The Osteopathic Council of New
Zealand registers osteopaths and prescribes the qualifications and
standards of ongoing competence required for osteopathic practice in New
Zealand.
The Council was established by the Health Practitioners Competence
Assurance Act (2003). The principal purpose of this Act is to protect
the health and safety of members of the public by providing for
mechanisms to ensure that health practitioners are competent and fit to
practice their professions.
Only osteopaths who are registered with the Osteopathic Council, and
hold a current practising certificate, may use the title of osteopath
and legally practice osteopathy in New Zealand.