Who can apply?
If you currently hold either full or limited registration* and are entitled to practise physiotherapy in any Australian state or territory you are entitled to seek registration in Aotearoa New Zealand under the Trans‐Tasman Mutual Recognition (TTMR) Act.
*If you hold Limited Registration with AHPRA, there will be a corresponding condition on your scope of practice requiring you to practice under supervision. You cannot practice in Aotearoa New Zealand other than in accordance with this condition. You can read more information about this, here.
All applications for registration are assessed against the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- *Passport or Birth Certificate
- *Evidence of Name Change (if applicable)
- * Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) from AHPRA
- *† Police Certificates from any country you lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years since the age of 18
- *† Degree or Academic transcript associated with your primary physiotherapy degree
*Document must be certified or sent directly to [email protected] by the issuing authority.
†Document must be less than 3 months old on the date you submit your application.
What is the assessment process for this application?
Phase 1: Initial Review
After you submit your application, we will review it for completeness. If documents or evidence are missing or we have concerns about your eligibility, we will email you for further information before your application is sent on for processing.
If your application does not meet criteria for any reason, one of the following will occur:
- You are given the opportunity to Withdraw your application.
- Your application is Returned.
- We propose to Decline your application.
If your application meets criteria, it is put forward for Registration.
Phase 2: Registration
Applications deemed to meet the minimum requirement for registration are sent to our Registrar for approval. Once this is completed you will receive an email confirmation.
If you hold Limited Registration with AHPRA, there will be a corresponding condition on your scope of practice requiring you to practice under supervision. You cannot practice in Aotearoa New Zealand other than in accordance with this condition.
What happens after registration is granted?
Annual Practicing Certificate
Once you have obtained registration with the Board, you will then need to apply for an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) to be legally allowed to practise as a physiotherapist in Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes you advising us when you last legally practised as a physiotherapist, as outlined in the Recency of practice requirements.
You cannot practice until you have received an Annual Practicing Certificate.
The Public Register of Physiotherapists
If you are registered, some of your details will be added to the New Zealand Register of Physiotherapists. The register is available for the public to view on the Board’s website and lists all physiotherapists who are registered in Aotearoa New Zealand, whether the physiotherapist holds a current Annual Practising Certificate and any applied conditions.
Health Practitioner Index (HPI) Number
After registration, you will be issued a Health Practitioner Index (HPI) number by the Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health. HPI numbers uniquely identify every health professional currently practising in New Zealand.
What does the application cost?
Please refer to our Fees Schedule here. Please note that the application fee is non‐refundable.
How long does it take?
Once all of the correct, required documents are received, TTMR applications are taking on average 1–2 weeks to process. Please note these timeframes are subject to change.
To avoid delays in processing your application ensure you include all the required information. Your application may be declined or returned for further work if it is not complete.
How do I apply?
All applications need to be submitted through the MyPBNZ portal. To use this portal, you need to first create an account and profile.
Any questions in relation to registration with AHPRA or practising as a physiotherapist in Australia need to be direct to AHPRA. We can only advise you on registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you have any questions, please see our comprehensive help page.