Registration | New Zealand Graduates

You must have completed or be nearing completion of your Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics from the University of Otago. Please read this Information for New Graduates sheet before starting the registration process. An application for registration must be complete and contain the following:

A completed and signed Application for Registration form (PDF, 77K).
The Application for Registration fee of $250.00. Please use this Fees Payment Form (PDF, 56K).
Two references to be sent by the referees direct to the Dietitians Board. Please give your referees the relevant page for referees attached at the back of the application form.
Correctly certified copy of Birth Certificate or Passport. As noted below; for registration purposes, and as stated on the Registration application form, these must be certified by a Justice of the Peace, a Solicitor or Notary Public (not by the Police or other person).

Notification from the Head of the Dietetic Training Programme that you have completed all the course requirements of the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics; this is sent to the Board directly from the University.
A copy of your Post-graduate Diploma of Dietetics would be appreciated once it is available.

NB: Photocopies of original documents must be certified (notarised) as a true copy of the original by a solicitor, Justice of the Peace or Notary Public. It must be obvious who the certifying person is - a stamp or seal would be appreciated.

(You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the PDF files; it's available to download for free. It may take a while to download.)

FAQs

Frequently asked questions by New Zealand graduates:

Q. How long will it take for my registration to be issued?
A. You will be registered as soon as your application is completed - that is everything on the application checklist, including two appropriate references and notification of 'completion' from the University, has been received. You will then be issued with a registration package, including the registration letter.

Q. When can I start work?
A. Once you have received the registration letter and application form for an Annual Practising Certificate, then you may apply for an APC. You may only start work as a dietitian once the Board has received your APC application and the fee.

Once you have handed in your practicum, you may work as an 'intern dietitian' however.

Q. Can I pay my Annual Practising Certificate (APC) fee in advance in anticipation of registration?
A. No, you should wait until you are sent a letter confirming registration and the APC application form (invoice).

Q. When can I send in my application to register?
A. You can send in an application to register when you are nearing completion or have completed your Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics.

If the application form is submitted correctly with the certified birth certificate/passport, the initial part (and payment) will be actioned then. This will speed up the process once the other requirements are completed.

Q. Can I pay my registration fee by Credit Card?
A. Yes, we accept payment by MasterCard, and Visa credit cards (as well as by cash or cheque).

Q. My employer will pay my registration fee, but wants an invoice from the Board. Will the Board issue an invoice?
A. No, we do not issue invoices for registration fees, but a receipt is issued with the advice of your registration.

Q. I want to claim the registration fee back from my employer, will I receive a receipt from the Board for my application fee payment?
A. Yes, the Board will send a receipt with advice of your registration.

Q. My employer says I need an Annual Practising Certificate so I can start work, how do I get one?
A. You are not able to hold an Annual Practising Certificate until you have been registered. When the Registrar informs you that have been registered, you will also receive a form of application for an Annual Practising Certificate.

Q. What happens if I don't register within one year of "completing" my Diploma?

A. You will be asked to prove that you have kept your continuing competency up to date.