New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association Inc (NZSTA)

Te Kãhui Kaiwhakatikatika Reo Kõrero o Aotearoa

NZSTA is the professional association and regulatory body for speech-language therapists in New Zealand. This site contains information about the NZSTA, as well as information for parents and families on speech-language therapy, and information for practising speech-language therapists in New Zealand and overseas. Current members of the NZSTA can access additional information by logging in.

2012 Membership Renewal OPEN NOW

2012 Conference, Auckland, Beyond Boundaries

Click here to see the latest updates.

Strategic Planning Forum

This forum has been established to facilitate some discussion and presentation of ideas to help inform the associations' strategic planning process. Please consider the topic below and provide your suggestions/ ideas - or add to the suggestions of others. Spot prizes will be awarded to creative and interesting suggestions.

“Imagine the year 2015 and you are a member of the NZSTA. What does the organisation look like and what are your experiences as a member.”

Please click here to have your say

The NZSTA Dunedin Professional Development Seminar

The NZSTA Dunedin Professional Development Seminar was held in Dunedin on the 30th and 31st of May. We have a great turnout, with over 70 people attending the seminar. The keynote speakers, Dr Marleen Westerveld and Dr Maggie-Lee Huckabee gave very comprehensive and challenging presentations on Oral Narrative Assessment and Intervention, and Neurostimulation Techniques and Rehabilitation, respectively.  The presentations prompted a great deal of discussion among delegates.  A number of therapists gave their time to present papers based on workplace initiatives and research they have been involved in. I would like to acknowledge Dr Libby Schaughency and Dr Mele Taumoepeau of the University of Otago who presented research that was very pertinent for speech-language therapy. Liz Wallace, a music therapist from Therapy Professionals, co-presented with Susan McDonald in an excellent demonstration of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Delegates gave positive feedback regarding the Seminar. They enjoyed the opportunities to network with speech-language therapists from around the country. Many delegates also commented they enjoyed hearing about what was happening in the broader SLT world. Commonly at conferences, we attend the streams that are directly relevant to our clinical or research work. The Professional Development Seminar has only one stream, and allows the opportunity to hear from therapists working in a range of settings. As one delegate commented, this helps bring us back to what we have in common across the profession.

We hope that slides of many of the presentations may be available to Seminar delegates on the NZSTA websites.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and in particular to those who presented - we would not be able to offer these professional development events if it was not for you volunteering to present.

	ACC Rehabilitation Provider Liaison Group The NZSTA has a new representative on this group. Members can access more information about this group here and how to receive updates and give feedback.
	Standards and Definitions for Texture Modified Foods and Fluids The NZSTA has worked with the Dietitians NZ to develop information and resources for workplaces seeking to implement these standards and definitions. These resources can be accessed by following the link above.