Information for Patients

A whole-person approach to health

Thinking about seeing an osteopath?

Kei te whakaaro koe ki te toro ki tētahi osteopath?

You can book directly with a registered osteopath—kāore he tuku kupu ā-waha e hiahiatia ana (no referral is needed). Some people are referred by their GP or healthcare provider, but this is optional. If booking yourself, it’s helpful to let your doctor know, or ask your osteopath to connect with them, to support a hauora kotahitanga (coordinated health journey).

What to expect at your first appointment

He aha ka tūmanako ai i tō hui tuatahi?

Initial consultation (30–90 minutes)
Your osteopath will listen to your concerns, take a health history, and ask about your lifestyle, medications, and any injuries or illnesses. This helps them understand how your body functions as a whole—te tinana katoa—and identify what might be causing your mamae (pain) or raruraru ā-tinana (physical dysfunction).

Physical assessment – Te aromātai ā-tinana
You may be asked to move, stretch, or demonstrate activities to assess your nekeneke (movement) and tu (posture). They might also check connected areas—for example, looking at your back or ankle for knee pain. You might be asked to remove some clothing (with respect to privacy) for a full examination.

Clinical testing – Ngā whakamātautau haumanu
These may include neurological, orthopaedic, or movement tests to understand your condition more clearly.

Your treatment plan – Tō mahere maimoa

Your osteopath will explain a care plan tailored to your needs. This could include:

• Maimoa ā-ringa (hands-on treatment)

• Exercises for home

• Advice on movement, posture or lifestyle

• Nutritional suggestions

Treatment may sometimes cause te mamae iti (minor soreness) for a day or two. Your osteopath will always check in with you—me kī atu mēnā kei te mamae rawa koe (please let them know if you are in pain).

Osteopathy supports your natural healing.
Ko te whāinga, kia ora ai koe i te taiao me te mātauranga o te tinana.

 Find an Osteopath

Wherever you are in Aotearoa, our directory helps you find a local osteopath recognised for their dedication to quality care. Every osteopath listed is a verified ONZ member—committed to professional excellence, ongoing education, and delivering safe, effective care you can trust. When you choose an ONZ member, you're choosing a practitioner backed by standards, support, and a shared commitment to your wellbeing.

Your care matters. Click here for an ONZ-verified professional

The Osteopathic Council of New Zealand (OCNZ) is the regulatory authority responsible for ensuring that osteopaths in Aotearoa are safe, competent, and meet the standards required to practise.

OCNZ sets and maintains Osteopathic Practice Standards, which guide ethical, professional, and clinical conduct. OCNZ also monitors ongoing competence and supports high standards of care across the profession.

OCNZ works alongside Ara Institute of Canterbury, New Zealand’s osteopathic education provider, to ensure graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

OCNZ’s role helps protect the public and supports the integrity of osteopathic practice throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Osteopaths are regulated health professionals

Osteopaths in Aotearoa are registered primary healthcare practitioners regulated by law under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act). The Osteopathic Council of New Zealand (OCNZ) sets the standards for competence, ethics, and professional conduct to ensure that the public receives safe, high-quality care.

Setting standards

OCNZ is responsible for setting and maintaining the Osteopathic Practice Standards, which outline how osteopaths are expected to practise. These standards cover professionalism, communication, clinical knowledge, safety, and patient-centred care. Osteopaths must demonstrate these standards throughout their careers to remain registered.

Training as an osteopath

To practise in New Zealand, osteopaths must complete an accredited qualification. The Ara Institute of Canterbury is currently New Zealand’s only education provider offering a recognised degree in osteopathy. Students complete a 4–5 year programme including over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Training includes:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Pathology and clinical reasoning

• Osteopathic techniques

• Patient-centred care and ethics

• Diagnosis and treatment planning

Assuring quality education

OCNZ works closely with education providers and other national bodies to ensure osteopathy training meets the high standards needed for public safety. Graduates must show they can practise safely and effectively before being added to the public Register of osteopaths.

Registering qualified osteopaths

All osteopaths must be registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand (OCNZ) to legally practise. Registration must be renewed annually, and osteopaths must:

• Hold a recognised qualification

• Be fit for practice (health, character, competence)

• Hold professional indemnity insurance

• Complete continuing professional development (CPD)

The protected title "osteopath" can only be used by those on the public Register.

Keeping knowledge and skills up to date

Osteopaths must complete regular continuing professional development (CPD) to stay current in their practice. This ensures they are continually improving their knowledge, skills, and care for patients. OCNZ audits CPD regularly as part of its recertification programme.

Evidence in practice

Osteopathy in New Zealand is evidence-informed. Practitioners draw on current research, clinical guidelines, and patient feedback to provide effective, safe care. OCNZ supports quality assurance and works with the sector to promote high standards across the profession.

Osteopathy in the community

People see osteopaths for a wide range of concerns, such as:

• Back and neck pain

• Sports or work injuries

• Headaches and migraines

• Pregnancy-related discomfort

• Breathing or digestion issues linked to body mechanics

Osteopaths work with all ages—from pēpi (babies) to kaumātua (elders)—and aim to support holistic, patient-led care.

With or without referral?

You can book an appointment directly with a registered osteopath—no GP referral is needed. Osteopaths are ACC treatment providers, which means you may be eligible for subsidised care following an injury.

It’s a good idea to let your GP know if you’re also seeing an osteopath. Osteopaths are trained to recognise when a condition needs referral and will work with your wider healthcare team to ensure your care is coordinated.

Dealing with concerns and complaints

OCNZ is committed to public protection. If you have concerns about the care you've received from an osteopath, you can contact OCNZ directly. We have a clear and fair complaints process and will take action if an osteopath has not met the required standards.

Depending on the situation, OCNZ can place conditions on a practitioner’s registration or, in serious cases, suspend or remove them from practice.

To learn more or raise a concern, visit: