Origins of an association: Occupational Therapists celebrate

“June marks the anniversary of the inaugural meeting in 1948 when four courageous and visionary occupational therapists met in a Lower Hutt home. Hazel Skilton (nee Barton) threw in her casting vote in favour of setting up an independent professional association for occupational therapists.” says Elizabeth Rowland, current President of the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists.

Following the establishment of a training course in 1940, some eight years later over 60 graduates were working across the country in a range of hospitals and other institutions. The idea of the formation of a professional association, a unified body which could speak with one voice on all matters affecting the profession, was conceived.

Rowland adds; “It is exciting to see the growth of the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists in Aotearoa/New Zealand over the last 60 years, which now has over 900 members. The strength of the Association is down to the support and passion of their members.”

The New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists looks forward to celebrating its 60th birthday on 27th June, 2009 which is the date it became a legal entity.