Membership FAQ
NZ Trained Massage Therapists wanting to join MANZ
What type of First Aid Certificate do I need for membership?
To gain membership of MANZ, you will need a current first aid certificate (including CPR). This needs to be from a course that includes unit standards 6401 and 6402.
This is often referred to as Comprehensive First Aid and includes CPR. If you have a current Comp First Aid certificate (Valid for 2 years) and you renew it before it expires, then you can do a First Aid Refresher (which is also valid for the next two years & is normally cheaper). Workplace First Aid may also be done, as long as it covers the same unit standards (including CPR). If your first aid certificate has expired then you have to do the full certificate again.
Can I do my training by Distance Learning?
Yes you can.
Some programmes offer part time options (evenings & weekends) but only to Certificate level.
Click here for more information on Massage programmes that meet industry standards:
Am I allowed to work if I am a Student Massage Therapist?
It is strongly advised that you do not perform any paid work without the necessary massage qualification.
It is also advisable inform your clients that you are a student therapist, and not qualified, before commencing treatment.
As a student, what do I have to pay to join MANZ?
Student membership is free for the duration of the period of study. Student membership is eligible to those students studying massage therapy full or part time at an NZQA approved training provider. Student members are then eligible for a free upgrade to RMT level when they graduate, for the remainder of the membership year. New graduates can also join as an RMT for $100 for their first full year of membership, immediately following completion of their massage therapy studies.
How do I get listed on the 'Find a Therapist' database?
If you train at an MANZ approved school to a Diploma or Degree level in massage therapy, you will automatically be eligible to be included on the database as a RMT (level 5-7) after becoming a member of MANZ.
Am I allowed to set up my Massage Clinic at home?
Yes. You should contact your local Council with regards to any regulations that may be in force about operating a clinic from your home.
Does MANZ provide members with details of massage enquiries from the public?
Yes. MANZ will forward enquiries from the public to therapists in the relevant region when received.
MANZ also has contact with organisations like the Cancer Society, and encourages them to advertise in our publications when they have vacancies for Massage Therapists.
Do Massage Therapists get ACC accreditation/registration?
There is no current ACC accreditation in place for Massage Therapists in New Zealand.
Do I have to do ongoing training?
Yes, once you have become a member of MANZ you will be required to complete Continued Professional Development (CPD) hours and maintain a current First Aid certificate to keep your membership current.
Does my membership fee include insurance?
No. As a member you are, however, able to apply for insurance through a group insurance scheme policy which provides a discounted rate exclusive to MANZ members only. You will not be able to access this rate without being an MANZ member. Details of this are sent out in your membership pack when you join and are also listed on our preferred suppliers list in the Members Area of the website.
How long will it take to process my membership application?
It can take up to six weeks to process your application (provided you have supplied all necessary documents as listed on the checklist).
How do I apply for membership?
You can apply for MANZ membership online. You can also download a statutory declaration here.
Statutory declarationIf you have any questions regarding membership, please call 0800 367 669 or email membership
Why should I belong to Massage New Zealand?
MANZ is the only professional association for Massage Therapists in our country; it works constantly to promote therapeutic massage as a viable healthcare profession and to support its members.
Belonging to an association helps validate your career choice as far as the public perception is concerned. The association has a Code of Ethics, a Scope of Practice and a Complaints procedure, which set standards of professionalism, give credibility and enable clients to feel more secure about the conduct and treatment they will receive from their therapist.
You spend a lot of time and money to get the required qualifications to enable you to practice at a professional level; the association recognises this, and offers ongoing support and information about CPD to enable you to stay current with ongoing developments within the industry.Check out the benefits of belonging to MANZ on our Benefits page.
Overseas Trained Massage Therapists wanting to join MANZ
What are the chances of getting a job?
For the latest information regarding the job outlook for a Massage Therapist, please visit www.careers.govt.nz
Many Massage Therapists in New Zealand are self-employed, working in their own practices. Some practices are large enough to employ other therapists, either as independent contractors, or as employees. These positions are often advertised through MANZ. So being a member of MANZ gives you access to information about work opportunities that may not be advertised through public channels.
In order to join MANZ, what do I need to produce?
You must supply all of your training documentation showing course content, academic transcripts for your principal qualification in massage therapy, along with copies of certificates of graduation from any massage related courses.
How long will it take for my qualification to be assessed?
The process can take up to 6 weeks, depending on the work involved in assessing your prior learning overseas. Some qualifications are straight forward to assess and others can take longer. Once your application and supporting documents have been received they will be reviewed and if necessary will be forwarded to our Education Officer and Education Sub Committee for consideration. If MANZ is not completely satisfied that your qualifications meet requirements, more evidence may be asked for and there may be a need for a practical or examination to be taken by you. There may be additional costs incurred by you for assessment of recognition of prior learning (RPL) process and/or any practical or examination that MANZ deem you may be required to undertake. We will let you know if this is the case.
How do I get registration to work in New Zealand when I have overseas qualifications?
There is currently no mandatory licensing or registration requirement of Massage Therapists by the New Zealand Government. However, MANZ is a self-regulating association of professional trained and qualified Massage Therapists. It is the only professional association for Massage Therapists in New Zealand and it works constantly to promote therapeutic massage as a viable healthcare profession and to support its members.
Belonging to an association helps validate your professional practice as far as public perception is concerned. The association has a Code of Ethics, a Scope of Practice and a Complaints procedure, which set standards of professionalism, give credibility and enable clients to feel more secure about the conduct and treatment they will receive from their therapist.
MANZ has academic and practical requirements that must be met for the various levels of membership.
Do I have to take out Indemnity Insurance?
No, there is no requirement by either the New Zealand Government or Massage New Zealand that Massage Therapists have indemnity insurance. However, MANZ strongly encourages its members to purchase this cover as health professionals practicing in New Zealand. MANZ partners with an insurance provider to offer its members discounted cover through a group scheme exclusive to MANZ members only. Details of this are sent out with membership packs and are also in the Members Area of the website.
How do I establish a Therapeutic Massage practice in New Zealand?
Firstly, you should contact the Immigration Department to see if you meet their criteria for working in our country; their website address www.immigration.govt.nz will give you the necessary information and application forms.If you meet the Immigration Department criteria, there are no regulations governing the practice of therapeutic massage therapy in New Zealand.
Who do I contact if I need more information about assessment of my qualification or joining MANZ?
Please read the information provided on the membership section of the website first. For more information on joining MANZ or queries about RPL of overseas qualifications, please email membership
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