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Vacancies on the Dietitians Board - Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai
The Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) is seeking candidates who wish to be
considered for appointment as
health practitioner OR layperson members of the Dietitians
Board - Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai (the Board). The Board is a Responsible Authority under the
Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the HPCA Act). The purpose of the Board is
to protect the health and safety of members of the public by ensuring that dietitians are fit and
competent to practice.
About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga
Being a member of the Board is rewarding and challenging. You will be committed to improving
the health of New Zealanders, through contribution to the governance of the Board’s legislative
requirements.
The functions of responsible authorities are set out under section 118 of the HPCA Act, and more
information about the Board is available on the Board’s website. Appointments to the Board are
made by the Associate Minister of Health Hon Matt Doocey, typically for terms of three years.
Members can be reappointed for up to nine consecutive years.
The Ministry recognises that diversity enables our boards and councils to be high-performing and is
committed to ensuring they represent the diversity in New Zealand's population, including gender,
ethnicity, disability, age, and geographic location. The Ministry encourages people from all
backgrounds, especially those who can reflect the needs, values, and beliefs of Māori, and have an
understanding of and are committed to meeting the obligations under The Treaty of Waitangi, to
apply for these roles.
About you - Kōrero mōu
For all applicants, governance and/or regulatory experience is a plus but not required. It is
beneficial if you have the capability to lead strategically, and to balance competing demands.
Preferred
health practitioner applicants will:
•
Have significant clinical experience as a dietitian
•
the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and its
application in health care and regulatory settings
•
experience working with Māori models of health care, ensuring cultural safety and
inclusivity in practice
•
an awareness and understanding of a range of cultural perspectives in health care, and
their impact on service delivery.
under the Offical Information Act 1982
Successful
health practitioner applicants must be registered dietitians with a current practising
certificate and have a good understanding of the scope of practice, professional standards and
competencies and code of ethics and conduct.
Under section 5 of the HPCA Act,
laypeople applicants cannot be qualified or registered as health
practitioners. Preferred laypeople applicants will also:
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•
Have financial and/or legal experience
•
Be able to represent community and consumer interests
Members of a Responsible Authority board cannot simultaneously be a member of the Health
Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) given the disciplinary function of the Tribunal over
health practitioners.
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How to apply - Me pēhea te tono
Applications must be made using the Ministry of Health online Career Centre by close of business
14 May 2025 and include:
• a completed declaration form (attached), and
• a covering letter, and
• a current CV.
Due diligence checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants. Your personal information will
be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. The Ministry of Health may also request that
the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service conduct national security screening of you as part of
the appointment process.
The appointment process can be lengthy, taking between 6 to 12 months. Your patience and
professionalism as we work through the next steps is appreciated. The outcome of the recruitment
process for the Board will be confirmed after it has been considered by the Cabinet Appointments
and Honours Committee.
Who we are - Ko wai mātou
See the Ministry of Health Board appointments webpage for more information.
If you would like to obtain further information or clarification, or if your circumstances change or
should you wish to withdraw your application, please contact the Statutory Appointments team by
emailing: [email address]
under the Offical Information Act 1982
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Candidate Information on the Terms and Conditions of
Appointment to the
Dietitians Board
Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
Introduction
This document provides information for prospective candidates for membership of the
Dietitians Board (the Board). It sets out the:
role and functions of the Board
composition of the Board
terms and conditions of appointment
duties and responsibilities of a member.
The Role of Responsible Authorities in Regulating Occupations
The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the Act) established registration
authorities to protect consumers receiving services from a wide range of health practitioners.
The Act requires registration authorities to establish the competencies required for the
registration of practitioners who demonstrate they possess the competencies and conduct to
practise safely and professionally. The Board is one such responsible authority.
Occupational regulation is a way of providing consumers with information on a practitioner’s
competence. It ensures that only practitioners who have demonstrated that they meet the
minimum professional standards for entry to an occupation can practise and use protected
titles. Consumers do not always have enough knowledge to make an informed decision
whether Dietitians are competent to carry out their occupation. This can be a matter of
concern when the actions of a practitioner may impact on the health and safety of
consumers.
under the Offical Information Act 1982
Individuals appointed to the Board have a range of experience, from first-time appointees
with little or no experience as a member of such authorities to members with extensive
experience. The Board draws considerable benefits from having a diverse membership with
a range of skills attributes, and experience.
