become ACC Treatment Providers in terms of Section 6 (1) of the ACC Act.

NZASA has established ethical, technical and practice standards, which are implemented through the registration and certification programme, and enforced through a code of professional conduct and disciplinary procedures that apply to all of its Registered acupuncturists.

NZASA operates a competency assessment regime that includes a workplace evaluation by qualified Assessors.  NZASA also provides guidance to practitioners on acupuncture and Chinese Medicine practice issues and promotes the education and training of practitioners.

 

Who can apply for membership?

The application form is suitable for use by persons who are: 

  • Graduates or practitioners with a NZ qualification in acupuncture or Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine)
  • Graduates or practitioners with an overseas qualification in acupuncture or Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine)
  • Previous NZASA registered practitioners (within five years) who wish to re-register.

See the Membership Pages for the application form, fees and application processes.

 

ACC Treatment Providers

NZASA has been recognised in the ACC Act since 2005.  Acupuncturists registered with NZASA can apply to become ACC Treatment Providers.

ACC provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all NZ residents and visitors to NZ.  As an ACC Treatment Provider, you are able to treat people and claim your fees (or part-fees) directly from ACC.  Please visit the ACC website for further information about ACC - www.acc.co.nz

In order to become an ACC Treatment Provider, a practitioner must first meet NZASA’s registration criteria and hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate.