Why Join NZSTA?

NZSTA is the national body for Speech-Language Therapists, and represents them in matters of importance. For example, registration, indemnity insurance, and representation for all Speech-Language Therapists to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.

NZSTA tasks include:

• implementing standards of practice
• overseeing and monitoring the Code of Ethics
• collecting data and making submissions/ recommendations
• acting as a resource for information, advice, ideas and experience

The association will advise you of forthcoming courses and events, and offer reduced rates to attend the biennial NZSTA Conference.

In addition, funding and support is available to attend overseas and other conferences. Speech-Language Therapists have access to promotional material and publications, including news of job vacancies, equipment, reviews, and professional articles.

Publications include Communication Matters (quarterly) and the New Zealand Journal of Speech-Language Therapy (annually).

Membership Categories

There are currently six membership categories available for prospective members. These are each discussed below.

Full Members

Full members of NZSTA are those members currently engaged in the activities of Speech-Language Therapy as a practitioner, administrator, educator, researcher, or any combination thereof, for which they will receive payment during any part of the year.

The current annual fee for Full Membership is NZ$200.

Provisional Members

Provisional members of NZSTA are those members taking part in supervised professional clinical practice in order to obtain full membership status in the NZSTA. In most cases, these individuals do not hold professional experience deemed equivalent to Speech-Language Therapists who currently hold full membership status. Provisional membership is viewed as a period of transition between supervised student practice and independent delivery of services, or between a time of absence from the profession and re-entry into the profession.

The current annual fee for Provisional Membership is NZ$200.

Guidelines for Provisional Membership were adopted in 2007; these can be downloaded here.

Guidelines for therapists returning to practice can be downloaded here.

Non-earning Members

Individuals belonging to this category are those Speech-Language Therapists who are eligible to become Full Members, but are not currently engaged in wage or salary earning activities as a Speech-Language Therapist during any part of the year.

The current annual fee for Non-earning Members is NZ$133.

Associate Members

This category includes members currently working in an allied health profession (e.g. Audiology). In order for this status to be conferred, prospective members need to be nominated by two current members of the NZSTA and approved by the Executive Board.

The current annual fee for Associate Members is NZ$133.

Student Members

Individuals who are currently enrolled in an accredited New Zealand Speech-Language Therapy program are eligible for this category. In addition, individuals who currently hold an NZSTA recognised qualification, and who are currently enrolled full-time in a course of post-graduate study are also eligible.

The current annual fee for Student Members is NZ$20

Life / Honorary Members

Life Members are those individuals whose provided outstanding service to the cause of Speech-Language Therapy in New Zealand has been recognised by members. Nominations need to be submitted, in writing, to the Executive Officer and need to be supported by a majority vote from at least two areas. However, there is no more than ten life members at any one time.

Honorary membership may be conferred on any individual who does not hold a qualification in Speech-Language Therapy, but have made an outstanding contribution to Speech-Language Therapy in New Zealand.

There is currently no annual fee for Life or Honorary Members.

Domestic (New Zealand) Applicants

Speech-Language Therapists seeking to renew membership can complete the online Membership Form. Payment may be made by cheque or cash, and is due on January 1st of each year.

Overseas Applicants

There is a separate process for international Speech-Language Therapists seeking membership. Prospective applicants should refer to the section on Qualifications Approval for more information.