Functions of the Board
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The Board is a regulatory authority established under section 114 of the Act. The purpose of
the Board is to protect the consumers of dietetic services through the registration of Dietitians
ensuring the competency of dietitians through ongoing education and maintenance of
professional standards and conduct.
The functions of the Board are set out under section 118 of the Act. As they relate to the
Board, these functions are:
to prescribe the qualification required for scopes of practice within the profession, and,
for that purpose, to accredit and monitor educational institutions and degrees, courses
of studies, or programmes
to authorise the registration of Dietitians under this Act, and to maintain registers
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to consider applications for annual practising certificates
to review and promote the competence and professional standards of Dietitians
to recognise, accredit, and set programmes to ensure the ongoing competence of
Dietitians
to receive and act on information from Dietitians, employers, and the Health and
Disability Commissioner about the competence or conduct of registered Dietitians
to notify employers, the Accident Compensation Corporation, the Director-General of
Health, and the Health and Disability Commissioner that the practice of a Dietitian may
pose a risk of harm to the public
to consider the case of Dietitians who may be unable to perform the functions required
for the practice of the profession
to set standards of clinical competence and professional and ethical standards, cultural
competence (including competencies that will enable effective and respectful
interaction with Māori), to be observed by Dietitians
to liaise with other authorities appointed under this Act about matters of common
interest
to promote education and training in the profession
to promote public awareness of the responsibilities of the Board
to exercise and perform any other functions, powers, and duties that are conferred or
imposed on it by or under this Act or any other enactment.
Composition of the Board
There will generally be a minimum of seven members on the Board but may comprise up to
eight members at any one time to enable training and transitions between experienced and
new appointees, made up of two layperson members and five or six health practitioner
members (preferably including one dietetic educator).
Consumer Constituency
The consumer constituency of the Board includes the users of dietetic services. Those that
use these services are a cross-section of New Zealanders in terms of ethnicity, age, gender,
under the Offical Information Act 1982
disability and geography.
Appointment as a Member of the Board
In making yourself available to be considered for appointment, please ensure that:
there is no conflict of interest which would preclude your appointment; and
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you are available to serve for a term of office of up to three years.
Board members must be available and committed to work towards the achievement of
the goals of the Board (up to 5 days per month), and will bring knowledge, expertise
and influence relevant to the Board’s affairs. This includes dietetic education
experience and knowledge of tikanga and or indigenous food practices.
The Board provides an induction package to all new members.
Board members are expected to follow the terms and conditions set out below.
Terms and Conditions of Appointment
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Members of the Board are appointed by the Minister of Health for a term of up to three years,
by notice published in the
Gazette. Members may be reappointed from time to time, but no
person is eligible to be a member for more than nine consecutive years. Any member of the
Board may at any time resign as a Board member by advising the Minister in writing.
The Act states that appointed members are considered to have vacated their office if they
are adjudged bankrupt under the Insolvency Act 1967. The Minister of Health may at any
time remove members from office on the grounds of:
inability to perform the duties of the office
neglect of duty
misconduct, proved to the satisfaction of the Minister
with the concurrence of the Board, by notice given to the member, on the ground that
the member’s performance on the Board is inadequate.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Board Member
This section sets out the Minister of Health’s expectations regarding the duties and
responsibilities of a person appointed as a member of the Board This is intended to aid
members of the Board by providing them with a common set of principles for appropriate
conduct and behaviour and serves to protect the Board and its members from being exposed
to legal challenges.
As an independent statutory authority the Board has an obligation to conduct its activities in
an open and ethical manner. The Board has a duty to operate in an effective manner within
the parameters of its functions as set out in section 118 of the Act.
General
Board members have a commitment to work for the greater good of the Board. They are
accountable to the Minister of Health (and through the Minister to the public of New Zealand).
Board members attend meetings and undertake Board activities as independent persons
responsible to the Board as a whole. Members are appointed to uphold the purpose of the
HPCA Act; to protect consumers of dietetic services through setting standards for education
and registration, and ensure maintenance of competence as a dietitian. Members are not
appointed as representatives of professional organisations, academic institutions or
communities. This issue is particularly important when Board members may, at times, be
under the Offical Information Act 1982
required to be party to decisions which conflict with the views of other organisations with
which they are involved.
There is an expectation that Board members will make every effort to attend all Board
meetings and devote sufficient time to become familiar with the affairs of the Board and the
wider environment within which it operates.
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Board members are required to serve on one or more Board committees and/or working
groups, actively engage in decision-making and to respond to emails in a timely manner,
when required.
