I am registered in Australia, can I practise in New Zealand?

To legally practise as a physiotherapist in New Zealand, you are required to hold active registration with the Physiotherapy Board and hold an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) for the practising year you intend to work in.

This is the case for any role, voluntary or paid, where your physiotherapy skills or knowledge are used. Please note that applying for registration does not guarantee registration, be cautious when applying for or accepting job offers in New Zealand until your registration status with the Board is confirmed.

If you hold unrestricted registration or certain types of limited registration with AHPRA in Australia, you may be eligible to apply for registraiton via our TTMR pathway. More information about pathways to registration, eligibility requirements, documents we will request, and how to apply for international applicants can be found on our website at:

https://www.physioboard.org.nz/i-want-to-be-registered

What is the TTMR?

In August 1997, the New Zealand Parliament enacted the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (TTMR) Act. This Act came into force by Order-in-Council on 1 May 1998. It recognises the regulatory standards adopted in Australia regarding goods and occupations.

Mutual Recognition Principle

The Act allows persons registered in Australia and New Zealand who practise substantially the same registered occupations, to move freely between both countries. For those professions where there is registration in Australia, participation in this process applies to New Zealand.

If you are registered to practise physiotherapy or an equivalent occupation in Australia, you are entitled to seek registration in the equivalent occupation in New Zealand. This right is exercised by giving a written notice in the form of a statutory declaration, paying the application fee, providing evidence of entitlement to practise your occupation.

The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act therefore provides an alternative avenue for obtaining registration in New Zealand. Applicants have the choice of applying for registration under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act or under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act 2003).