Legislation and Conflicts of Interest
It is important that Board members have a common understanding of their role as a member
in order that decisions can be reached within the spirit of the governing legislation, namely,
for the purpose of protecting the public interest through the regulation of dietitians.
Board members will be expected to become familiar with, and operate according to, the Act.
In addition, the Board is expected to be familiar with, and operate according to, the:
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principles of natural justice and administrative law
Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994
- Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights
Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022
Privacy Act 2020
- Health Information Privacy Code 2020
Human Rights Act 1993
Medicines Act 1981
Treaty of Waitangi
Code of Conduct for Dietitians Board members
Professional Standards and Competencies for Dietitians and the Code of Ethics and
Conduct for Dietitians.
The Board is expected to comply with the intent of the Official Information Act 1982.
Board members should perform their functions in good faith, honestly and impartially and
avoid situations that might compromise their integrity or otherwise lead to conflicts of interest.
Proper observation of these principles will protect the Board and its members
and will enable
public confidence to be maintained.
When Board members believe they have a conflict of interest on a subject that will prevent
them from reaching an impartial decision or undertaking an activity consistent with the
Board’s functions, then they must declare a conflict of interest and withdraw themselves from
the discussion and/or activity.
Confidentiality
Meetings, including agenda material and minutes, of the Board are confidential. Board
members must ensure that the confidentiality of Board business is maintained.
Members are free to express their own views within the context of Board meetings, or the
general business of the Board
Board members must publicly support a course of action decided by the Board, or if unable
to do that, must not publicly comment on decisions.
under the Offical Information Act 1982
At no time shall Board members individually divulge details of Board matters or decisions of
the Board to persons who are not Board members. Disclosure of Board business to anyone
outside the Board must be the decision of the Board, or between meetings, at the discretion
of the Chairperson of the Board, or in the case of committees, the Convenor of the
Committee (if they have the delegated authority of the Board).
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Board members must ensure that Board documents are kept secure to ensure the
confidentiality of Board work is maintained. Release of Board correspondence or papers can
only be made with the approval of the Board.
Meetings of the Board
The Board meets formally between four and six times a year. In addition, members are
required to participate on committees or working groups established to address specific
issues. There can often be a requirement to engage in teleconferences between formal
Board meetings. The time involved for work outside of the Board meeting varies but is likely it
would be no more than 15-20 days’ time commitment in total, but due to committee or
working group involvement can be more.
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A quorum of the Board for any meeting is four members and must include at least one
member who is a layperson
. Every issue before the Board is determined by consensus or a
majority of the votes of the members present at the meeting. The presiding member has a
deliberative vote, and, in the case of an equality of votes, also has a casting vote.
When carrying out its functions the Board must follow the principles of natural justice and
administrative law. The Board must act lawfully, that is, the Board can only act within the
limits of its powers as set out in the Act. The Board must also act fairly when carrying out its
functions. Decisions of the Board are reviewable by the Courts and it is also possible for
persons to take civil action against the Board or its individual members.
Fees and Allowances
Members of the Board, and of any committees appointed by the Board, are entitled to be
paid fees for attendance at meetings. Currently, the Chairperson is entitled to be paid $800
(less Witholding tax) per full day (or $100 per hour) and members including the Deputy
Chairperson are entitled to be paid $640 (less tax) per full day (or $80 per hour). The Board
pays for actual and reasonable travel and accommodation expenses.
More detailed information can be obtained from the Registrar of the Board.
The Registrar
Dietitians Board
Level 6, 22 Willeston Street
PO Box 9644
Wellington 6141
Ph:
(04) 474 0746
Fax:
(04) 474 0709
Email: [email address]
http://www.dietitiansboard.org.nz/
under the Offical Information Act 1982
Released
October 2023
Document 3
Thomas Shand
s 9(2)(a)
Dear Thomas
Reappointment as a health practitioner member of the Dietitians Board – Te Mana
Mātanga Mātai Kai
Thank you for your continued willingness to serve on the Dietitians Board – Te Mana
Mātanga Mātai Kai (the Board).
In accordance with section 120 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003,
I hereby reappoint you as a health practitioner member of the Board for a term of office
commencing on 6 April 2026 and ending on 17 January 2028.
Attached to this letter are the terms and conditions of your reappointment. Any necessary
further information wil be provided by the Board’s Chief Executive, Megan Purves.
Please formally acknowledge your reappointment by signing the attached memorandum and
emailing it to [email address].
Thank you again and congratulations on your reappointment.
Yours sincerely
Hon Matt Doocey
For Minister of Health under the Offical Information Act 1982
Encl: Terms and Conditions
Appointment Memorandum
Cc
Megan Purves, Chief Executive, Dietitians Board – Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai,
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[email address]
Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services, Ministry of Health,
[email address]
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MEMORANDUM To:
Stasha Mason
Manager
Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services
Ministry of Health
Email:
[email address]
Subject:
Reappointment as a health practitioner member of the Dietitians Board –
Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai
From:
Thomas Shand
1982
______________________________________________________________________
Act
1.
I acknowledge my reappointment as a health practitioner member of the Dietitians
Board – Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai pursuant to section 120 of the Health
Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, for a term of office commencing on 6
April 2026 and ending on 17 January 2028.
2.
I have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions of my reappointment.
Information
__________________________
______________________
Offical
Signed
Date
the
under
Released
Document 3
Irene Durham
s 9(2)(a)
Dear Irene
Reappointment as a lay member of the Dietitians Board – Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai
Thank you for your continued willingness to serve on the Dietitians Board – Te Mana
Mātanga Mātai Kai (the Board).
1982
In accordance with section 120 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003,
I hereby reappoint you as a lay member of the Board for a three-year term of office
Act
commencing on 6 April 2026 and ending on 5 April 2029.
Attached to this letter are the terms and conditions of your reappointment. Any necessary
further information wil be provided by the Board’s Chief Executive, Megan Purves.
Please formally acknowledge your reappointment by signing the attached memorandum and
emailing it to [email address].
Information
Thank you again and congratulations on your reappointment.
Yours sincerely
Offical
the
Hon Matt Doocey
For Minister of Health
under
Encl: Terms and Conditions
Appointment Memorandum
Cc
Megan Purves, Chief Executive, Dietitians Board – Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai,
[email address]
Released
Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services, Ministry of Health,
[email address]
Document 3
MEMORANDUM To:
Stasha Mason
Manager
Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services
Ministry of Health
Email:
[email address]
Subject:
Reappointment as a lay member of the Dietitians Board – Te Mana
Mātanga Mātai Kai
From:
Irene Durham
1982
______________________________________________________________________
Act
1.
I acknowledge my reappointment as a lay member of the Dietitians Board – Te Mana
Mātanga Mātai Kai pursuant to section 120 of the Health Practitioners Competence
Assurance Act 2003, for a three-year term of office commencing on 6 April 2026 and
ending on 5 April 2029.
2.
I have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions of my reappointment.
Information
__________________________
______________________
Offical
Signed
Date
the
under
Released
Document 3
Julia Hunter
s 9(2)(a)
Dear Julia
Reappointment as a lay member of the Dietitians Board – Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai
Thank you for your continued willingness to serve on the Dietitians Board – Te Mana
Mātanga Mātai Kai (the Board).
1982
In accordance with section 120 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003,
I hereby reappoint you as a lay member of the Board for a three-year term of office
Act
commencing on 6 April 2026 and ending on 5 April 2029.
Attached to this letter are the terms and conditions of your reappointment. Any necessary
further information wil be provided by the Board’s Chief Executive, Megan Purves.
Please formally acknowledge your reappointment by signing the attached memorandum and
emailing it to [email address].
Information
Thank you again and congratulations on your reappointment.
Yours sincerely
Offical
the
Hon Matt Doocey
For Minister of Health
under
Encl: Terms and Conditions
Appointment Memorandum
Cc
Megan Purves, Chief Executive, Dietitians Board – Te Mana Mātanga Mātai Kai,
[email address]
Released
Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services, Ministry of Health,
[email address]
Document 3
MEMORANDUM
To:
Stasha Mason
Manager
Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services
Ministry of Health
Email:
[email address]
Subject:
Reappointment as a lay member of the Dietitians Board – Te Mana
Mātanga Mātai Kai
From:
Julia Hunter
1982
______________________________________________________________________
Act
1.
I acknowledge my reappointment as a lay member of the Dietitians Board – Te Mana
Mātanga Mātai Kai pursuant to section 120 of the Health Practitioners Competence
Assurance Act 2003, for a three-year term of office commencing on 6 April 2026 and
ending on 5 April 2029.
2.
I have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions of my reappointment.
Information
__________________________
______________________
Offical
Signed
Date
the
under
Released
